Recently I had someone say to me that they did not understand how I could move as much as I have moved in my life and it made me think about how my “normal” is not anyone else’s normal. I never thought much about it but when people say that I have moved a lot it makes me think that I need to stop and count up the number of moves.
As a child and until I was 22 years old I had moved 6 times. That does not count individual college dorms and apartments but you get the idea. Being a “PK” (preacher’s kid) that was actually a pretty moderate number of moves.
Since Chris and I have been married we have moved locations 16 times in some form or other. This does not include all of hotel living and my non-existent move to Texas. Honestly I don’t think that that is a lot. Let’s see – 16 times in 40 years of marriage does not really seem like that much to me when we have had long stays of 8 and 9 years in a couple of places. Compared to some of my friends this is a small number.
But I understand when someone questions how I can put down roots and feel like anyplace is home when I know that it is not going to be my forever home. This is how I view it.
Each place that we have moved has afforded us new opportunities. New opportunities are good things. It allows us to grow and explore and not become complacent about life.
I have a network of friends all over the United States and Australia. While I have not counted up the number of those friends I know that I have far more friendships and relationships with people from various walks of life than a lot of my friends who have always stayed put have just because of that moving experience. That to me is priceless.
I believe it has made our children more adaptable. Both of them were real troopers when there was a move involved. We made a conscious decision to stay put when they were in high school and that was the absolute best thing we could have done but they always adapted well. I truly believe that that ability to adapt and adjust has helped them as adults.
When I think about the friends that I have made everywhere I have realized that I am able to have friendships based on the here and now. Not that any of my friends have any real deep, dark secrets (well maybe they do!) but it is always nice to just make friendships based on the here and now without any knowledge of what might have come before. There is plenty of time to learn those “secrets” of the past and it has allowed me to make friendships based on who that person is in the moment. That is a pretty amazing thing.
So when someone is incredulous at my moving history I just have to remember that my normal is not their normal and that is just fine. I can never fully put myself in anyone else’s shoes and I am pretty darn comfortable in mine. Which are sandals at the moment. The thing is – living in Brevard is my happy place right now and I am happy to not be moving anyplace else.
Thanks for stopping by today. I would love to hear your thoughts on moving or staying in one place. There are benefits to both without a doubt.
7 Comments
Leave a commentHello Happy Wanderer! I have always lived in the same area. We’ve changed homes and towns, but no major moves at all. We have done some traveling- a sense of adventure and visiting new places is great. Moving to a new home is more dependent on your job, I would think. Now that I ponder it, we do live in a big country, and yet we tend to like the areas we know and don’t going moving around all over. You always give me plenty to think about!
So true. Everyone’s normal is different. I do think that’s a lot of moving but only because I haven’t had to do that. I sometimes wish we’d be able to move more, experience more… but this is my life and I’m making the best of it. 💕
Growing up we lived in 5 different houses in 3 towns. After graduating from college I moved every year (just about) until I got married…Let me count….8 apartments in 11 years. Then I bought a house, we lived in that for 2 years, and then moved here…so 30 years in this house! I get soooo restless! 🙂 My husband, on the other hand lived in two houses his entire childhood and then one house before he met me. So he’s used to staying put.
I totally get it. Even though I haven’t moved as many times as you have, my hubby and I moved around the country until we finally settled down back here in our home state, and frankly, I’m kind of shocked that we’ve been here for a couple of decades now. I agree with you about our children learning to adapt better from moving. In our case, I think it gave them a sense of adventure to travel as well. 🙂
Yup, that’s a lot of moving. But I know it works for you. I’ve lived in the same house since 1984. Yup, a long long time. Otherwise in my adult life (not counting college or moves in the same town), I’ve moved five times. I’m content to stay put for now, only 35 minutes from the grandkids.
I think you have moved a lot but you always look for the places that people are proud of in their part of the world. It is a great way to feel like your new spot is your home. Sometimes I get complacent about searching out new places. You remind me to look for the good wherever you are. Thanks!
When I look at all these opportunities you have had from moving, it is amazing. Not to mention all the friends you have made. Growing up we moved 5 times not too far apart. Chuck & and have moved 6 times different areas Roanoke Area, and back to Virginia and now our permanent home in Virginia Beach. I must say it has been a good journey.