Embracing the changes that moving can bring

Summer is over and fall has arrived. The leaves on the trees are beginning to change. The air is a little crisper and you need your favorite sweater on  cool days. Well, unless you’re like me and just PCS’d [permanent change of station] to the desert in Texas. I Googled  the average temperatures for El Paso for September and here is what I found . . .

Not exactly the “Fall” I was hoping for and had come to love living the last 34 years on the East coast. But, in everything there is beauty, and in life there is always change and new beginnings.  

 In the military lifestyle, we are used to lots of new beginnings and being the new family in town or school. This most recent move was the 15th for my family in 12-years.  My kids,  along with so many others will be the new kids in school again, and having to start at the bottom of the social pecking order is never easy, especially for young ones. So how do you embrace the change? Where do you find the beauty in so many moves and so many new starts?

Well . . . it  starts with you and your spouse then trickles down. Now, let me stop here and say that maybe you’re not a military family but, maybe because of career, family or other circumstances you have recently moved.  Maybe you’re are starting over as well. You are not alone. This post is just as much for you.

Embracing the changes that life can bring:

Here are a few things that have helped myself and my family over the years. Please know that I am not an “expert,” just a wife and a mother like you, who has moved a whole lot.

1. Find a church to attend. Faith is something we hold dear in our hearts. It’s also what keeps us going on the hard days. Finding a church to attend with like minded believers will bring a sense of community and belonging.  Give it time, and try to not compare the churches you visit with the church you just left.
2. As soon as possible, register your children for school. If you homeschool, find the programs in your area for homeschoolers. Take your children with you to see their new schools. It will create a sense of security for them and also a place where they will soon belong. My children start school in a few weeks and can’t hardly wait. My oldest, decided to play football this year, and as much as I do not like getting up to take him to practice at 7:45 am, I know its important for him.
3. Visit your new town like a tourist. Try new restaurants, seek out parks and pools. Check out the museums and other activities in the area.  Fall, brings a lot of festivals which can be a lot of fun and also an opportunity to meet new people.
4. Give yourself and your family a lot of patience and grace. Moving creates a whole host of overwhelming emotions that we never thought we had. You may react in ways you typically don’t because of the stress related to moving . . . so keep that in mind at all times.

Moving both in the military and civilian world is challenging. But embrace the change and grow from it. You will be able to look back a year from now and see all the blessings from the move that you would never have experienced if you stayed put in your comfort zone.

Do you have tips for moving? Share with us what has worked for you or what hasn’t in the past. 

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