So We’re Moving, Again

I can’t believe I’m writing another blog post about moving. Either I’ve been blogging too long or we’ve moved too often. Probably both. Moving is like jetlag: no matter how many times you go through it, it never gets easier.

When we moved from Arizona to Northern Virginia in 2012, I focused on gratitude for the wonderful experiences we had there and the lifelong friends we’d made. Leaving was hard, but I reminded myself to “smile because it happened.” When we moved to Atlanta in 2019, I trusted that, as before, I would make new friends, experience personal growth, and find meaningful ways to contribute.

This time I’m adding a new strategy: viewing the move as a challenge rather than a threat. When we see a stressful situation as a threat, our bodies shift into fight-or-flight mode. That response helps in a moment of real danger, but it’s harmful when it lasts. Seeing the same situation as a challenge, on the other hand, can actually help us perform better.

A move is challenging. Leaving a place and people you love is hard. The decisions are overwhelming, and what if you make the wrong choice? Adapting to a new city takes effort. But I’ve done all of this successfully before, and I know I can handle it.

We’re more likely to experience stress as a threat when we doubt we have the resources to cope, so I’ll keep reminding myself that I have what I need:

·      Social support – Moving back to the DC area will be easier because I still have friends there. Reconnecting will be good for my well-being, and they’ll be great resources when I need a new dentist, hair salon, or vet.

·      Planning – Planning and organization are among my top strengths. I started making lists the day we learned we were moving, and I’ve been busy finding housing, booking movers, and donating things we no longer need. Taking action helps me feel in control.

·      Positivity – Positive emotions build psychological resources like energy, optimism, and resilience. I’m grateful for our years in a city we love and having served our alma mater. I’m also excited to return to a familiar place, reconnect with friends, and start new adventures.

·      Stress management – On especially hard days, I’ll turn to my list of practices for calming down in the moment.

Moving may never get easier, but I've learned it’s a challenge that I can handle. Every place we've lived has given us wonderful friends, personal growth, and memories that travel with us. Soon I'll say goodbye to Atlanta the way I always try to: smiling because it happened. And then I’ll embrace the next adventure.