Moving Mondays: My One Year Moving Anniversary- The Adventuring Millennial

This week I am celebrating my one-year moving-anniversary. On July 5, 2017, I officially moved into my new Seattle home. But if you have been following along with my Moving Mondays series, you will know that I now live in New York City. Yes, this week I am celebrating my moving anniversary. But during the past year, I’ve actually moved twice.

It’s been a crazy, emotional, and unpredictable year. Just saying year feels wrong. It seems like I have lived so many different lives during the past 12 months.

So today I want to do a 1-year check-in. I’m going to explore how I feel a year after moving (the first time). Let’s see how I’ve changed and what’s stayed the same.

You might be wondering, why the heck do I care? Just hear me out. I promise this won’t be a diary entry.

I want to share my story with you because reading blogs has made a huge impact on my life. Moving cross-country is a stressful and challenging process. Reading other blogger’s experiences has helped me navigate this tricky process. I hope my story can (in some small way) help you as you deal with the stress, excitement, and every-other crazy emotion you experience on your journey.

Read to dive in? Ok, let’s start this check-in!

One-Year In

Alright guys, so it’s officially been one year since I packed up and moved away from my hometown. Moving was an emotional and overwhelming process. I was so excited to live somewhere new. Adventure was calling me and I was ready for it.

And now it’s my moving anniversary. I almost can’t believe it’s been a year. In some ways, it feels like I just left. But at the same time, it feels like a lifetime ago that I actually lived in Tennessee. But I think I can attribute most of that to the fact that I’ve lived in both Seattle and New York during the past year.

One year in, I’m still glad my husband and I made the decision to move. But if you read my Moving Blues post, you’ll know this journey hasn’t always been easy. There have been some major ups and downs along the way. But as cliche, as it sounds, I really have grown through this process. And I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and stretch myself. So one year in? I’m feeling more settled, happy, and content with where and who I am.

The Changes

But to get to this point, there have been some changes. And I know there will be more.

I’m not just talking location changes. I’ve had to adjust my routines. And anyone who knows me knows that I am a big routine person. But living somewhere new gave the chance to reevaluate how I structure my days and adjust. I am really thankful for the chance to get out of my ruts and intentionally make new routines.

The biggest change? I’ve become more extroverted. I am a card-carrying introvert, but I’ve learned to adapt. The moves have taught me to put myself out there, try new things, and meet new people. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Maybe you are naturally extroverted, but if not, remember to be patient with yourself. Moving is stressful, but try to grow in the process.

Lessons Learned

More than anything, this year has been one big learning process. I’ve learned about myself, my community, and the world around me.

I know what things really make me “me”. Ok, so I know that might seem a little drastic. But trust me, moving across the country twice in one year will really teach you about yourself. Since I’ve had to pack and downsize twice, I know what things I need in my life and what I can let go of. And the things I’ve consistently done this year (like running, being a huge foodie, and traveling) are integral parts of who I am.

This move has also helped me value my people. Yes, it has been incredible to meet new people along the way. And I am so thankful for the opportunity to make new friends in my new cities. But, I’ve also learned how special old friendships are. So if you’re lucky enough to have a strong friend group, hold on to that. Yes, it can be challenging. But you have Facetime, texting, and Snapchat (or something along those lines!) I’ve learned that communicating with friends and family back home takes a little more work, but it’s so worth the effort. Don’t forget to put that in.

So even though moving has been a stressful process, the lessons I’ve learned were invaluable. And I’m so glad I’ve had this opportunity. Time for some more cheesiness, but overall I’ve learned that life is full of growth opportunities. And just when I think I have something figured out, life throws a curveball (like moving 7-months after getting settled in Seattle). So I’m learning to let go of only making longer-term plans, adjusting to the moment, and living every day fully.

Takeaway

Maybe these moves have made me a more sentimental person. But reflecting on my year has been important. My takeaway? Life is full of surprises. This year I stepped out of my comfort zone (over and over again), stretched myself, and grew. And it hasn’t always been easy. But a year in, I still think it was worth it. Of course, I miss friends and family back home and this process hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve given it my all and gotten so much out of it.

So if you are in a similar transition here’s what I would say: be patient. With yourself and your new city. Growing pains are real, but worth it.

Ok guys, I just want to say thank you for following along with my Moving Mondays series. I know it is a little different than my travel related posts. But moving cross country really inspired me to start this blog. I read many blogs along the way, so I want to put my experience out there. If you are moving, you know how big this transition is. So I’m sharing these posts in case they can help you during this time.

And don’t worry, all of my Moving Monday posts won’t be like this one. I am working on moving guides for Seattle and New York. In addition to more general moving and packing tips.

But, please comment below if you have any moving topics you want me to cover. Or if you have any moving advice or stories you want to share. I would love to see them!