Life Changes: Knowing When it's Time to Relocate

Relocation can be a tumultuous experience. First, you have to realize that you are not happy in your current location. Some of us get hit with a ton of bricks and some of us suddenly have to leave due to other circumstances. Personally, my relocation came out of sheer despair. I was not happy with any aspect of my life. I had no joy at work, home or in my relationship with my boyfriend of more than 5 years. I was a mess and headed to a world of anti-depressants, alcohol and negativity. I couldn't find anything I was happy about.

My days were like that of a movie scene. It was like I was watching myself and wondering when I was going to break down. Would I go crazy on the subway? At a party? At church? It was coming and I new it. I sensed it, but I was raised to always be strong. I had to be stronger than most and I could never let anything take hold of me or control my emotions. I woke up every day and went to work like a zombie. I went to work and wearily worked endless hours among arrogant idiots with no regard for a work balance. I seemed to cry whenever anyone asked about how I felt. This ranged from strangers, to friends to colleagues. I was a mess. I disliked my neighborhood, my apartment. I missed my loved ones that lived in other states. My family was worried. My friends were worried even my tone was off. I had lost that light. That little bit of sunshine you get to go through the day and everybody knew.

And, one day I decided to let it all go. I decided to quit my job and do the unthinkable. I moved back home with my mother. This decision was not the easiest. There are moments in our adult lives where we have to just fall apart and be found in our mother's kitchen. I went home and worked on myself for two months and it was very helpful. It was changing. My joy was restored. I felt better. Sunshine came back.

My decision seemed to have dissolved the cyst that had been growing on my ovary. It miraculously got rid of my high blood pressure and my skin stopped breaking out. My doctor marveled. I marveled and realized that I was hurting myself in more ways than one. I vowed to never live over-stressed because although change is painful, it is still a part of life. It still has to happen. My experience was dramatic simply because I let it get to that point. Stress really is a killer.

We know deep down when it is time. We know when we need to divorce, find a new job, find a new gym, friend, or hobby. Change is the key to life. Doctors say that majority of people who suffer from depression are told to do something different in their lives. They are told to make minor or huge life change adjustments. Go a different way home, pick up painting, or get a new job. In my case, I had to stop. I had to go backwards. I had to go home and reflect.

Honestly, my actual move was hard. It was hard to leave my boyfriend, my apartment, the excitement of the city, the fame of my career. I didn't want to let go, but when I did I found a peace that nothing can match. And, now I am in a new city, finding a new way, looking for a new career and I am happy with my decision.