Comments on: Moving Makes Me Feel Happy. And Guilty. But Mostly Happy. Sort Of.

By: Kiera

Kiera — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:29:23 +0000

as an ex-pat from NJ that has once left her life behind to move far away (we are on state number 3? with another country in there too) i want you to know that despite the well-held NJ belief that once you are from there you will always return…it's not always the case and that's ok! It's ok to love NJ from afar. In all honesty, it has made me love the place I call "home" so much more. You learn about all the wonderful things our little home state brings us and blindly ignore the bad (traffic). There is a really awesome world out there. I'm glad to know another Jersey girl will get to experience it with me.

By: Katie

Katie — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:05:05 +0000

Ah, a fellow "up and leave" er. Love it. You really hit it right in the heart when you said "My heart wasn't there." And that's exactly how I feel. Maybe it's this house, maybe it's the lack of respect that I'm getting. No matter what it is, it's causing me to be unhappy, and to want more. For the first time ever I want more than what I have, and it's within reach, so I just want to get it for once.

By: Katie

Katie — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:02:12 +0000

Thanks, Heather. It's kind of great to have that validation that "it is okay to feel this way." I can't believe it's been 7 years for you. I was under the impression that it had been recent. Not to self: pay closer attention to details. I'm also looking forward to where this is going for me, and to look back on life this time next year and see where I end up.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:42:54 +0000

I don't know you, but when I read this post it hit close to home. When you're ready to leave you know it. Also, keep in mind that family members aside, a lot of the people who act shocked or don't understand why you want to leave may not have your best interests at heart. I don't mean this in a negative sense, but when you take big risks and chances it sometimes bothers people who feel "stuck" in life and makes them feel a bit jealous because they wish they could or had left too.

To second what a few other people said, the relationships that matter will still be around, regardless of the distance.

Also, you may feel 100 percent ready to leave and get on with your adventure now, but there will be moments after the move when you may question your decision. This doesn't by any means indicate you made a poor choice when you chose to move, just understand that you may have doubts when everything doesn't work out as smoothly as you'd hoped.

Why am I saying all this? Because about six months ago I moved from a city in the Midwest where I'd spent all 25 years of my life to the West coast. All my family, my friends and the job I'd had since college were in that city, but my heart no longer was. I always felt that I'd never truly be an "adult" until I moved away. Most of my friends will never leave that city and that's all right if that's what they want, but it wasn't what I wanted. You don't want to live a life with regrets, and if you feel like this is the right thing to do you should. Remember to keep in mind the way you feel about it right now for those times you may be feeling homesick or questioning your decision.

Oh, and one more thing. Unless you're moving to a foreign country you can probably fly home to visit in less than five hours for less than $500 any time you have the time or money to do so.

By: Heather Rae

Heather Rae — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:05:04 +0000

When I moved away from my home town, I had similar feelings. I knew I would miss my friends and family, but that failed in comparison to how excited I was to get the hell out of town. I didn't really feel that city was where I belonged either – it didn't 'fit' me. I moved without a second look back. And, honestly, I couldn't be happier for it.

I think it's perfectly okay to feel exactly the way you do. You shouldn't have to feel sad or shed any tears (lord knows I didn't). I was excited – and I figured that anyone that was a true friend would be excited for me too. It's been almost 7 years now, and I've kept in touch with exactly the people I thought I would – the true friends.

I'm happy for you! This next part will be a whole new adventure for you – and I for one, am excited to hear all about it on your blog posts. Congrats on making a decision to do what's best for you!

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:21:47 +0000

Thanks, Sarah! I'm very excited to make a new start, and continue this life journey with my Faith intact!

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:21:17 +0000

I'm very excited to do something for myself. And you're right in saying that friends who are worth it, ill maintain contact. As, I'm sure you will, since I know you really can't live without me

I've taken a lot of these jumps because of inspiration from others, and you're in that list of people. You have so many dreams and hopes, and you make them reality. I've heard you complain, and not want to do things anymore, but you keep pushing through.

I value your friendship loads, love. Of course, as you know, I hate emotions, so I'll leave it there

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:46:42 +0000

I'm proud of you, I'm sure you will LOVE wherever you end up moving!

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:36:07 +0000

It's always tough to make that life-changing decision – any and all of them – but you really need to follow your heart and do what is best for YOURSELF right now. Sure, it may be sad and weird and depressing to think about leaving that place you call "home" for some unknown, but sometimes it's the unknown that ends up being the best decision we could have ever made.

Friends who will stay true to your heart will make the effort to continue that friendship, regardless of where you go and who you're with. Don't worry about leaving people behind – worry about embarking on a new beginning, a new journey and new memories.

Smile and don't be afraid not to when you tell people you're moving. It's going to be an incredible adventure and I know you're going to be fabulous.