I relate so much to this. I moved away from my home and family at 18 for college. I fit in immediately with the people there. Then I started jobs in the same area, and immediately became close friends with co-workers at different companies. At age 30, I decided to move from “boring” Missouri to glamorous Madison WI. Beautiful city, lots of activities, cooler summers. But I had no friends. I then realized how much my community meant to me. I moved back to Missouri and once again it felt like home. Now at age 55, I have fallen in love with another place with cool summers. 25 years later, I wonder if I would experience the same lack of community. Or am I better prepared? Maybe I would immediately work hard to find a new community.
I relate so much to this. I moved away from my home and family at 18 for college. I fit in immediately with the people there. Then I started jobs in the same area, and immediately became close friends with co-workers at different companies. At age 30, I decided to move from “boring” Missouri to glamorous Madison WI. Beautiful city, lots of activities, cooler summers. But I had no friends. I then realized how much my community meant to me. I moved back to Missouri and once again it felt like home. Now at age 55, I have fallen in love with another place with cool summers. 25 years later, I wonder if I would experience the same lack of community. Or am I better prepared? Maybe I would immediately work hard to find a new community.
That’s great self-awareness. I do believe that our intentions guide us.