at the darkest point,
where there is no path.
Where there is a way or path,
it is someone else’s path.
You are not on your own path.
If you follow someone else’s way,
you are not going to realize
your potential.”
― Joseph Campbell, The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life & Work
“Lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at you.” -David Brinkley
“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.” ― Stephen Chbosky
As I navigate through my life I look for things that help me feel centered and grounded. Taking pictures is one activity that helps me feel that way, and of course, putting my pen to paper.
I like writing because it gives me a sense of place, which is one thing I’ve never been able to grasp. You know those people who have lived in one town, and in one house their entire lives? The kind of people that have roots that run super deep? Growing up, I always wished I was one of those people, but alas, it was not meant to be that way.
I was raised by a pair of gypsies and have lived all over the U.S. As an adult, I can see how much moving from place to place helped shape who I am. It’s helped me to be open to and embrace change. I guess it’s a good thing I’m not afraid of change, because it sure likes to knock on my door.
Are nomadic tendencies inherited?
Furthering my reputation as a nomad, I am writing this blog post to announce my husband and I are moving…again.
The short version of our long story is some things didn’t work out for us here in Illinois and we have both arranged to get our old jobs back in St. Charles and we’re moving back to Missouri. Basically we’re starting our old lives over again.
I’m excited about this move. I’m very happy to get back to my writer’s group and get back into a routine.
Silence isn’t always golden:
One thing I am a bit fearful of is facing the silence that will come with moving back to the city.
What I mean by that is my city life is a lot more solitary, which I am not necessarily opposed to, however I know in this silence, a lot of pain in the form of grieving for my father may surface. You see, for the past six months, I’ve been devoting myself to making sure my mom and younger sister are okay. Aside from a little bit of blog writing and completing my manuscript, I’ve not had a lot of alone time for contemplation.
The added miles between my family and I will no doubt free up my time, time that I have previously spent taking care of others. I guess moving can be seen as a blessing, as a present to myself. With this solitude I may finally have the time to give my father’s memory the proper grieving it rightly deserves.
As a writer I will no doubt reflect, record and share my journey with the world. After all, that’s the best way I know to deal with challenge, adventure and change.
I know this move, while a bit inconvenient, is all a part of our journey, a part of our path. I am not worried about what our future holds. It will all work out…and then Change will come knocking again 🙂
How do you feel about change?
I’d love to hear from you. Leave me a comment in the section below and let me know how you deal with changes. 😉
Amanda Bretz 
You must have so many interesting stories from having lived so many places.
Hope the move goes well for you.
Thanks, Emma. I am hopeful this will be a smooth transition.
I’m not a big fan of change. I like things on an even keel. If I go out of town for a week or try a new place to eat I can be have fun with it but I like to get back home, back to the norm. What can I say; I’ve been sleeping on the same side of the bed for thirty-nine years. That’s not going to change anytime soon. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Doug. I do like having a routine with my writing, but I can be pretty flexible if it changes due to circumstances beyond my control, illness, family issues, moving (you know, this messy business we call life;) ).
I kind of wonder if being open to change doesn’t invite it into one’s life a bit more frequently? Hmmm. Something to ponder, 🙂
The only way out, is in.