avatarLibby Shively McAvoy

Summary

The text is a reflective narrative about the author's journey of downsizing, moving multiple times, and redefining the concept of "home," ultimately finding comfort and a sense of belonging in a new place while maintaining a connection to their roots in Cincinnati.

Abstract

The author explores the emotional and spiritual aspects of moving and the evolving meaning of home. After living in the same house for twenty-one years and accumulating many possessions, the author downsized significantly, moving five times in one year. This process led to a reevaluation of attachments to material items and the realization that home is not just a physical space but also a feeling of familiarity and love. Despite the challenges and mixed emotions of leaving behind a long-term residence, the author embraces the newfound independence and the potential for creating new memories in a new home in Arizona. The experience of attending a Bengals game and connecting with fellow Cincinnati natives reinforces the author's sense of belonging to their original hometown, while also appreciating the fresh start in a new location.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the emotional process of moving can be both cathartic and challenging, leading to personal growth and a redefinition of what one considers home.
  • There is a strong sentiment that the emotional ties to a home are more significant than the physical possessions within it, with the author finding empowerment in letting go of unnecessary items.
  • The author expresses a sense of betrayal and subsequent empowerment regarding past relationships, particularly the responsibility of dealing with the remnants of shared lives.
  • The author values familiarity and the sense of community, as evidenced by the emotional response to seeing so many people from their hometown in a new city.
  • Despite the pain of leaving behind a long-standing family home, the author is excited about the future and the opportunities that come with a fresh start in a new environment.
  • The author maintains that home will always have a connection to where one grew up and the memories associated with that place, yet they also embrace the idea that a new home can be just as comforting and full of potential for creating new memories.
  • There is an appreciation for the convenience and amenities of the author's new condo in Arizona, which offers a balance between having personal space and avoiding the burdens of excessive home maintenance.
  • The author encourages readers to engage in acts of kindness and to share their own perspectives on what home means to them, fostering a sense of connection and community among readers.

There’s No Place Like Home

Or is there? Maybe home is just wherever you are.

My childhood home and parents waving goodbye

Dorothy clicked her sparkling red heels and said, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.” Suddenly, she woke from a terrible dream safe in her bed.

But where is home to you? If your family were no longer there, would it still be home, or would it just be walls and a roof with meaningless stuff?

Home is where the heart is.

The older I get and deeper I dive into my spiritual practice, the less attached I am to things, objects, and stuff….

I am still sentimental. I treasure a few things. But, when I moved five times, yes, five in the last year, I downsized considerably. Until last year, I lived in the same home for twenty-one years. As you can imagine, I had accumulated stuff.

I knew I would be moving a couple of years prior as my son was looking forward to graduating high school, and I would then be an empty nester. My house would have been far too large and too much to care for with only me living there, so it was time for a change. I ordered a dumpster and threw away the garbage. I donated many treasures and anything I felt anyone could use.

Where would I go? I thought I was heading to the Florida Keys. But the Universe had different plans. Sometimes, life takes a 360-degree turn, and I have learned to trust the journey. Having a blank canvas was exciting. For the first time, I could live anywhere I wanted.

Emotions Go Hand In Hand With Moving

Getting rid of stuff is both cleansing and challenging to part with. I boxed some keepsakes for my children, of course. So that helped, and I got them a storage unit until they have homes to put the crystal, china, and decorations to use.

Anger and resentment crept in that my ex-husband left me with all of this to deal with and that my recent ex-boyfriend had left me in this predicament. Then, I felt empowered as I got it taken care of. I cried as I parted with some things I adored, but I knew I no longer needed them. They will better serve someone else now. Moving literally helped me to move emotions that were stored and boxed up.

The Price of Independence

The emotional roller coaster is the price of independence. I have never taken such a huge risk and moved so far. I have never paid cash for a home. But, now I am free. No one else can control me — I will never let that happen again. But, I was forced to face and conquer my fears.

I moved to a warm place with palm trees, sunshine, and mountains. I am super inspired. The best part is the airport has direct flights at a decent rate to my hometown, so I am going home for Thanksgiving. I can also fly directly to the city where my daughter lives.

My new Home

I looked at homes and condominiums here in Arizona. I chose the Condo I am in because I loved the quiet park-like setting, all the trees, and the two pools and amenities it offered. I also love that I have so much outdoor space, including my own spacious patio, without the hassle of a yard to care for. I also have a two-car garage, which offers nice seasonal storage space and protection for my car.

My second bedroom is my office most of the time, but it will also work perfectly as a guest bedroom. I have already had many requests from visitors due to the nice winter climate here. In fact, my first visitor arrives tomorrow. It is fun living in a resort-like setting that people look forward to visiting.

Everything works to my advantage~ my daily mantra.

Author’s Personal Image

Home Away From Home

Last weekend, the Bengals, the Cincinnati football team, played the Cardinals- the Phoenix team in Arizona. And the Bengals won after a long losing streak!!! Yay! My Friend, Tony da Tiger, is one of the Superfans and is part of the crew in charge of planning the Tailgate Party. I knew Anthony (his real name), his wife Carrie, and many other people from Cincinnati would be coming in for the game. I was beyond excited.

I got tickets and enjoyed the Tailgate thoroughly. For each Tailgate, the profit goes to a different charity organization carefully chosen by Tony da Tiger. This week, they raised nearly $ 3,000 for The Parkinsons Foundation. I spoke with many groups of people and had such a great time. Being in the spirit of so many people from home felt great.

I interviewed people who came from all over the country. The common thread was they were all there in support of Cincinnati. It was such great energy. To see over a thousand people in Phoenix from my hometown brought tears to my eyes- several times. Happy tears. I felt like they brought me a homecoming party. Of course, it had nothing to do with me. It was just the feeling of being so grateful for familiarity. I did not realize how homesick I was.

Author’s Images From The Bengal’s Tailgate in Phoenix

Where is Home?

So, where is home to me? I guess I still consider home Cincinnati at the end of the day. Home will probably always be the home in which I was raised. Yet, I love where I am living. I would never move back to Ohio. For one- it is the worst city in the country for migraines, and that is my only health ailment.

My son the day he got his temporary driver's license in front of my childhood home-the first place he wanted to go was to proudly show Grammy & Gramps- who are in the background

I love that this prompt challenges me to think about the statement, “There is no place like Home.” I used to return home from trips when I lived in my adult home of twenty-one years on Paw Paw Lane, and no matter how wonderful a trip was, I was always glad to return home.

There may be some comfort in that statement. I like knowing where all my things are- a place for everything and everything in place. I like the comfort of my own bed. But I also like to travel and explore. I like going back “home” to what was always so familiar.

Final Thoughts

I did shed some tears when I walked out of my home on Paw Paw and handed over the keys. But I have no regrets. I love the new owner who purchased it. And I am excited about my new life — it is time for a fresh start.

Since moving here, I haven’t been away for more than a day trip, so I don’t quite know the feeling of returning home to my new home. This will easily feel like home in no time. As I said, though home is where the heart is, it is what is familiar and where you hold the most memories with loved ones. I look forward to hosting many holidays in my new home and making years of loving, lasting good memories. I feel cozy and comfortable already here.

What about you? What do you consider home? Please comment and share your thoughts with me.

Thank you, Warren Brown, for this thought-provoking prompt. It was very timely for me, considering my recent move. Of course, you made me cry. Just kidding 😂. It was a fun stroll down memory lane.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. You are amazing. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel, where I share short daily videos on emotional intelligence, relationships, spirituality, meditation, and more (and thank you to those who already have).

Meanwhile, give compliments where possible and smile at total strangers — you never know how much that may mean to someone. #RicksThreeGoldenRules

Peace & Light,

Libby

I spread love a couple of writers at a time because I appreciate the inspiration. I read many articles here each day, and yet, somehow, I still miss many good ones, so if I have missed one you would like me to read — please add the link in my comments.

Rick Allen is spreading a message of positivity with his 30-day challenge. I would invite you to use his creative hashtag- #RicksThreeGoldenRules- and then be a part of the virtual celebration at the end of the month.

AJ Shares an amazing story of self-discovery and the power of meditation.

Dancingelephantspress
Emotional Intelligence
Home
Life
Moving
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