30 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Finding our place/ Friendship/ Moving

8 ways to LOVE where you LIVE

We moved into our nice home in Colorado Springs, into our family-friendly neighborhood, in this amazing state, and within 3 days I started feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and questioning everything. I’m usually an extremely happy person, but suddenly I was so very sad. We made it to Pikes Peak, but was it really just a BUST?

I didn’t know where to grocery shop for the five hungry males in our home, the post office wasn’t delivering our mail, I had just said good-bye to every single one of my friends and family members (I was lonely!), my house was unfamiliar and filled with BOXES and MESSES everywhere.

What have we done? Why are we here?

My son Clark (only five years old at the time) noticed that I was sad and said, “Mama, just look at the mountains!”

He was right! I needed to re-focus on why we had moved here!

We got outside, did some exploring, and my heart and soul filled with gratefulness that we GET to live here!

If you have recently moved or are planning to move, here are 8 things to help you love where you live:

  1. Get outside

You may not live at the base of Pikes Peak, but every town in every state has something outside to enjoy. Whether it’s a sunset or park – get outside and let God’s beauty fill your soul!

2. SMILE! To make friends, be friendly!

If you know me, you know I talk to EVERYONE. I recommend you do the same. Don’t talk about yourself, ask questions!

  • “How long have you lived here?”
  • “Where are you from?”
  • “Do you have children?” “What are their ages?”
  • “What do you like about this area?”
  • “What do you do for fun?

Remember, every stranger can one day be a friend.  I met my first and closest friend by just walking up and chatting with a complete stranger while our kids were playing together on the playground.

3.  Call an old friend

When I was feeling lonely, I reached out to old friends for encouragement. They cheered me up and spurred me on!

4.  Get to know your neighbors

We knew one of our neighbors. They had us over for dinner and made us begin to feel welcome in this state. (Thank you Barrett family) I asked them LOTS of questions, and they were so helpful and patiently answered each one.

If you don’t know anyone in your neighborhood, spend time OUTSIDE. Take walks and say hello to each person you see. Being friendly helps you have FRIENDS!

When you chat with neighbors, they would HAPPILY answer simple questions like:

  • “What day does the trash go out?”
  • “What paper should we subscribe to?”
  • “Where do you recommend I buy groceries?”
  • “Where’s the library and post office?”
  • “What restaurants should we try?”
  • “Where’s the best thrift store?”

5. Reach out to any friends/family in your new state

We have cousins who live about an hour away. One offered to stay with me while Ted was gone on one of his Chicago trips. (Thank you Sarah!) I also re-connected with childhood/college friends who live in Colorado. It’s so fun spending time with old friends in a new state!

6. Volunteer

I started volunteering at our children’s school and at our local church. This is a great way to meet your kid’s new friends, see what they are learning, and MEET new people!!!

7.  Join a group

Whether it’s on meetup.com, a book club through your library, or a Bible study through your church…a small group will make it easier to build friendships.

8. Read good books – Two books I enjoyed and found really helpful are:

This is where you belong” has TONS of great stories, facts, and information about making a new place feel like home. I checked it out from the library but loved it so much I had to BUY my own copy. I recommend it to everyone who has moved recently.

After the Boxes are unpacked is filled with encouragement and practical advice for feeling at home in your new place. Visit JustMoved.org for more info!

I really enjoyed both of these and believe you will too. 

Thanks for reading!

Click here for 20 fun, free, family-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs!

Click here for my Minnesota Bucket List! 

You can also read how we became Colorado Home Owners here!

If you know someone who would benefit from this article, please share it!

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30 Comments

  • Reply
    Ryan Higley
    September 6, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    I’ve lived in Colorado for most of my life, but when my wife Catherine moved out here she was feeling lonely and homesick as well. She was used to living near the beach and was one of the only people I know who actually LIKED the humidity. Anyway, one of the main things that helped her adjust was to experience some of the awesome things that Colorado offered that she couldn’t really get in the SouthEast like mountain hikes, our awesome state parks, of course, snowboarding! Great post.

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks so much for your comment Ryan! I’m glad your wife is here – and I totally agree with what you said, we have some special things here that no other place offers!

  • Reply
    Kim Durham
    September 6, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    In the 21 years that I have been married we have now had 17 addresses and every single thing you felt is completely normal. Every 2-3 years we pack up and make a home in a new place, with unfamiliar people, unknown places and more questions then answers. I always tell my kids (and myself) to grow where we are planted…..not always easy, not always comfortable but always rewarding. We have 11 more months where we are now and then it will be on to another new adventure.

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 6:37 pm

      Ah, thanks for sharing. Any chance you may move to Colorado Springs?!?!

      • Reply
        Kim Durham
        September 6, 2017 at 6:39 pm

        Chances are very slim! There isn’t a Navy or Marine Corps base there. Jordyn wants to go to the Air Force Academy so we might see you there in four years : )

        • Reply
          admin
          September 6, 2017 at 7:04 pm

          YAY!!! I hope one or more of my boys will go there too. Graduates HIGHLY recommend it!

  • Reply
    Marne
    September 6, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    Aw, Kathryn – great post (and perfectly timed as well)! Your advice is spot on – moving to a new place has given me a great opportunity to rediscover some of my favorite things (reading, painting, practicing the piano) while also providing a plethora of new opportunities to meet new friends and experience Phoenix. Love reading your blog; thank you for sharing your story!!

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 6:36 pm

      Thanks for sharing that Marne! We miss you but hope you love it there!

  • Reply
    Amber
    September 6, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    I am enjoying reading your blog. Thanks for posting! We just move to CA and know NOBODY pretty much in the entire state, so this blog was definitely timely! I’d love to get the This is where you Belong book, but I’m happy with either!

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 6:36 pm

      Yes, you would LOVE IT! It’s right up your alley!

  • Reply
    Lisa
    September 6, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    I love the idea of talking to everyone and asking them questions. This is one of your greatest qualities! You’re always make a point of being interested in others.
    And I wouldn’t have met you had you not chatted with me and asked me about my kids!!

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 6:35 pm

      That’s right! I’m so thankful we met! And I’ll never forget one of our first conversations, “I’m Kathryn Egly, like UGLY but with an E” and you said, “Well, that’s perfect because I’m Like Huke, like PUKE but with a P!” We were meant to be friends!!

  • Reply
    Amy Lesher
    September 6, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    “This Is Where You Belong” ❤️

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 6:37 pm

      It’s a GREAT book!!

  • Reply
    Kate
    September 6, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    Although our move was put on hold for a year, Colorado could become a reality for us next summer. Congratulations on your new blog, it’s fun to read! This is Where You Belong. Cute idea 😊

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 7:04 pm

      Thanks Kate! Have you gotten to visit yet?

      • Reply
        Kate Ransford
        September 7, 2017 at 6:29 pm

        Not yet, planning for Spring break. I’ll let you know!

  • Reply
    Missy
    September 6, 2017 at 7:47 pm

    This is a PERFECTLY timed post! We are getting ready to settle on a new house in about a month. Although I am very excited, I’m also a little sad to be moving from our awesome neighborhood. It sounds like these books would really help. I’d prefer “This is Where You Belong.” Because I KNOW that God is moving us to exactly where we belong, but it would help to get some encouragement. Thanks for the giveaway!!

  • Reply
    Annie
    September 6, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    My husband dreams of living in Colorado, so you never know what the Lord has planned! I would love to read This is where you belong.

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      yes, it was my husbands dream too! I’m so grateful it became a reality!!

  • Reply
    Shelly
    September 6, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    We are getting ready to make a move to be closer to our church and friends!! I would love a copy of “This Is Where I Belong!”- sounds like either book is a great read! Thanks for sharing your story! By the way, both Ted and Heather are friends from high school! I graduated with Heather!

    • Reply
      admin
      September 6, 2017 at 8:34 pm

      Oh yes, I know you and your family! Thanks for your comment and for subscribing!

      I’m glad you get to move closer to church and friends!

  • Reply
    Julie
    September 6, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    I would love to read “This is where you belong”. Although I have moved 11 times in an 11 year period, all those moves were for reasons out of my control. We recently had a spur of the moment thought placed in our hearts that it is time to move from our current house. Like you there is no big plan its just what we were led to do so we are trusting God will provide us our forever home and find buyers for ours all at the right time. I think this one move feels different because this move is being made on my terms, but still scary not knowing the outcome. It’s so funny how life plays out at times. I was all ready to start school again this semsester but right before it started I was led to wait. In the past I haven’t been as open to listening when spoken to, but with age comes wisdom, so this time I listened not knowing what was coming. Shortly after school started is when this move came to light and I knew it was all meant to be and hopefully me waiting on school allows our dream house become a reality. Thank you for sharing your story, I can’t wait to continue readiing it’s been bringing me such peace during this process.

  • Reply
    Corey Criswell
    September 7, 2017 at 1:26 am

    Such great advice, Kathryn! And timely for us as well. I think one of the things that’s been helpful for us over the years is a mindset of “This is where we live now.” Not necessarily THIS is home but more like this is where we are now. And then treating that new place like we’re tourists – just getting out and enjoying what the new place has to offer.

    • Reply
      admin
      September 7, 2017 at 1:31 am

      That’s good Corey, thanks for your input!

  • Reply
    Erin
    September 7, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    Great advice! I recently moved and am definitely having a hard time with all the change. The move coincided with 2 kids going off to college, and my senior stayed behind to finish high school. The house is my fiance’s and doesn’t feel like my home. I am feeling like maybe I made a mistake. I think I need to read the first book you shared.

  • Reply
    Ann Kelley
    September 27, 2017 at 8:04 pm

    This is wonderful, Kathryn! Are you aware of the ministry – Just Moved Ministry – behind Susan Miller’s book, After the Boxes Are Unpacked? Just Moved Ministry is committed to the emotional well-being, spiritual growth, and ongoing resiliency of women who have been uprooted by a move. Women around the world are gathering in small groups to go through the study that accompanies the book. I would love to share this article on our website, JustMoved.org. I would cite you as the author, provide a link to your website, and include a picture of you and a brief bio. May I have your permission to do so? I hope you’ll check out JustMoved.org.

    • Reply
      Kathryn
      February 5, 2018 at 2:53 pm

      Ann, that would be great! I’m sending you a message now!

  • Reply
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