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:
-
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!
View Comments (28)
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.
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!
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.
Ah, thanks for sharing. Any chance you may move to Colorado Springs?!?!
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 : )
YAY!!! I hope one or more of my boys will go there too. Graduates HIGHLY recommend it!
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!!
Thanks for sharing that Marne! We miss you but hope you love it there!
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!
Yes, you would LOVE IT! It's right up your alley!
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!!
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!!
"This Is Where You Belong" ❤️
It's a GREAT book!!
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 😊
Thanks Kate! Have you gotten to visit yet?
Not yet, planning for Spring break. I'll let you know!
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!!
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.
yes, it was my husbands dream too! I'm so grateful it became a reality!!
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!
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!