Frequent moves have become a way of life for us. In the nearly 19 years that Greg and I have been married, we have moved nine times. The longest we have stayed in any one place is four years. At just over three years in our current home, we are quickly approaching our record.
While there is a part of me that thrives on consistency and routine, a competing aspect of my personality longs for spontaneity and change. I do not enjoy the process of moving, but I do love the excitement of finding the right house and making it into a home. I like exploring new areas, meeting new people and forging meaningful friendships.
Consequently, I feel like I should be getting antsy for something new. But I’m not, despite the fact that this house has been somewhat of a money pit; we have spent over $75,000 on unexpected repairs in the short time that we have lived here.
Logic and intuition often fight for attention in my head, but I have learned that following my heart nearly always leads me to the place that is right for me. That is particularly true in the case of this house, for despite the maddening history of repairs that has made me want to jump ship numerous times, this is the first place I have lived as an adult where I have felt thoroughly at home. I feel like this house was meant for our family, even though it sometimes drives me crazy.
Every once in a while, I browse the inventory in the real estate app that is still on my phone from our last move. I cannot bring myself to delete it just yet because I like to keep my options open.
When I set aside the exhilaration of change, however, there is something inherently comforting about laying down roots and establishing a semblance of permanence. We have yet to experience that, but I imagine it to be wonderful, especially in the realm of friendships and relationships.
When I tease my kids about moving again, they do not think it is funny. One even threatened to chain himself to the fence if we attempted it. Perhaps now is the time to be content right where we are. I am not saying that we will stay here forever. We do not know what the future will bring, and we will take it one step at a time.
But, for now, I look forward to stability – to creating memories surrounding this house and watching my children grow up here. I am hoping for memories that do not revolve around floods and home repairs. Heaven knows we already have enough of those!
What are your thoughts on establishing roots? Do you long for permanence or do you appreciate the excitement of change? Have you ever felt at home in a place that was less than ideal?
