52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.
Crap, has it really been that long? The calendar tells no lies. I've been holidaying up and down the coast, catching up with friends and it's been so nice to spend quality time doing things I love with people I love.
On the flip side it's also highlighted a few hard truths. One being, even though I've tried really hard to like the Gold Coast the fact is I don't really like it. It doesn't feel like me. I could go on about why but I won't. There is no simple fix. I've chosen to be here to be close to my family, and that hasn't changed. I love seeing my family re and I still want that. Now to just find a way to like it a bit better!
I do feel a smidgen better already just by coming to the realisation that I don't like it. Sigh of relief. I can stop pretending now. I've kicked in to action mode and the first thing was to get my home life in better shape, starting with the laundry (always the laundry!) and a quick tidy up of the house this evening. My head feels clearer already with more thinking space and I got a surge of inspiration to sit down and finally share a few moments of gratitude from these past weeks.
Mountains and windy roads.
The first bunch of fresh flowers in my new home.
A present from my sister. Gorgeous soap from Melbourne. The scent is divine.
If you've ever found yourself living in a place that's not quite 'you' I'd love to know what you did to settle in and find your place.
52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with Octavia and Vicky.
That happens to me too - decluttering around the house creating clarity in my mind :) Gorgeous gratitudes xx I did find myself living in a place that wasn't quite me once {for work} far far away from the beach which I adore, and for me I felt lost because I had lost my go-to places where I felt at home. I sought out places in the new area that brought that same spark - became a tourist in my new town so to speak. Having said that, I soon felt called to return home {where family was}. Elisa xx
ReplyDeleteAh, so much easier to think with less real clutter around us. I find it interesting that you always start with the laundry. That's my very last room to clean and tidy LOL It is a very tiny room, so there is never really much there tgat shouldn't be. Thanks for linking up x
ReplyDeleteAh, so much easier to think with less real clutter around us. I find it interesting that you always start with the laundry. That's my very last room to clean and tidy LOL It is a very tiny room, so there is never really much there tgat shouldn't be. Thanks for linking up x
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm living far from my family and friends in a smallish town far from anything interesting because of my husband's job. I often get upset because the more I see my in-laws, the more I miss my "old life" close to family and friends. I am still learning to like it here (after 5 years) and would like some suggestions as well!
ReplyDeleteCan you not move just a little, up into the Gold Coast hinterland or (a bit cheaper in some shires) Northern Rivers? You'd still be close to your family. Lots of "mountains and windy roads" within Gold Coast commuting distance :)
ReplyDeleteHow about Brisbane? I love it here. Not too far from the Goldie.
ReplyDeleteThat's tough, but I think it happens to a lot of us. We suddenly realise that we just might have put down roots in the wrong forest. Or, for those like myself, that we're not really that capable of putting down roots anywhere (restless, restless me!). Make it home, play in the mud a little and then see how you feel. x
ReplyDeleteWhat a revelation for you, no matter how painful. I went to school on the Gold Coast, and I don't think I could live there again. But the hinterland is gorgeous! And we live just south, and it's very pretty. Hope you find your happy place. xx
ReplyDeleteOh I hear you. We moved to Brisbane (from Sydney) for 5 years, well it was indefinite but after two years of solid crying + 3 years of yearning, we move home.
ReplyDeleteBut you know what....I still question whether we have made the right move.
Give it your best shot x
Mountains and windy roads - now I could fall in love with that.
ReplyDeleteTotally gorgeous,
Nina x
Good for you Nat admitting that to yourself. As the saying goes 'the truth will set you free' and I think the solution is yes to invest time and creativity into making your home your haven and then when budget allows get away from the Gold Coast and if you have space at home for friends to stay encourage more visitors. Sounds like you are on the right track xx
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - thanks for stopping by my blog and how lovely to have found yours. I like the idea of your gratitude posts very much.
ReplyDeleteI totally get that feeling of not feeling settled where you live. We've lived in Leeds for 13 years and had two kids here, but I will always want to return to the south coast, where I grew up and where my family live. It never goes away. It's about compromise I guess. I hope you find more ways to love where you live right now.
Gillian x
I have been quiet (I like to respond to comments) but all these beautiful comments I read, reread and still come back to. Thank you all. x
ReplyDeleteOh beautiful, one, what a journey, it must be hard to not feel settled, to want a space to relax into but to no avail. You are doing an amazing and generous act and your family must be so graceful. So glad you were able to escape to some windy roads, they do wonderful things to the spirit. xxxx
ReplyDeleteLove your honesty! And that there is still plenty to be grateful for, even in such a scenario. Best of luck as you try to fall in love with where you live (or simply accept your relationship as it is!)
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