A Journey from City Life to New Beginnings

We are three weeks away from one of the biggest changes in our lives.

We’re leaving Toronto, the city I’ve called home for 19 years, the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere.

We are moving my kids from their childhood home to a new place 90 minutes away.

They are leaving their friends, school, and teams.

Are they upset?

You betcha!

My youngest still says he’s not moving.

Are my husband and I sad?

For sure!

We are also leaving incredible friends, a beautiful neighbourhood, and familiarity.

But are we excited?

Indeed! (My boys included, although they’d tell you otherwise).

We are moving to a bigger house with a larger yard, swimming pool, and hot tub. A place where both my husband and I can have in-home offices rather than working in our bedroom and living room.

But it’s not just about the material things. We are moving to a place with less traffic, less noise, less busyness, and more nature. A place that’s more aligned with our post-COVID lifestyle.

We’ll get to know more of our new neighbours (although we are leaving some truly fabulous ones behind) and build a new community.

No one said change was easy or that it only comes with negative or positive feelings.

Seeing my kids cry over leaving their friends is hard and weighs on me when I lie down at night.

Knowing my husband is going to spend two long days commuting into the city every week is tough.

But I know the end goal is worth it.

We will have incredible days.

We will make new friends.

We will find new restaurants.

We will explore new paths.

We will also have:

Sad days.

Frustrating days.

Regretful days.

But without the bad, we wouldn’t recognize the good.

Change takes work.

Just like a house renovation, all change starts with a vision, a decision to take action, endure the mess, and admire the beautiful result.

What's a change you made in your life that was both scary and exciting but worked out for the best? I'd love to hear it

Hi, I’m Shannon, and I help people Thrive Through Change so they can overcome their fears and take bold action to bring more joy and meaning into their lives. Be sure to follow me for inspiration and tips on how you too can embrace change.