CHANGE: According to Merriam-Webster the definition of “change” is, “to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution; to replace with another.”
It was a year ago (this month) that my husband Brad and I started out on a new adventure by moving to Norwalk. I cannot believe it has been a year. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?
We are finally settled in and our new house is starting to feel like home.
The last year has indeed been an adventure—quite a change from our previous life. We lived in Urbandale for over 30 years. During our time there we met amazing people and built close, intimate relationships. We became very involved in the community, we raised our boys there…we made our life there.
But, the move to Norwalk just made sense. Our boys were moving on (Jacob is 25 and living in Arizona, and Benjamin is entering his senior year of college). Brad accepted the position as the men’s basketball coach for Simpson College in Indianola and I continued to work at Compass Financial in West Des Moines. Norwalk was smack dab in the middle. But, just because it seemed to make sense, doesn’t mean it had been easy.
In my opinion, this move has tested us more than I imagined it would. We’re embracing it and learning a lot about ourselves (and each other!), but I am surprised to say it is taking longer than I thought for both of us to adjust. And I now understand why. We chose to move to a place where we don’t know a single soul—a town a fourth the size of Urbandale. In moving, we left our neighbors, our friends and family…we left the only life we knew…
Don’t get me wrong, Norwalk is a great community and we are looking forward to becoming more acquainted with our new surroundings; not only by uncovering opportunities Norwalk has to offer, but also in finding ways we can give of our time and talents to make a positive impact.
Through our move, we are learning that even if we are separated from old friends simply by geography, we can still maintain and enjoy those relationships—and at the same time can find ways to tackle the challenge of meeting new people. We are both experimenting with new hobbies, looking into ways we can volunteer, introducing ourselves to neighbors and joining the gym and local golf course.
As I was putting this article together, I was reminded how much I talk to many of you about life transitions and the anxiety and trepidation that comes with facing a major life change, whether that be a physical move, a change in your relationship(s), a job change or retirement and so many other curveballs life can throw our way. And here I am going through a life event that many of you have lived through, successfully, with so much grace and courage.
Change can be intimidating—sometimes downright terrifying—but as I have learned from many of you, change can be a source of blessing and joy as well…a new beginning of sorts. As I write this, I can honestly say that I am looking forward to this next chapter and trust that my experience can only be beneficial as I come alongside many of you who seek my advice during your own life transitions.
-Michele Bjorkgren, Compass Advisor