Spring is right around the corner, and so is the busy real estate market. Many of us hibernate all winter long, not even thinking of the possibility of moving while there is snow on the ground. With spring around the corner, many of those that have been thinking of moving, will surface around the same time as Puxatony Phil (Groundhog's Day).
Then, there will be those Seniors that want to move, think they'll be happier once they move, but have all sorts of reasons not to move. There are some Seniors who become prisoners in their own homes. There are typically three reasons, (i) the stuff; (ii) the finances; and (iii) the emotional ties. Everyone of these obstacles can be over come. How do I know? I've helped lots of people do it! It's not like me to shy away from a challenge, so let's tackle the toughest one first. Emotional Ties.
6 Steps to Saying "Yes, I Can!"
1. Create a memory book. Take pictures of the rooms as they are before you start packing. Put them in a book and journal about some of your favorite memories.
2. If you have traditionally hosted the family holidays, discuss who will take over. This is a wonderful opportunity to pass on family traditions, and teach someone else in your family traditional recipes. Remember, the place where you hold your family holiday's may change, but the important traditions can continue! This is a great time of the year to discuss this since we are so close to the holidays. This is the time of year when I reflect on what is truly important, and it isn't the gifts, it's the people you spend your time with. You'll be surprised at how little the location of your celebration matters.
3. Reflect on the reasons to move. The change in the neighborhood, the house maintenance, the stairs, to be closer to family, to be able to travel without worrying about the house, to be part of a community again...list the reasons important to you.
4. Reflect on what you want your next home to be like. What kind of community do you want to be a part of?
5. Shop for your new home. If shopping for a senior community, have lunch with the others, ask the people that live there how they like it, explore your options! Mark my words, you'll meet a number of people who say "Moving is the best thing I could have done. I wish I had done it years ago!"
6. Challenge yourself and the way you're thinking about moving. How many times have you said "I can't"? I wonder how so many other people have been able to and you can't? Why can't you? If they can, you can! Instead of making the declaration "I can't" ask yourself "How can I?" This is such a powerful question. It will open up a world of options to you.
Moving is emotional. It involves the process of starting a new chapter and making a lot of lifestyle changes. My hope for you is that you live your life to it's fullest. If your wish is to belong to a thriving active community of older adults instead of living alone, that you do just that. These objections you repeat to yourself can be overcome. How do I know? I've seen my client's do it, and these are normal people without superhuman abilities. If they can, you can.
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