Would you start over if you could?

[DerekNewland]

For the past few months, or even year, I've had the growing urge to move away, and leave my home, memories, and some belongings behind. I've had the growing urge to go somewhere and just start over.

Well, I recently learned that one of my best friends will be moving to LA very soon.

I told her earlier today that I wish I could go with her, not seriously of course, but she gave me an open invitation to go. Though I wasn't serious when I told her that, the invite and other thoughts have been running through my head like crazy.

The chance to start my life over is staring me right in the face. I want to go, badly, but something inside me is saying "what are you thinking?!"

I'd be leaving behind a lot. And by a lot I mean EVERYTHING. Family, friends, school, and girlfriend. I love my girlfriend, but I sometimes wonder if things are right between us and wonder who else is out there.

When it comes down to it I have two options: stay here, where I feel very stuck in life, or I can take a crazy risk and completely turn life on it's head.

What would you do?

[norbert]

Derek,

Have you ever been alone for weeks anywhere? I was always looking forward to my move to another city but when I finally managed to do it, it was a shock. Then did I realize how important my current life is. I've tried it once again but it didn't work out that time either. Living alone is very unpleasant and demotivating. This is my experience and everybody is different of course. Listen to your heart, not your mind.

My overall experience is that it's not where you live but with who you live. Do they understand you? Do they feel what you feel? I think it's so important to have somebody who does but most of the people never did so they don't know that's the reason why they don't fit in or find their place in the world.

Hope this makes sense.

Regards,
Norbert

[Liara Covert]

I think a move would be more meaningful if its not an escape from problems or something you wish to leave behind. I think problems will follow you because like emotional baggage, you bring themwithin yourself.

To me, it's another thing if you have a sense of adventure or risk-taking nature and wish to create a new chapter of life. People move apartments, cities and countries to find a new job, to pursue a promising relationships or to explore a deeper sense of inner self. You can make your own life journey as meaningful as you choose. If one of your goals is growth, that's great!

[RT Wolf]

You can reinvent your life where you are now. You can also choose to go somewhere else. But, like others have said, that won't be the end of your problems or whatever you're trying to escape, because the common factor will be you. Perhaps you can try take a vacation and moving to LA for two-four weeks to get a better idea of whether you really wanted to get away from it all permenantly or just needed a vacation and some alone time.

Either way, good luck.

[Liara Covert]

If I Had My Life to Live Over

by Erma Bombeck
(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer*)
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I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love you’s.” More “I’m sorry’s.”

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute… look at it and really see it… live it… and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what.

Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who DO love us.

Let’s think about what God HAS blessed us with.

And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by.

We only have one shot at this and then it’s gone.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

[Lychee]

Have you wondered why you've had this sudden urge to move? Why do you want to start over? It seems like you're trying to avoid or escape something. The change you need to make has more to do with yourself than your residence. You're bored, things might be going slow in some areas of your life, and you just want a change of scenery hoping that that will change the way your life is going now. But that's not always how it goes.

It's like a child who sees a toy that is brand new and appealing to them: they want to have it, but when they finally get it they get bored and want to get something new. Friends, family, partners are relationships that have cultivated over time. Are you sure you want to leave that?

Make a list (mentally, or even better, on paper) of what you will leave behind and what you will gain if you move to another city. Really try to understand what each point means and see if you are willing to deal with the consequences of each.

[빈센트]

If you have the capital, go for it. Just don't make decisions on a whim. Write your reasons to go. Sleep on it. If you still feel the same way, by all means go for it.

[bellbird]

I don't want to be the party pooper here but heck why not go? I have emigrated (after being very sure I wanted to ) Yes ofcourse it's wise to go for say 2/3 weeks before making the final jump. (doh) Just to see how you like it. Emotional bagage etc will follow make no mistake about that. But if you're young jeez why not have a go while you can? Plenty people stuck in one place thinking oh boy whish I went when I could before babies, mortgage, you name it Sometimes it's better to stay put but sometimes it .... is .... time! I'm sure you know if it's a runaway thing or the jitter better get going because have to thing. Let us know what you do. (And do sleep on it okay? I'm not advocating jumping the gun etc etc)
PS: Liara that's a beautiful piece right there. thanks for that