Yesterday morning Al Jazeera TV network called me to do a live studio interview in their D.C. studio, via satellite from their Qatar headquarters. I jumped at it. Living in Washington D.C., and indeed America, has been packed with cool opportunities and new experiences. Life here has been nothing short of amazing. So choosing to change where I live isn’t all easy.
The packers arrive today. They will bring boxes, tape, paper… lots of it.
In a few days my life as I know it will be packed away and loaded into a container bound for Australia.
I know moving back to Australia will be wonderful on many fronts. But there is something about the very nature of change that makes it difficult, even when it’s change we choose and change that holds much to look forward to.
The photo above is one that I took of a former village consumed by the sands of the Sahara Dessert in southern Algeria many years ago. It’s message: Nothing is permanent.
The fact is that all change, even change for the better, is hard. Sure as one chapter closes, another begins. But there’s something about the closing that brings up a sense of loss, grief even.
I’ve felt an abundance of mixed emotions since my husband and I decided to move back to Melbourne earlier last month.
None of them are bad. Though some haven’t felt so good.
I’ve felt sad at leaving so many friends whom I’ve grown to love so much.
I’ve felt anxious about choosing the right place to live, and getting my kids into great schools.
I’ve felt overwhelmed at the thousand things we’ve had to do to close down our life here and set it up there.
I’ve felt delighted about living close to the beach, and closer to my parents, brothers and sisters.
I’ve felt touched by the outpouring of love from our friends as they’ve shared how much they will miss us.
I’ve felt perplexed by the fact that some really cool opportunities in TV-land have come just as I’m getting ready to go.
I’ve felt scared that maybe I will never have life so good again.
And I’ve felt excited about the opportunities that I will create in Australia… opportunities I’ve yet had time to even imagine. Haven’t had the time!
I know that I am not my emotions. I also know that every emotion is valid in its own right. I don’t have to let my emotions consume me. I don’t ‘have to let them dictate who I will be, or let them set up permanent residence in my psyche.
Every time I’ve felt any of these emotions listed above, plus many more I won’t even list, I’ve done my best to acknowledge it, sat with it, and try to embrace it. A few tears have been shed along the way. I know that life is a roller coaster of emotions and right now, with so much going on in my life, the roller coaster is at full tilt!
Amazing new adventures await. Yet I know the next few months won’t all be easy. Learning the ropes of my kids new schools, relearning my way around our old city, getting set up with new orthodontists and sitters and hair dresses. Mundane stuff like that can sometimes be taxing. Then, come later in March when those containers arrive off the ship, unpacking them into the home we hope to find in the interim.
The funny thing is that had I not said YES to moving to America in in 2001, with three tiny babies (and to Dallas no less!!), I would never have come to experience all that I have here. And so I know that while change can be hard, even change we choose, it is also ripe in opportunity and the experiences which make life rich.
When the ground beneath our feet shifts, as it is for me right now, it’s only reasonable that we feel a bit unstable. How can our world tilt on its axis without us tilting a bit with it?
While all change can challenge us, it is also what makes us grow and adds new dimensions of richness to our lives. So in the days to come, I will will trust in myself that I have all the resources within me to handle whatever changes and challenges lie ahead… one day, one hour, at a time.
As I’ve said previously, I am not leaving the US forever. In fact I will probably be back here within a couple months to speak at conferences and events. But when I step foot in America next time, it will be as a visitor, not as a resident. And something about that new reality will feel strange. Not bad. Not good. Just different.
Such is change, right?
Whatever changes you have coming your way in the year ahead, I wish for you to know that whatever their nature, you have all the courage, resilience and resourcefulness within you to meet them. One day, one hour, and some days, one minute at a time.
The photo above of the former village in the Sahara being consumed be sand tells a profound and timeless message. Nothing is permanent.
And so it is.
Life boldly, lead bravely, love deeply.
Thanks for taking a moment to share how you're doing with you own huge change, Margie! Courage in action, girlfriend! So much change all at the same time. Makes me think about all the major changes in my personal and professional life about 12 years ago. I think how in the heck did I get through all that? My answer to myself: One day, one step at a time. Lord knows that about all we can handle, but thankfully, that's all we usually have to handle.
Travel safe, my friend!
Beautiful Mary!
Thank you for your kinds wishes and wise words. Yes, one day, one step, at a time.
Looking forward to sharing the next chapter of adventures with you.
Safe travels yourself, you bodacious woman you!
Margie – Good luck to you on your move back to Australia! What a wonderful change for you and your family. I'm sure it's thrilling to know you'll be so close to family again. I'll be looking forward to keeping tabs on your changes and challenges via your blogs, so keep them coming. Best wishes and best of luck!
Thanks Jill!!!
Margie, you will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Kemp and me. We are so thankful God allowed our paths to cross in Dallas so many years ago. While we missed you terribly when you relocated to Washington, DC, now knowing you are going to be half a world away makes my heart heavier than ever….in a selfish way of course. May your opportunities be limitless, your success perpetual and your courage boundless friend. Can't wait to see what this next chapter holds for you.
Karen and Kemp
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciated the trust you put in me to coach you all those years ago in Dallas, and I appreciate the warm wishes you are sending me now.
All the very best to you both.
Yes, can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds also! 🙂
Margie:
I really enjoyed reading your blogs, hope all goes well for the move! This is my return home from my third international assignment (London, Malaysia and Belgium), and I know it's never as easy to return "home" as other people think it will be. We international movers are kind of an oddity, but one of the good kinds! I know you will love all the things you always have about Australia, all the time while missing all of the things that you loved here! However, it will all work out and be wonderful…mainly because you seem like the type of person that will make it so!
Much luck to you on the move, and I hope to catch up with you sometime, somewhere!
Deiadre
Wise words Deiadre. Thank you and all the best to you as you settle back to life at ‘home’.
Thank you for sharing your stories, they provide me with some measure of comfort as I prepare to move home and country later this month.
Best of luck!
Sunil
Good luck Sunil! Remember, one day at a time… if not one hour!
Welcome back to Australia, we live in a beautiful country full of endless opportunities. I love Melbourne and had similar feelings leaving there 10yrs ago to live in Brisbane, and there were many lessons in all the adjustments that had to be made. I also love America and enjoy spending time there each year with special colleagues and friends and know the same will be for you. Thanks for your post. Have a safe trip and enjoy the journey.:-)
Margie,
I took two classes with you at CFC company in Herndon. I embraced all the energy and positive reinforcement you brought into our lives. We will miss you a lot at the CFC. You are amazing woman and you deserve the best life possible wherever you are. Have a safe trip home and I hope you enjoy your new life!
Margie: You have a wonderful way with words and I could almost feel what you have been going through. You have so much to look forward to and with your wonderful way of looking at change, I see nothing ahead but lots of opportunities. Good Luck with everything and safe travels.
Margie: I was looking forward to visiting the family in January 2013 as I make the annual visit every four years to Washington, There is a saying "No one like's a change but a wet baby". For most they may not like what they have or where they are but they know what it is and DO NOT want to look forward to change. Only through change can we experience the opportunity for greatmess. Maybe this is telling me I will have to change my trips from Washington to Melbourne in the future. Love to All
Thank you Margie! I just moved and have yet to settle. I've been very anxious the last few days about everything, but your blog post just reminded me of all the amazing reasons I moved. 🙂
I love the one day, one hour, one minute. I need to remember that. I once heard it said that even if we can only see as far as our headlights we can still cross a continent in the dark. Just one span of 15 feet after another 🙂
Best wishes on your move! Thrive!!!
"Just one span of 15 feet after another 🙂 "
Love it!
Thanks Katie
Your message was very timely for me as I search for a new job. Change is scary, but it does always seem to work itself in the end. Good luck with your move and please say hello to our mutual friend Anna who you introduced me too many years ago when we moved to Australia!
Thank you Carie. I promise to say hello to Anna for you… assuming i have the right Anna. 😉
Best,
Peter Drucker counselled to review one's field notes; here is one of yours: "by intentionally choosing to view your environment in new ways, rewrite your personal narrative, and step into action in the presence of your fears, you become more competent in whatever those actions may be, but also build your “courage muscles” so you can respond more effectively in other areas of your life." Best wishes to you and your husband in your next pursuits – I've enjoyed your positive forcefield during your time in Washington.
Thank you Carol. I so appreciate you quoting my own words back to me.
Warm wishes heading your way.
Dear Margie,
You have been a blessing in my life since I met you. Tonight, your blog unleashed my desire to write and put my thoughts on paper. I am so sad you are moving because you will be less accessible. Please know that we will be with you in spirit and thanks to social media, you won't be far away at all!
Will Love,
Kristina Bouweiri, President & CEO, Reston Limousine Service, Inc.
Thank you Margie! I am preparing to make the move from California to Melbourne in 6 months and am feeling completely overwhelmed. I moved to the US almost 10 years ago and will be moving back married and with 3 little boys in tow. Just knowing that somebody out there really understands is such a comfort.
Margie, this is such a great piece. I am tearing up while reading this post! I am currently on the process of completing my 457 visa requirements and am expecting to move to Australia early next year. This post you made is very moving and touching because I can totally relate to what you are saying! Anyway, I want to ask you if you can help me and give advice regarding which health insurance you chose? I was looking at Medibank and this http://www.austhealth.com/457-visa-health-insuran… but I couldn't decide. I hope you can help! Thank you so much.
This is good to travel in the world and have fun while traveling i like your spirit and work well done dear and have safe journey. Wishing you all the best
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She
never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely
off topic but I had to tell someone!
The principle isn’t to artificially tujrn out to be effective, in the chance of getting
banned. Candy Crush Sagaa is a game that was released on
April 12, 2012 for Facebook, and then released on November 14, 2012 foor smartphones.
I only joied Facebook as I have clients who utilize it and I had to have acess to their information.