Only 10 weeks ago the decision was made for the family to pack up and move our entire lives 300 miles away from the hustle and bustle of urban life to the laid back mellow warmth of rural living. And what a tiring time those 10 weeks have been.
I have been loaded with excitement about the unknown, moving to a small village where you don't know a single person, where the local shop is, where schools or even where the play parks are can be pretty daunting. I pride myself with the fact that I choose to completely look at the positives and not for a second consider any negatives. Its funny how many people (unknowingly I'm sure) will attempt to reassure you that its the right thing to do when you didn't for a second question it. "you will be ok once you are settled in". "I am sure that you will make friends in no time" etc etc etc. Surely part of the settling in is all part of the adventure? It is for me anyway and making friends is the same again. Having spoken to every person that has crossed my path so far would suggest that I am well on my way to making friends and meeting new people, this is fun.
And we are off!!!
So we have up'd sicks and moved to Cornwall and what an incredibly beautiful place it is. As I go about my day and notice all the tourists that are coming to visit I feel like stopping them and shouting out 'I LIVE HERE' with utter pride (I don't of course incase they were to ask me directions or something along that line as I would still be pretty clueless at this stage). We are surrounded by nothing but countryside and as I predicted adventure. Getting out and about in the fresh air everyday does something to your heart and soul, it makes you look at life completely differently. The feeling that there is nothing to hold you back, the world is your oyster, get out there and be someone, its truly uplifting.
Don't get me wrong, the move wasn't easy. Me and my husband decided that we would do it all ourselves and along with that came its fair share of stress I can assure you. From finding somewhere to live (when you are 300 miles away and don't know the area at all this can be pretty tricky) to arranging vans for moving your belongings and then packing up. To your average person I am sure that this procedure is pretty simple but for a women with 2 children no sitters and a chronic illness that comes with it a fair batch of fatigue and general confussion it was by no means a walk in the park but was it worth it? Most definitely! By simply focusing on all the positives that this move has so far brought into my life it feels me with. well nothing but love and happiness to be honest. For example, I was absolutely dreading the journey here, driving 300 miles alone (I must say that I am a terribly nervous driver to say the least) with only the children in the car and the Sat Nav for company completely terrified me but not only did I do it, it did it with confidence and sang along to the radio all the way. There was also a concern for me that the stress of moving and me and my husband doing it together with very little help from anyone else may put a massive strain on our relationship but as I look back it has made us much stronger. We worked together as a team (a little like The Chuckle Brothers at times) because we had a deadline to meet and therefore we just had to get on with it as best we could. After all, we only have each other.
The 2nd trip out with my runners on and this was my halfway view - gorgeous
So with the all stress of the move has come the increasing closeness of my family, a confidence boost for me and the possibilities for my fitness levels have skyrocketed! I am surrounded by the most glorious run routes that I have ever come across. Everywhere I turn there is a beach and endless country roads to run along, all of which I class as my 'unwinding roads'. As I am sure many MSers will agree, it isn't easy just plodding along with so much happening in your life. Not knowing what is around the corner and if tomorrow is going to be the day that I can no longer get out of bed. I believe for that very reason we need to make the most of what we have today and take time out to enjoy it and soak it all in, not to yet it go unnoticed. Gratitude is a wonderful thing and for my life today, I am truly grateful.
