“Moving” is a concept that stirs us no matter how old or young we are. The idea of moving forward, onward, further – this is something that we strive for and aspire towards through any phase of life. However, while we like the idea of moving (onward, upward, forward) in principle, the facts of moving – physically – can be daunting. We’re comfortable with what we know, and anything that takes us away from the status quo can leave us paralyzed with inaction.
“Humans are creatures of habit, and even though we might understand intrinsically that moving is the right choice for us, it’s not something that we generally look forward to,” says Doris Lea, Executive Director of Hidden Springs of McKinney. She’s speaking specifically to something that affects aging seniors across the country – moving from a current home into a different, smaller location. “While we may understand on some base level that physically moving from where we are will help us achieve our dreams and allow us to try new experiences, the unknown is scary. Instead of feeling excited, we’re worried and anxious about putting it all in motion.”
Relocating is difficult – there are a lot of unknowns to face, and leaving your comfort zone is never easy. It’s hard to leave the routine you love favorite places and the life you’ve come to know. However, moving can open the doors to a new, happier and more fulfilling life – as long as you’re facing the change with an open heart and the right attitude.
“Physically moving from your current home into a better place – such as a senior living community – can be just the spark you need to build a better future for yourself,” says Doris. “In order to do so, you need to face the anxieties that are holding you back and focus on the benefits of making a move.”
Here are some suggestions on how to overcome your apprehension of moving so you can relocate successfully and start living the lifestyle you deserve.
Overcoming … the unknown.
One of the biggest things that stop us from making the move to a new place is the unknown. You may not know what life will look like, what type of people you’ll meet, whether you’ll like your new community … and so on. You don’t know what type of problems or difficulties you’ll face, or if you may find you’ve made the wrong decision. All these worries can mean sleepless nights and lots of anxiety.
In order to overcome these feelings, you need to remain positive and focus on the benefits of why you’re moving – not the downsides.
For example, you may have decided to move to a senior living community because you don’t want to deal with the chores of homeownership, or you want to live somewhere where you can have security and assistance 24/7 or you just want to start a new chapter of your life. In order to move forward, focus on the reasons why you’re choosing to move forward. It may feel like you’re moving “backward” (in the sense that you’re giving up your independent home). However, look at the situation as allowing you to live your best life and giving you opportunities to thrive and live a fulfilled lifestyle.
Overcoming … saying goodbye to “home.”
Home is … well, home! It’s your safe haven, your sanctuary and the place you’ve spent many a happy time. If you’re like most of us, you’ve raised a family, lived your life and created many fond memories. Leaving the old homestead is hard because it’s saying “goodbye” to so much of your life. You may worry about having to get rid of some favorite furniture, cherished belongings, or other heirlooms that may not fit or work in your new space.
Instead of focusing on those things that you’re giving up, however, look at this as an opportunity to reinvent your lifestyle to better reflect what you want out of the coming years. It’s a chance for you to create the perfect home for you – designing your space to your needs instead of configuring your life to fit your stuff. Think about what you want for your future and focus on designing your new space to help you live the life you want to live.
Overcoming … fear of making the wrong choice.
Have you ever made a change to your life and then suddenly been wracked with worry that you’ve made the wrong choice? Take a deep breath – regretting your decision after you’ve made it is a very common feeling. As human beings, we’re comfortable with the status quo, and so making any big change – even if we know in our hearts that it’s the right choice – can cause a lot of angst. You may worry that you’ve made the wrong choice and that your life will shift for the worse.
Fear not – if you’ve approached your move with a logical mind and a clear head, you can reassure yourself that you’re making the right choice. Sure, you can wonder if it’s the right time to move, if you’re choosing the right senior living community, or if you’re giving up too much too soon – the what-ifs can rattle around your head ad infinitum.
When it comes to change in life, we like to follow the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
There truly is no one “right” way to approach aging, and no “perfect” way to move. According to Doris, it’s all about refocusing on what’s “right” and instead choosing to look at the possibilities that lie ahead.
“We can choose to agonize over our choices, or make decisions that are best for us at that time and move forward,” she says. “The idea of moving and changing your life can be overwhelming at first. But think about all the major changes in your life to date: getting married, having children, switching jobs, or anything else. Chances are that you worried about those changes when you stood at the crossroads. This decision – moving in order to spend your senior years in comfort – is no different. If you’ve taken the time to weigh your options, make informed decisions and lay out a clear plan of how to move forward, you’ve done your due diligence and should feel confident in your choices … and in the future that lies ahead of you.”
Becoming a member of the Hidden Springs of McKinney Discovery Club is one way that Houston-area seniors can feel confident about their choice to move to our exceptional community. As one of a select group – the first depositors and inaugural residents of our community – you’ll have the opportunity to meet your neighbors and get to know them before the move. Doris herself hosts a variety of get-to-know-you events with her “Dates With Doris” gatherings. Depositors get the unique chance to become acquainted with the community, other residents and leadership and shape the direction of how life will look at our senior living community.
For more information about our new community in North Dallas, please contact us at 972.483.0234.
Luxury Living in North Dallas
At Hidden Springs of McKinney, we understand how important location is to North Dallas seniors who are looking for an engaging, enriching retirement lifestyle. Located in McKinney, Texas, we are close to medical centers, arts and entertainment, outdoor opportunities and everything else you love about this area. Seniors who choose to make us their home can enjoy a range of trips, opportunities and activities while living their very best life thanks to our innovative focus on wellness.
Active Retirement Living for a Healthy Tomorrow
The secret to a life well-lived awaits you at Hidden Springs of McKinney. Envisioned and developed by Madison Marquette, a company with a 25-year track record of investing in vibrant communities and a stellar reputation for developing luxury residences, you’ll discover all the possibilities your retirement brings … as well as the confidence of knowing your future is secure.
Our beautifully appointed, active retirement living community is created for those who expect more out of life. Luxury living, gracious services, resort-quality amenities, engaging programs and stunning apartments in 15 floor plans are just a few of the benefits awaiting you. And with assisted living and memory care services offered on campus, you can retire with complete peace of mind, knowing that if needs change, the care you deserve is right at home.
To learn more about Hidden Springs of McKinney and discover The Secret to a Life Well Lived, call or visit us today. We’d be happy to schedule a tour and show you just how much our location can make your retirement experience exceptional. Call us today at 972.483.0234.