Character Therapy by Cynthia Thomason

April has been an unbelievable month for me. I decided almost on impulse to move 25 miles north of Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach, Florida. I found a villa I really liked and put down a deposit. Okay, that part was fun, though scary. Then came three weeks of more work than I'd like to remember. Packing, tossing, and oh, yes, packing! Getting my old place ready to show potential buyers and keeping it clean for those "We'll be there in a half hour" showings. Thankfully I do have a contract on the old condo, and as of last Tuesday, the 14th, I am moved into the new one. That's not counting the half dozen trips back and forth with items that didn't go into the moving truck.

There were times during this craziness that I craved some type of stress reduction therapy. And I found it in writing. Granted, I haven't had a lot of time to visit my keyboard, but those precious minutes when I sat down and reacquainted myself with my current characters have been so rewarding. Thank you, Alexis and Daniel for taking my mind off my responsibilities and for recharging my well of creativity. Thank you for reminding me that everyone has stress, even if only fictionally. And thank you for falling in love on my monitor. I celebrate your happiness even if I am the one who made it happen.

We all handle stress differently. Some cook. I can't do that very well. Some shop. I'm quite good at that. Some exercise. I should do that. I am fortunate to find my release in my writing. And I vow never to move again - for a while at least.

Cynthia
Oh, don't forget the Heartwarming Spring Fling going on now. Check here for details:
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Comments

  1. I think we should move. Really, I do. We live in a two-story house on three acres--more work than either of us needs. But unless I can go away for a week or two and come back to find the deed done, I don't see it happening. Hope you enjoy your new home!

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  2. Thanks, Liz. Yes, there is a lot to be said for pulling up roots and trying something new.

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  3. I can sympathize. I had seven different address in four different states during a three year period. My friends had my addresses in pencil so they could easily change them. That meant lots of things never got unpacked. No more moves for me.

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  4. Oh, Cynthia. I talk about moving closer to one of my daughters, but then I look at all that I own and think I can't pack and move again. I moved to this townhouse 4 years ago from a bigger home and thought I'd tossed away and/or garage sales everything I wouldn't need. I still own far too many sit-ables. Sentimental junk in other words. Good on you moving to a place you love.

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  5. I don't want to move. I love my house. I love all the work I've done making it a home. And most of all, I love my neighbors. We're a group and we take care of each other. I'm the only single mother in the foursome around me and my neighbors will offer to help me with things (I never ask). They will clear the snow or help me clear it. If I go away for a week or so (like to RWA), they will service my pool. I can't move. I have too much love right where I am.

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  6. Cynthia - since napping isn't likely to become the new jogging (as in your comment on Cynthia R's post yesterday) I think you can put those three weeks of packing and moving up against any laziness or calorie-laden dessert you wish to indulge! A villa? Seriously, a villa, or condos called a villa? Tell us, please. I'm imagining you in Tuscany with Frances what's-her-name. We've been here 39 years, have the kind of neighbors Shirley describes, and so love our house and our view. We're here for the duration, but I remember years ago when our lives were unsettled and the prospect of a new move was exciting and bristling with potential.

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  7. The act of moving is the worst! But like you, Cynthia, I've always found refuge in writing. During one of my moves, I was on deadline. My computer was the last thing the movers packed--the day I shipped that manuscript! There was nothing left in the house. I'd like to downsize now, but I do love my home--and the task seems just too daunting. At least for now...

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  8. Best wishes to you in your new home, Cynthia!

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  9. Congrats on your move, Cynthia! I hope you enjoy your new home!

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  10. Congratulations on your new move!! We've been toying around with the idea of moving because it seems like we should downsize, but I really am attached to my house, neighborhood and friends and am looking into other alternatives besides moving. I don't know what the decision will be yet, but whatever it is I hope it will be the correct one. I love to
    read to de-stress. Exercise does help with stress but I'm not as excited about doing it.

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  11. Congrats on your new place! My daughter lives in the West Palm area and it's beautiful there. Not sure I'm up to moving. Both of my daughters want me to, but I have so much STUFF! lol

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  12. Thank you for your post. This is excellent information.
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