A new phase of life is starting. The next few days: the end of April, through the beginning of May marks the end of my first 6 months in Florida. October 11th, 2024, we were told the Manor was closing and we had 30 days to move out. Essentially, I was homeless until Dinah, my ex-wife offered to let me move in with her in Florida. That change came about starting on November 4th, 2024. I unpacked my suitcase on November 6th, 2024, and started a new phase in my life.
Here it is nearly 6 months later, (Next Tuesday will be my anniversary) and a lot has happened. We made room for me and my stuff on my side of the master bedroom, finally getting all my furniture in place at the beginning of March. The rest of my things: books, office stuff, and my winter clothes are still in storage.
Other successes have occurred as well. Dinah and I have become regulars at the NAMI Pasco support group on Friday mornings, after which we have a weekly lunch date. There is also the YMCA; our goal is to go there 5 days a week, Dinah for the pool and me for classes and cardio. As of a week ago I now have a psychiatrist, which rounds out my healthcare team of primary care physicians, urologist, and pharmacy. Still getting all my meds organized but getting close.
I’ve had a therapist for a few months, but she is leaving. I met her replacement today who will provide my therapy for at least 6 months. Her name is Maggie, and I believe we will work well together.
The reason I mention all this is that we all have transitions occur in our lives. Everything from birthdays and anniversaries to school graduations, job changes, and health issues to name a few. When these things happen, we need to adjust. This adjustment can be the difference between advancing ourselves with our dreams, or caving and letting circumstances dictate our lives. To keep this from happening we can take steps. Finding the professional services we need, setting up support networks, and finding social connections, all aid in minimizing the trauma associated with life changes.
In my own life it has been a struggle, however, I’ve worked at taking appropriate steps and set myself up for success. It hasn’t been easy. I have peculiar issues that make changes more problematic.
Never give up. Keep working at getting established and you will be amazed how these changes can benefit your life.
Until next time, Yancy