From a tree change to a sea change

2022 has been a big year and 2023 is set to be just as challenging.

In March this year I was very low. I had experienced a really difficult workplace situation that left me isolated from my work colleagues and workplace (note, it was eventually resolved with apologies given by my employer but it took a lot out of me).

While there was a lot of stress associated with my situation, being stood down on full pay for an extended period gave me lots of time to think and evaluate life.

My husband and I had always dreamed of retiring somewhere warm. The end of primary school years was in sight for one  of our children, with the other two at high school. We were finding it hard to balance, work, life and the responsibilities of maintaining 20 acres of land and outbuildings. This resulted in a conversation about where we saw ourselves in 10 years.

For the the past few years we have had a great time holidaying at Easter on Magnetic Island, a tropical island paradise off the coast of Townsville, North Queensland. The island is still relatively undeveloped and life gets very simple - eat, beach, swim, nap and repeat, and of course some fishing.

After lots of conversations with my husband, it was agreed, we would move to Townsville in North Queensland, with the ambition of retiring on Magnetic Island when the time comes (it’s never too soon to talk about retirement!).

And so before my husband could change his mind, our house on 20 acres was sold, we were renting a small townhouse (and bulging at the seams with 3 kids and 3 dogs, and only 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom) and hunting for a house in Townsville. There were new schools to check out and apply to. And a difficult decision for my husband and I to live a year apart - him seeing our eldest through Year 12 in Canberra and me getting the two younger kids settled in Townsville. There was also a division of dogs, with two coming to Townsville and the fat, old boy waiting until winter, so he can ease into the summer heat!

It’s a big decision, a risk. At the moment the kids hate me and I suspect the dogs would too if they knew what was coming. I know, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Having moved every two years as a kid and a RAAF-brat, I know only too well settling into new high schools will have many ups and downs.

Do you know what though? Life is about taking risks. I am constantly reminded that we only have one chance to live the best life we can. Worst case scenario is that it's a disaster and we will need a new plan.

The positives so far:

• more affordable housing
• a new and interesting job
• less washing, no jumpers, tracksuits pants, coats, etc … but more smelly washing as we sweat it out in the tropics
• tropical storms with rain drops the size of 20 cent pieces, and thunder and lightning
• the beach, even the sand!

So, whatever your plans are for 2023, I encourage you to take some risks, big and small.

All the best for a safe and enjoyable festive season. Remember with all the social pressures to take time for yourself. For those feeling isolated and alone, reach out to friends, perhaps find a comfortable online forum to connect and share stories, or find some volunteer work that interests you.

Take care. L