Homesickness

(Our home in Willows)

Homesickness is rough. I don't think there is anything that can cure it besides time.

I read a good article from the University of Oregon about homesickness. This is primarily for college students who have just left home for the first time and feel completely alone. I didn't leave for college. I lived with my parents for my college years and moved out (A block away from the home I grew up in) a month before I married Lyndon.

Here are some good ideas for how to cope with Homesickness.

Make New Friends.

Invite people to dinner, go to the movies, park, or public place with someone. Know that you won't make a best friends instantly. Bonding takes time and don't feel like you have to pour out your heart and soul all at once. It's okay to be shy.

This helped me a lot. Being a pastors wife somewhat limits you "friendships". Some people put you on a pedestal and watch your every move. They wait for you to misstep just to correct you in time. I have made a few friendships in the first couple months of being here. Of course, they aren't close bonds yet, because it does take time and I take a while to warm up to people.

Do Something Alone.

...Just so you know you can. Learn a new hobby. Scrapbook, write a journal to put down your innermost feelings that not everyone needs to know. Keep a box of motivating poems, letters, items, etc. that help you. Start some sort of physical exercise. Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride.

I have recently taken up crocheting. It has helped me a lot. When the boys go down for naps, I love to sit for a good 30 minutes and crochet. I have also started a Zumba class in town. I go with a couple girls from church and it has been nice to meet people and then I see them around town, recognize them, and am able to say "Hi." It makes it much easier.

Keep A Positive Attitude.

Tell yourself this feeling won't be forever. You will visit your family within the near future.

This is the HARDEST for me. I feel secluded. I explained it to Lyndon like this... -I grew up in the same home my whole life. The same bedroom. I moved a block away from my parents when we got married. I saw every person of my immediately family if not every day, at least 3-5 times a week. We were constantly at family dinners, family gatherings, choir concerts, recitals, soccer games, t-ball games, fire and work dinners, all with family. I had my family and my comforts around me all the time. After we moved, this was pulled from me and I haven't been back for a couple months now. This doesn't sound like much to most people, but when you see your parents almost every day of your entire life (Including married life) it's a tough thing to walk away from.

Self-Talk

Tell yourself... "I won't always be alone." "Everyone who moves away feels this. It's normal." Try to motivate yourself.

Take advantage of the town around you.

Most towns and cities have gems just waiting to be found. The library, museums, antique stores, downtown, etc. Sometimes it's just nice to grab a map and go. Find some stores that are fun or some unique restaurants that when your family comes to visit, you can take them to. Try to make the new home and town your own.

It's been a pretty rough transition moving away, but it gets easier one day at a time. I never thought I would be the person to move away from the town I grew up in. I was perfectly comfortable. Little did I know God had a different plan for me. It's definitely been an experience.

Just know... It will be okay and it's just fine to make a trip back home to get recharged. :)

For more advice on homesickness from the University of Oregon http://counseling.uoregon.edu/dnn/SelfhelpResources/Transitions/HowtoCopewithHomesickness/tabid/368/Default.aspx