The Move!

The Move

When we first found out we had to move, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, partially because we had no idea where we were going to move! With the help of family, we decided to move to Ohio. That meant this would be the biggest move we’ve ever made, so bring on the anxiety!

We went to the temple and while there, I was impressed with the feeling that everything would turn out ok, even though there would be a lot that needed to happen in order to move.

Not only did we not have any money saved up for the move, we didn’t even have money for first and last month’s rent even if we stayed in Utah. I was petrified! Being able to pay the cost of the move was impossible to imagine.

Normally when we move, we stick it on a credit card. This time, we wanted to pay cash for it. This took a lot of faith that God would help.

Every time we needed money, it showed up.

For example, when it comes to packing, my wife usually packed my books herself. This time, however, I was assigned the task. As I was packing, I came across my missionary scriptures and had the thought to check inside the book. In years past, I have put $20 bills in the pages. As I went through the book this time, I found $715! The money had been there for the last three or four moves.

I felt the love of Jesus Christ and had my faith in Him strengthened.

Even though my anxiety was up during the moving process, I was still able to do everything that was required of me. I packed my stuff, with encouragement from my wife and daughter. Changing addresses and researching moving options were some of the tasks I took on.

Books are my go-to getaway. I have collected books from some of my favorite authors over the years. Since my ECT treatment, I am no longer able to read books, because I can’t remember at the bottom of the page what happened at the top of the page. When we moved into an RV full-time, I gave away all but my Terry Brooks and Anne McAffrey books, as well as some audiobooks.

When we moved out of the RV and into an apartment, and then into our last place, I didn’t give away any books. This time, however, I actually gave away all but one set of signed Terry Brooks books, as well as audiobooks, since I can still listen to them.

I have neuropathy in both feet and use a cane, so I am not able to physically do a lot. Being able to contribute to the move in these ways made me feel useful and good about myself.

Something else that helped me maintain a level of calmness during the moving process was to picture my wife and I with family in Ohio, having a BBQ, relaxing on the deck, and enjoying a successful move.

The idea of the 24-hour drive brought on a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt worried about keeping up with our travel companions. Anxiety mounted when I thought about all the extra stops we usually make. I was also concerned about where to stay along the way.

As the passenger, I kept the tunes playing, the audiobooks queued up, and I was the navigator across the country. These tasks helped me stay busy, so I didn’t focus on my anxiety so much. Being the copilot helped me feel useful and able to contribute along the drive.

Even though the move was an emotional rollercoaster ride, I was able to act in faith and trust the Lord, which strengthened my faith. I was also able to contribute more, which gave me something to focus on that I could control.  Acting in faith, trusting in the Lord, and helping with the move allowed me to feel calmer and less anxious than I have during previous moves.