Emotions and Moving
I have been blessed to speak to thousands of seniors at seminars designed to enlighten folks who have been in their homes for many years. In these seminars I talk about reasons for procrastination, how to prepare and start the downsizing process as well as the actual process of selling and moving from a home of many years. The average time spent in a home for attendees of these seminars is 33.7 years, however the range of years lived in their current home is 20-76 years. Yes, I had one wonderful lady who had lived in her home from birth until the day she moved into a senior community (and by the way she is very happy she made the move).
Without fail several of the people attending the seminar will want me to stop out and help them begin the process of downsizing and preparing to put the home on the market. They put a deposit down at a senior community fully intending to simplify their lives and make the move. Then hesitation sets in. Doubt and confusion begin to dominate their thoughts, and the next thing you know, they cancel the appointment and ask for the deposit back. All this happens usually within a few days. When I speak to them, they express thoughts of fear and anxiety about moving, even when a move is desperately needed because of health or financial reasons.
Most of us are wired so that we will go towards comfort of familiarity; our comfort zones. We all tend to avoid change, even when we know it will improve our lives. Many folks I visit are literally prisoners in their own homes. They become isolated and afraid to venture outside of their homes. Yet, they will choose this lifestyle over one which will offer freedom and interaction with others in their peer group. They will remain in dangerous situations where health and physical impairments restrict their lives to the point of isolation and depression. We as humans will go with familiarity whether it is right or wrong for our lives.
Therefore, my best advice to all of you, your friends and loved ones, is to go out and learn about the choices available to you. Go to seminars which are usually free. Talk to marketing directors at the many communities offering a great lifestyle as well as safety and comfort. Look at your options by having a professional senior planner examine your current financial situation. Let them show you how much it truly costs you to live in your current home and maintain your current lifestyle. Read books and magazines dedicated to educating you so that you can overcome the fear and anxiety you currently have due to lack of information. Knowledge is power, and lack of information and facts is paralyzing. Freedom and enjoyment is up to you. If you are currently satisfied with your home and it meets your needs both present and future, then help others you love and care about by offering your knowledge as to how you have made your life full and safe in your current home.
If you are isolated, feel unsafe, and are restricted from the activities you love because of inadequate housing, then start today by talking to others, visiting housing options, reading, and asking questions. We all deserve the best that life has to offer! Your happiness and well being can overcome fear and anxiety’ if you decide to make it happen!
Tags: emotional, fear of moving, fear of selling, overcoming fear, seminar