Moving is Like Therapy

I have flattened the last cardboard box, sorted and moved every possession and memory, then stored or displayed them. The return of daily routine has calmed the edge of excitement and exhaustion. The moving process shares many similarities with self-care. Here’s why I think moving is like therapy.

There is a lot to unpack.

We can feel overwhelmed by stuff and emotions. Sorting through all the junk and realizing our true priorities is a lot of work.

We experience discomfort and unfamiliarity.

We may know we are on the right track, but it feels uncomfortable. Only by continuing to live with our new choices do we move forward to peace and contentment in our new place.

We get a new perspective.

A new environment affords us the opportunity for new experiences, which leads us to see ourselves and our reactions in new ways. This can encourage our strengths and give us a new view in areas that need work.

We leave stuff that doesn’t fit and replace it with something new.

As we grow, the old ways of dealing with stuff just don’t fit. We learn new techniques and routines that are better in supporting our new space.

Establishing a junk drawer is essential.

The little drawer that holds all those random, but some essential tools we may need along the way. We may not need them daily, but it is still good to have these skills on hand—just in case. (Although it is necessary to clear out the junk drawer periodically to eradicate all those petrified taco sauce packets, or to go along with my analogy, finally let go of all those negative feelings toward that annoying person.)

We learn to do old things in new ways.

As we practice self-care, we learn to adapt some of our old habits to our new environment. Not everything we do needs to be changed, but it may be more helpful to change up certain actions to suit our new ways of thinking. Disrupting our “muscle memory” actions can take time and repetition, like trying to remember what cabinet the mugs are in or where the spoons now live.

I realize now why those de-cluttering shows have a psychologist on hand! Self-care is all-inclusive. Whether we are moving, we can clear our minds and our homes, and start each day with a new perspective and renewed enthusiasm to work toward a peaceful life!

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9