Lately people have been telling me they miss reading about our Alaskan adventures. I usually only have one response, "Me too." I won't sugar coat it, moving back home has not been easy for me. I'm hesitant to call it a culture shock because it is where I grew up and it is familiar to me, but that's really what it is. Six months later, I'm still trying to reacclimatize myself back into the life we had before we moved to Alaska. Six months later, it is still a massive adjustment period.
Like someone trying to hold on to their high school days, ever since we moved back to Ontario I've been holding onto this crazy, unrealistic idea that some thing would take us back to Alaska. For the past months this unrealistic idea has absolutely consumed me and hasn't allowed me to enjoy the moment and every thing right in front of me. Things have not been easy, but in a way I wasn't making it any better for myself with these crazy ideas either.
For my own health and well-being, for my husband's sanity and our relationship, my plan for 2014 is to move forward. I don't want to forget, but instead of trying to live in the past, I need to enjoy the moment at home, while at the same time start looking forward to the future. While I can't make things the same as they once were, it comforts me in knowing that we will always have Alaska. And now, I can start looking forward to planning our summer trip back to visit our friends and the place we once called home, instead of trying to once again make it our home.
This isn't to say that I will never talk about Alaska again. I can't discount the fact that it was a huge part of our lives, so I'm sure once in a while these unrealistic ideas will still come over me. But, I do need to try and keep them at bay. So, in honour of our time in Alaska and moving forward, every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of the year I am going to do a little reminiscing of some of the amazing adventures we took in the great state.
I hope you'll come along for the ride.
Hi! I've been following your blog for a while and I loved reading about all of your Alaskan adventures! I know exactly how you're feeling right now with the reverse culture shock. My husband and I lived in Germany for three years and we absolutely loved our time there! We moved back to the States two years ago, and since then I've struggled to re-acclimate to life here. The first 9 months were extremely tough, but things do eventually become easier. I won't lie... There won't be a day that goes by where you won't feel homesick for Alaska, but eventually you'll find your groove in your new life... It takes time and if you're anything like me, ALOT of tears... And, I do admit, there is still a small part of me that holds onto the idea that maybe someday we can go back... Even though I know it's virtually impossible, it does help to ease my mind at times. :) Also, going back to visit definitely helps. It helped me to realize that no matter how far away I am, Germany and all of the friends we made there, will always be there and will always be "home" to us. Good luck to you in this readjustment period... And, just remember, you're not alone in these feelings. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Mar!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I can't really relate, I can say that I would love to have an experience like Alaska! And I also hope you continue to get some great experiences where you are now!
Great post... And so true in so many things. Moving back somewhere is always hard, each season is unique and have a purpose.
ReplyDeleteMoving back is always hard... When I left for Germany, though it was only 7 weeks, I had a really hard time coming home. I just wanted to go back and life home didn't seem as nice as before.
ReplyDeleteTime will make it better :) Moving on will be good for you.
Awee, I'm sorry to read that you're having a hard time adjusting back home. I was hoping with your fun new job you'd be able to mesh right into things. It's wonderful to see that you have a game plan for 2014... but I think you should start looking ahead right NOW! Create a new holiday tradition with Steve, go out and enjoy the Christmas in Toronto, and HEY, you get to see family this year! :) I'm sending positive thoughts your way! xo
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time adjusting to life in Ontario. I don't blame you after such a life changing experience in Alaska.
ReplyDeleteYour new experiences here will be different but hopefully, one day, just as fulfilling!
Sorry to hear you're having such a rough time re-acclimating. I hope things get better soon!
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