Homesick

I’m 4 blocks away from a coffee shop, nail salon, boutique shops, bars and a neighborhood grocer. It doesn’t get below freezing here or above 95 degrees. I have friends that live here. The ocean, wine country and some of the best restaurants reside here. I should be happy.

But I’m homesick. In fact, I’m having a hard time adjusting.

“Maybe you had to leave in order to really miss a place; maybe you had to travel to figure out how beloved your starting point was.” 
― Jodi Picoult, Handle With Care

Coming from Texas, the big city of San Francisco is much more of a change than I had anticipated. I’ve always felt that I can easily adapt to change and new surroundings, but this might have pushed the boundaries. Public transportation is forced on you, and the luxury of driving to a destination and finding a parking spot to fit your small SUV is no longer an easy option. The weather is a consistent cold (for me), even in the summer (from what I’ve been told). Cost of living is such that you are pay much, much more for less.

In Texas, I was settled in. I met Justin and lived in a beautifully spacious townhouse. I could walk to a Mexican restaurant and CVS. I was in the city without being in the city. I discovered yoga and found a studio that I fell in love with. My sister moved in a block away. I had a parking spot. I discovered that I wanted to be a writer in this city.

San Francisco is a big city, meant for people who like city life. I have discovered I’m not one of those people. My husband, on the other end, thrives in this lifestyle. The walkability, not needing to get in a car, and the best of the best at your fingertips is heaven on earth for him.

I’ve been blessed to find people, either friends of friends or that have moved from Texas as well that have helped make this transition a bit easier, but it’s been tough to adjust to this new way of living.

After finally finding an apartment, we are now in the process of getting settled in before we start exploring. I’m eager to find out what people love so much about this place and why they stay. It’s San Francisco for crying out loud, a place many dream of coming to and making a life in.

Have you ever felt homesick after a move? Any tips on how to deal, adjust and get to a place of happiness? I’d love to know.

As always, thanks for reading.