Why "The Big Move"?

So, if you know me, you're assuming right now that this blog is about my move from Pennsylvania to South Carolina.  You know, the big move.  But it's more than that. 

As I look back over my life I realize that the "Big Move" is not just a change is physical location.  It's a change in perception as well.  This change in perception has taken years (longer then I care to think about) to occur.  It's a confusing mass of good, bad and evil that I feel I've finally come out the other end.  A newfound sense of happiness, which is confusing at times, because it's been so long since I've been truly happy. 

The nervous breakdown of 2011 was the final straw.  Being hospitalized in a psych ward was not enjoyable, but it was educational.  If I was ever going to be happy, truly happy, there was a lot of work to be done.  And I've been doing it.  All of it.  The uncomforable, the scary, the things that seemed not to be useful at the time.  Looking back, it all makes a lot of sense. 

Yes the meds are useful.  I find, however, that soooo many people are on the meds, but not doing the work.  Guess what?  It won't work.  If you aren't willing to put in the time with therapy and learning, the meds aren't going to make you better.  They will merely mask the symptoms.  Stop taking the meds without doing the work and you will feel just as badly as you did before you started the meds.

So I guess introductions are in order.  My name is Leslie and I'm a 42 year old woman married to an extremely wonderful (and thankfully patient) man named Joe.  I have three stepchildren from Joe's previous marriage and we've been blessed with a beautiful grandson as well. 

I lived in Pennsylvania for my entire 42 years of life, within 20 miles of where I was born.  Joe and I (and my eldest stepson) have just moved to South Carolina.  I spent many years working in the title insurance industry till I finally burned out in spectacular fashion last November with my second nervous breakdown.  A one week stint in the psych ward, 2 months at outpatient treatment and continuing therapy, resulted in THE BIG MOVE.  The shift in perception that has lowered my anxiety, mitigated my depression and allowed me to live my life with happiness.

A new job, one that I love, has also helped with THE BIG MOVE.  Customer Manager for a life insurance agent who specialized in clients with diabetes.  Helping people that no one else wants to bother with, because it's hard.  But often, that which is hard, is extremely rewarding.   I have a wonderful boss who understands my issues and I am able to set my own schedule to a large degree.

So the healing continues.  The Big Move continues.  And this blog continues. 

Till next time...

Just Breathe