There are times in one’s life when a complete change in surroundings and routine is necessary and, I think, desirable. For me, this has become almost normal. Having been born in the UK and worked there for several years in various towns, including a stint doing National Service, then a move to New Zealand, where we lived in two towns, then to Sydney to occupy houses at different times in Mosman, Bondi, Cronulla and now Blackheath, packing up and a change to one’s surroundings seems normal. One of the many benefits of moving regularly is the opportunity to shed all those unnecessary items which one tends to accumulate. Even furnishings become less important and expendable.
The temptation is to stick with the old and familiar – same house, same friends, same routine. Why change, you ask, when you have your life and surroundings under control. Because, as the old saying goes: A change is as good as a rest! Movement to new surroundings demands change in the ways in which you move around, shop, relate to neighbours, exercise, and so on. Change results in different ways of thinking and behaving. Change is a challenge that gets the brain working – solving problems, innovating, reevaluating, and suggesting new ways of living.
Actually, it is not really possible to stay the same forever. Age changes our needs, familiar neighbours are replaced by others, children are born and older children leave home, pet animals are acquired, new businesses start up, transport evolves and new accommodation is built, so that we may stay in the same house but our surroundings change. The danger is in trying to cling to the past, to the familiar, and to the old ways of doing things and behaving towards others. It is possible to keep up with the inevitable changes in society and our surroundings, but it takes effort. So why not make a change in your life? How about learning a language; taking up painting; writing your memoirs – it doesn’t matter if no one reads them, the act of writing will change your thinking? Become a mentor to a disadvantaged youth or join a charity and help others. It is easy to remain an old fuddy duddy, if that is what you want, but much more fun and exciting to initiate and welcome change.
Renaissance not Retirement 