Exactly one year after returning to the Netherlands, we reached an important milestone: we received the keys to our new home. After twelve months of adapting and finding our place, it felt like relief and a new beginning.
A place of our own again
When we returned, we had been told it would take at least a year before we truly felt settled again. That proved correct. A few things still had to be done to the house, but simply having a place of our own gave us a great deal of energy.
The house was beautiful and had room for everything still in storage. That brought some surprises. Mischa had lost his toolbox, and sure enough, after a year we found it in storage again.
It felt as though we could create a home again, with a corner of their own for everyone.
Moving while recovery continues
I was doing reasonably well, although another move naturally brought plenty of worries. Packing and furnishing a home is stressful even without the added challenges of recovery.
At the same time, it gave me a sense of control and new possibilities. I could make choices again about how we wanted to live and the environment we wanted to create.
The children were excited about their new rooms. It was lovely to see them adapt too. Slowly, everyone found their place in the house and the new surroundings.
Being active gave my mind space
It was not always easy. There were periods of fatigue and I was still working on my recovery. Yet I also felt the excitement of a new beginning.
I loved working on the house. I carried materials, cleaned and painted. Looking back, I think it helped because it left less time to worry or overthink.
Give change time
For anyone going through a major change: it is normal to need time to find your feet. Moving is never easy, but it can also create room for growth and new possibilities.
Be patient with yourself and notice the small victories along the way. A new chapter does not need to be finished all at once.