When I meet someone new we often get to discussing our lives. What do you do for a living, is this your first time here, how long have you lived in Bellingham? You know the questions, you know the spiel. I recently met a new agent at the Muljat office and was having one of these conversations with her, and she said, “Where you plant yourself, where you put down your roots, changes everything.” It got me to thinking…changing where I have set down my roots really has changed everything for me.
Living in Bellingham has changed my life in so many ways. It has changed the way I move through this world. This tree, me, was MEANT to be in the PNW, was meant to be in Bellingham, and every day in every way I feel that. I grew up in Hawaii and moved to Arizona when I was 17 years old to go to ASU. Life happened, and I ended up staying in Arizona for 30 years, though I knew the whole time that it wasn’t where I was supposed to be. Below are ways that I have changed since living in Bellingham, Washington.
Ways Bellingham has Changed Me
My Attitude is the first thing that comes to mind, and is the biggest change I have made for sure. While I lived in the Phoenix area I was constantly pining to be somewhere else. The heat made me angry and sweaty so I wouldn’t leave the house unless I had to. I saw the negatives in everything. Since relocating to a place that I adore I see so much more. Everything is just BETTER now that I live in Bellingham. I don’t feel defeated before the day even begins. I am hopeful here, excited about things to do , places to go. Everything gets a positive spin now.
My Physical Activities: Every single day I try to get out for a walk now that I live in Bellingham. The wonderful thing about doing this in Bellingham vs Phoenix is I can go any time of day that fits into my schedule, where for much of the year in Phoenix I would do it at midnight because the streets and sidewalks were too hot for my pups feet during the day. I also hike regularly, and plan on snowboarding too (even though last year I broke my leg the first time off the chair lift). I snowshoe too. In the near future I plan on buying a boat so we can explore the San Juan Islands . We have also talked about buying bikes to take down the trails and to get into town. Bellingham’s weather is so temperate that I want to be outside year round and do all of the wonderful activities available.
Gratitude: Living in Bellingham has made me grateful. Every day when I wake up and look out my windows and see all of the natural green, huge trees, and bay views I am grateful to be here. Having an attitude of gratitude changes the way that I view the world. If I start with gratitude for living in such a beautiful place all of life’s annoyances don’t seem nearly as big of a deal.
Letting people into my life: Living in Bellingham I have fostered relationships with people like I never have before. Do I think that Bellingham people are just better? Maybe. But I think this change is mostly about me. I think, because I am happier, and more active, and grateful I attract people more. I have started seeing the good in people, and sharing more about myself, and therefore I have made better friendships than I had in Phoenix after 30 years. I also allowed myself to fall in love, and be loved, and after living single for around 12 years.
Life is short, and after all, you are NOT a tree. You can MOVE. Live where you want to live and live the life you want to live. For me that means living in Bellingham, WA. Maybe Bellingham is the place for you too? You did, in fact, find this blog…didn’t you? Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about living in Bellingham or Whatcom county. I would love to hear from you!
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