A significant change in routine for 7 months presented unexpected challenges when I returned to Virginia.   I thought that I would settle quickly into my old life but found I had lost the groove.

This last week I have felt somewhat more settled and productive. The first 3 weeks I found it especially difficult to prioritize. Without a routine (other than exercise and work), I spent a lot of energy trying to decide what to do and feeling guilty and unsettled about not getting enough done. I still have this strange feeling that while I am looking forward to going back in Alaska in the spring, I won’t be ready.

None of this in ANY way feels like a big deal. It just surprised me! Below are a few examples.

Upon return I quickly resumed exercising and work as priorities that could not be put off any longer. Shockingly,  it took me 3 weeks to get to the library! We have put up 2 deer, 8 quarts of vegetable/ venison broth, and dried some figs and persimmons that were too much for eating fresh. To date I have made very little progress in organizing various things (including unpacking!), improving my phased retirement financial plan, and garden work. Meals are a bit uneven, but getting more reliable and healthier.

If anyone has stories of their own transition periods and the pros and cons of establishing new routines, I would love to hear from you!