It’s been quite a journey the past two weeks here in Oregon, looking for a town where I’d like to live. It has been exciting, exhausting, and worth all the effort despite periodic times of despair & fear that I might not find any suitable town for me in Oregon.

Just when I was about to give up the answer arrived.

I loved one town immediately. At the back of my mind I wondered, could this be the place?

I have very good intuition, but I don’t always trust it immediately. I had to compare this town I loved to the next & last town on my list. After visiting the last town, I still wasn’t sure. It had to simmer awhile in my mind as I drove on a long country road back to my friend’s home where I was staying.

This may sound crazy, but I asked the trees that lined the road, “Where do I belong here?”

Later on down the road, the answer suddenly became crystal clear. Yes, the town I loved was indeed the town for me above all others. It feels like home there and meets my need for more nature, lots of trees as well as a medium size town with colleges nearby, a charming downtown area and a slower pace of life.

What a relief! I finally found the town for me! I couldn’t wait to announce my decision to my friend. She was very supportive.

The next morning I was exhausted from my long, constant search. So I took it easy all day. I felt a bit in a daze, soaking in the reality of this big choice I just made to move to this town.

The next morning I awoke with an overwhelming sense of dread. What was I doing leaving my comfort zone at this late stage in life?! My mind was kicking into a familiar old gear ~

F.E.A.R.

False Evidence Appearing Real

Guess what helped?

I took an action. I pushed myself up and out the door to visit the Farmers Market in town. Once I was there, my fears began to evaporate as I talked to people and enjoyed looking at all the things they were selling by a lovely park near the river.

I walked along the park and watched the children playing in the fountain.

Dogwood trees were blooming nearby.

People were relaxing under the shade of huge old trees near the river.

I fell in love again with this town.

Mission accomplished …

I found where I want to live in Oregon.

Tomorrow I fly back to my home in Los Angeles. It will be nice to be back in my comfy bed, but I will miss the green trees and lush forests of Oregon, my old homeland.

Next year, I plan to return to my chosen town in Oregon in hopes of finding a place for me to live there.

But for now … my first mission has been accomplished: Town found. 😊👍