After 6 years of struggle, that was mired in seemingly seemingly endless loss, I’m in a physical place that I’m overjoyed to be in. I’m surrounded by open people that I’m fascinated with. Endless exploration (which I’m mighty fond of) abounds all around me. This reality drew me here, particularly.
Seattle has become far too overwhelming for me -> way too much stimulus. Stimulus affects survivor’s grandly – much more than it did pre-TBI & resultantly avoidance of it is a priority for the vast majority.
Years ago, and for many years until I was 26 (when this catastrophe occurred) a couple days a week, I only went home to change (if I didn’t have extra clothes already packed away in my back pack). But now, I’m far more contented being at home or in my neighborhood – writing from home or from cafes, wether in this capacity, or in personal notes, running errands, going for walks etc.
It’s extremely wise of the US government, never to expect me to work again, lifelong. It is mighty taxing though, to live in total = rent, groceries, transport, toiletries…(I allocate 2 meals out for myself per month) whilst existing on a little less than $1,000 per month. Without my mom’s substantial help, I wouldn’t be able to live in a city – big or small as cities are the only setting that I wish to live in, as all can be reached on foot.
Bellingham, WA (which offers interurban walking trails – right in the middle of the city), also values as well as honors art and it’s certainly less expensively than Seattle to enjoy. (Take a look @ the advertisement above, for proof of this reality.)
Bellingham feels like a grand step forward for me. This lies in direct contrast to my many years of overwhelming work (true stuff – no need to overdramatize) that was necessarily devoted (& therefore nearly consumed my life) to reclaiming skills that I had gained long ago, but then lost.
Re-learning didn’t feel like moving forward -at large- at all! It was certainly necessary – a step that enabled moving forward (combatting the immense regression that resulted from my severe brain injury). But, it wasn’t particularly, or at all, (in truth) fulfilling. Just ridiculously frustrating. (Which was made obvious to others, through our interactions).
I was reminded by my dad of the realization, that I embraced while living at the rugged Sanctuary/”yoga farm” = to desert my big city fascination & explore somewhere with a more personable culture.
I’m extremely happy to report, that I’ve found it…or 1 of them at least :). This city has been an incredibly wise decision for me to relocate to.
The residents of Bellingham (young & old!) nearly always smile at me when we pass each-other on the sidewalk as well as say hello, before moseying along. I’ve never encountered someone spanging (asking for your spare change – and often intimating that they’re entitled). This, in particular. is so very different from Capitol Hill, Seattle.
Not to mention that the bus drivers here are incredibly hospitable (& unnecessarily so)! One driver deviated from his route, to drop me at a stop that was just steps from my end location. (He was enabled to do so because I was the solitary passenger left on the bus. ((There weren’t many to begin with))). Bellingham doesn’t have the same parking insufficiency that Seattle does & so most residents drive.
Passengers nearly always express thanks to the driver of the bus for the transportation, each time they disembark the bus! This was so surprising for me to hear, that I certainly payed attention.
This move is a massive step, in what I now know, intuitively, is the right direction for me.