I have moved offices more times in the past year than I can count. Ok, well I do have at least 3 fingers so I technically can count the number of times. I admit, moving 3 times feels a bit excessive. I’m not a flighty or indecisive person but I may appear to be that way if you base it on my moving history. Actually I really take my time making final decisions. I sleep on it, make a pros and cons list, seek wise guidance from others, listen to my intuition and pray about it.
The good news is that I hope this will be the last time I move Pam Litchford Counseling! I am giddy with excitement that I am moving to 2917-B Millwood Avenue in Columbia, SC. It’s not far from Devine Street and Dreher High School. A fellow counselor invited me to rent a remodeled space alongside her. It has a lovely lobby, abundant parking and no stairs to climb. There is also a cool mural on the building next to me that I will get to enjoy.
I feel a little bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. My first office space was just a little too small and not enough privacy. My second office space was just a little bit too big and too quiet. Sometimes when I meet with couples for counseling, we get a little loud. This office will be just enough space and the walls are insulated for counselors to ensure privacy. Yay!
The office I have just moved out of is a historic building that has fabulous exposed brick walls and wide plank hardwood floors. It’s heavenly. It feels like my living room, but even better. It also has some friendly neighbors but I often go days without having any sort of a conversation with anybody other than my precious clients. I cannot pass up being around other people. I found myself telling my friends that I would never leave that amazing office – except and unless I could find somewhere where there are other counselors to be around.
Often times we make plans and then something changes. I think we need to be flexible in our plans. I am the type where I would loveeee a plan that comes to fruition and stays just the way I planned it. I also like a Plan B and C. Just in case! I still strive to increase my flexibility and reduce the anxiety that can come from a sudden change. I’m not “there” yet but I’m working on it! I’m definitely a girl scout at heart – prepared for anything – and carry around an ample sized purse that is similar to Mary Poppin’s bag. You never know when you might need some hydrocortisone cream and a bobby pin.
So many events in my life have not gone according to plan. I’ve had to learn to breathe through the uncomfortableness and pain of that reality. Probably all of us can benefit from increasing our tolerance with distress. I definitely recommend a few deep breaths in through the nose to get the body’s stress reactions to calm down. Listen to one of my podcasts. At the end of each one I do a quick guided breathing session for you. There is so much power in deep breathing and letting things go (even if just for a few minutes)!
Come see me at my new location. I hope that I will be here forever but nobody know the future so I am going to enjoy each day. I hope you do the same with wherever you are in your life. Sometimes we need to make changes and sometimes we need to be thankful for where we are.