[mgm4444]

When you moved to TV did you notice a change in your demeanor?
Did your problems seem less overwhelming or stay the same?
Did you become more outgoing?
Bad habits get easier to fend off or do you still have them?
Feel healthier?
How much has your life changed because of your move?
If you revisited the place you came "from", do you look at that place differently than when you were living there?

....just curious as to the before/after emotional state of mind when you finally get there and settle in.

[swrinfla]

The biggest changes in my life:

1] I didn't have to cope with three floors in my then-100-year-old house any more!

2] I made more really good friends in the first couple/three months here than I'd ever had even in the neighborhood where I'd lived for better than 40 years!

3] I no longer ever have to worry about whether I'll have to shovel snow in the morning!

SWR

[villages07]

Living here these past 3.5 years has changed my outlook and lifestyle. It's a less stressful atmosphere, much easier to get around than in a big city, much friendlier and more sociable than a standard suburban neighborhood.

One can be a little more detached from the hustle and bustle and "bad news" of the real world.

I do feel healthier...the climate and lifestyle help promote that. I haven't had a cold/flu in the entire time here. One drawback (that really is a benefit) is all the social and eating out opportunities..... yes, we are a lot more active but the foodie events often "outweigh" the calorie burning events. That's a challenge.

I've only lived in one other State and when I go back there, I do feel like a visitor not someone 'going home'. The Villages is home now and I love the sight of that Water Tower when I make the return trip from the airport.

[Army Guy]

The wife and I totally concurr! Although we have owned for almost a year not, we find that so hard to believe, and are only down 1-2 weekends a month we do have a different feeling.

1. Life seems so much easier to deal with, we are very positive about our future.

2. We have definitely become more outgoing, and for once have developed "REAL" firendships, something we never had before. Remember we are military so all friendships to this point have been/are actually "tranist friendships".

3. Yes, we are developing all the bad habits of TV, endless thoughts of golf, learning new dances for the Town Squares, memorizing all the times "Happy Hours" start in the various locations, wait a minute, you said fend off bad habits! Sorry!!

4. As I said although we are only weekends at this point, yes, we feel very out of place when we leave TV. We call our home in Alabama, our "Work Life" and our villa in TV our "Real Life"! Also find we do not fit in in conversations as our train of though always brings up TV and others can not relate!

Army Guy

[graciegirl]

We came to Cincinnati this time to prepare our home for sale and our only grandson when asked about our leaving said, "I want you to be happy but I will miss you and this house that has so many memories of happy times". Ouch.

Since we are seventy, it is now or never and right now I am feeling bad and selfish to think of moving away from our other daughter and our two grandchildren.

When I am in TV, I am always up, but to tell you the truth, there is far less to do here up North and sometimes I feel lonely for "grown up friends". I have plenty of those younger kind.

It is so joyful to be taken seriously and to have idea exchanges with your "peers" everyday. The beautiful sunshine and flora and fauna add to it and that is just the beginning of a long list of things that keep you moving and smiling. VERY good for anyone's mental health.

Please "think" me a Villages hug. I need one today.

[philnpat]

Although we've never met, we feel like we know you. We're presently part-time villagers hoping to spend more time in TV as time goes on.
You posts have been so informative and upbeat! Big hug from both of us...we hope to meet you in person soon.
Phil and Pat

[ssmith]

I sure do wish YOU a big HUG!!! You are forever the Cheerleader of TV and even YOU have a bad day...of course, a bad day up North and not in TV.

I pray you get persective...as to whatever is right for you...Stay true to that!!! It is a big decison... and of course it can always be changed if need be.

[eweissenbach]

I am a wannabe, and we will have some of the same issues with family, grandkids, etc. when we make the move. You have given so many virtual hugs on this board, that you deserve a hundred in return. Hopefully we will meet, perhaps when we are down for January and February next year.

As to the original post, we have not spent much time in TV yet, but it is obvious to me that the emotional spirit of TV is infectious. Everyone is upbeat and having fun, and that is bound to lift everyone (A high tide lifts all boats). We once owned a weekend lake cottage in northern Minnesota, and found the atmosphere there, in season, to be like the Villages. Everyone was on "vacation" and in a good mood, ready to party and visit. I found it such a refreshing contrast to the neighborhoods in which I had lived, where we barely got to know our neighbors. In "real life", we have too many things going on to smell the roses. We now live full time on a lake, which is alive with people and activity in the Spring and Summer, but is remote and void of activity in the winter. We love to dance and go to events, but live too far away from many of those things to take advantage on a regular basis. Golf for much of the winter is something to watch on golf channel. So, I feel certain that the activity and the joy to be had in TV will help us, as it helps many of you, live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life and thus, is our motivation to be there.

[Bettiboop]

Consider yourself hugged, GG!

[Pturner]

Gracie, I'll be "loving" you a heart-felt hug all day!

mgm, your questions are excellent! We have a home in TV but do not live there yet. I'll give the the perspective of a part-timer.

I'm not aware if my demeanor changes. But, I do feel more relaxed and hopeful in TV. In a short time, I have met people who I truly love and can't wait to spend more time with.

Feel healthier, definitely. Beauty in TV is everywhere you look. The air is clean (unlike in smoggy Atlanta). I play more. I spend more time with friends. I bicycle, golf and walk more.

Problems seem less overwhelming? Yes. I don't feel pressed to get things done. We have a smaller home there that is easy to clean. My husband still works now, but when we are down there, I can see and feel and taste and smell a fabulous future.

Bad habits get easier to fend off or do you still have them?
Well, I exercise more but also eat more. I'm probably more easy going. Other bad habits, I'll do my best to work on.

How much has your life changed because of your move? Time will tell. I can say that when we go to, I feel re-envigorated.

If you revisited the place you came "from", do you look at that place differently than when you were living there?
Already some. Last time we were there, TV started to feel like home. I was only there for 10 days and it took a week for our current home to feel like home again. My parents already live in Florida. My brothers live in greater Atlanta, but we are so spread out we speak more than we see each other. My friends make Atlanta home and they are very special. Some have already visited us in TV and I expect lots and lots of them down when we move down in a couple of years.

mgm4444, thanks for asking these questions. I'm anxious to read others' responses!

[kfierle]

Here is a great big hug for you!! You are definitely the head cheerleader for The Villages.

I am only able to get to my place in The Villages about once a year until I retire. Each time I am there, I feel like the stresses that are constantly with me have vanished. Believe me, I am not complaining! Stress free is fine with me.

I actually will be visiting my place in Bonita at the beginning of August and I can't wait!!

[K9-Lovers]

[QUOTE=graciegirl;262545] "I want you to be happy but I will miss you and this house that has so many memories of happy times". Ouch.
QUOTE]

Gracie, tell your grandson that he will be building new happy memories at your new home in Florida. Isn't it true??? Whenever your family visits, they are sure to have a wonderful time, and they will treasure those memories, too.

Here comes your hug: ((((((((((((hug)))))))))))