I lived and worked in south east Florida all my life until 2006. So many things “rooted” me there. My family, childhood friends, college, careers, homes I owned and the business community.

I moved to southwest Florida, August 2006, for a complete career and lifestyle change, which was the right time and decision for me. People told me I was crazy to give up my tenured 23 year career in media radio sales and marketing. It was going to change anyway and I instinctively knew that. They also told me it was a “gutsy” move in the 50’s! Age was not a factor, it was an asset.

I moved to a new community, a new career opportunity, where I didn’t know anyone, and I embraced it as an adventure with great confidence and curiosity. So many things, just haven’t work out the way I had planned or envisioned them the past three years. I know now they are all a part of the adventure and they are turning out better.

I have moved 4 times including moving over, in the past 3 years, due to foreclosure landlords. It simply is a bi-product of the high times when people bought and invested in real estate for the wrong reasons, then got caught up in the reality of not being able to flip or sell, and couldn’t carry the fiscal responsibility. Damn, I’ve been mad at some of these people for knowingly dragging me into their deal. The moving has made me feel not “rooted” in this area. It has left me with a gnawing question, of whether I am supposed to stay here or not?

It got me thinking though about what does make me feel rooted in my life.
It used to be more about stuff, jobs, things, achievements, money, in addition to family and friends.

The last three years has given me a new perspective on this.

I realized although I don’t feel rooted in a home I own, I do feel rooted in the people I have made new relationships with as my extended family, social life and business community. So many amazing people come to mind, that make me feel “rooted” both where I live and elsewhere.

It’s always been my family, friendships, people, relationships, living in passion, memories, serving others that makes me feel connected and a part of. Our roots are anchors.

I feel loved and I can love in return, in so many ways and levels.

“My roots”  run deep and are strong, and no matter where I am or where I live they will anchor me to myself and my life because they are connections, that intertwine me with them. They make me feel safe, secure and alive.

What “roots you?