If you read my previous post about my work travel to Texas, you’ll see how life changing that trip was for your girl Beans. In short, a realization becomes quite evident: If I want to live a better quality of life, I need to consider moving to a less expensive city.

Well now, the time has come and I’ve made the firm decision. I’m leaving Long Island for Atlanta.

While I stand resolute in my decision, it still scares the HELL out of me. Yeah, I said it: HELL!

See, I’m a blissfully single mom, in my 40’s who intends to start a new life with my children several states away. The only place I’ve ever known as home, I’m leaving. My family who are my source of support and laughter – I’ll be farther away from them than I’ve ever been. Very daunting move on my end; but again, I’m at a point in my life, where this is necessary.

Why Make the Move?

There are so many reasons why I feel as if this is the right time for me to move. Although I hate change, this transition will help me grow into the next level in my life.

Financially, I’d be in a space I’ve never been before – I’d have some degree of financial independence. The anxiety of having to keep a job to pay the mortgage will no longer exist. I’d have the ability to make large contributions to my children’s college fund. Most importantly, no more paycheck to paycheck living. A bold move like this would be a game changer for me financially.

Quality of life wise – beautiful homes that I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to live in. Great school districts. Low property taxes. Let’s not forget about the beautiful Georgia weather. For me, the amenities are probably the biggest factor in the quality of life argument. Being accessible to locally owned eateries that cater to my common interests is a big plus for me. Where I live right now, these places aren’t as accessible. I’d like to be able to grab brunch and listen to the R&B music that I love without driving an hour and a half to get there.

The Queen of Procrastination

Now that I’ve made my decision, what’s the next step?

Your girl Bean is the Queen of Procrastination. So if I’m really going to make this move to Atlanta, I have to be bold and take actionable steps. Here’s one for you: I’ve put my house on the market. This is HUGE. My realtor is holding an open house this week, in fact.

Funny story – my realtor came by, gave me the specifics to the process of selling my house and told me someone would be by to place the “For Sale” sign on my lawn in a few days.

Now, I totally forgot about the “For Sale” part of the conversation. So here I am the very next week, running out the door to make it Blink gym. I open my door and see the for sale sign. It was a rush of emotions. Consequently for me, I feel a mix of sadness at the prospect of selling, but at the same time, happiness knowing that I am really seeing through this next step. I ultimately smile that goofy grin of mine then yell up to my oldest son’s room: “SIMON! COME LOOK AT THE SIGN ON OUR LAWN!”

The implication of selling my home means that, at the very least, I need to find someplace else to live. It counters my bad habit of procrastination, forcing me to move forward and act on my very big decision.

Finally, your girl has been pre-approved for a home loan. Therefore, now I’m in the process of searching for a new house in Atlanta. At first I was interested in a new construction house. Now though, I’m looking at townhomes, they better fit my lifestyle as a single mom.

Click on the YouTube link below to see my most recent trip to Atlanta visiting a few homes. This is going to be an adventure and I’m here for it all.

Fortune Favors the Bold

Equally as important, fortune favors the bold. To get big results, one must take risks. In addition to leaving my family and way of life, by moving to Atlanta, I’ll also be leaving complacency. I refuse to become accustomed to simply surviving in New York, I want to actually live and enjoy life in Georgia.

What changes are you making in your lives? Do you have any advice for your girl Bean? Let me know in the comments below.

Until the next “Move to Atlanta” blog post, stay blessed friends.

Blissfully Single and Yours,