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	Finding Your Ideal Place To Live

	by Maria Marsala

Are you looking to bridge the GAP between where you are living and where you really WANT to live? How can you make this move practical and enjoyable for yourself?

CONFRONT YOUR FEARS

My first suggestion is to write a few lists so that you can "see" your thoughts in WRITING. This is a practical solution to curb the fears or doubts about a potential decision you are considering. Share your lists with a coach and a few close friends who support your decision to move and who can give you some suggestions that might help you walk through the fears. If you have family members to consider, now is the time to get them involved by asking them to write their own lists. Examples of some lists you might want to write are:

What is holding you BACK from moving, include all fears?
Why do you want to move? What do you expect to ACCOMPLISH through this move?

LOOKING AT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Another set of lists you can create relate to the types of ACTIVITIES you would want to be involved in and the community in which you would like to live:

Do you want to be near a certain type of church, type of hospital, or support network?
What are the INTERESTS you enjoy doing that bring a smile to your heart?
What kind of PEOPLE do you "generally" want to be around? Families, many young children, singles, teens', lots of people, few people, etc.?

YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Also take a minute to consider the actual ENVIRONMENT you want to live in when you move:

What do you want to see when you look out the window or drive around your new "home-town"? Ocean, lakes, mountains, flatlands, farms, a big metropolitan area, small city, town, the country or somewhere in between?
What type of HOUSING are you looking for? How many bedrooms do you need?
What are your favorite WEATHER conditions? In addition, what is your least favorite?

LOGISTICS

Finally, spend some time examining the PRACTICAL side of your move -- trying to bring your budget and schedule into alignment with your dreams:

How much can you comfortably afford to SPEND each month on an apartment or home?
WHEN are you looking to move? When can you move?
How much money do you have set aside for moving costs and set up costs for your new home?

ONLINE RESOURCES

Once you've answered the questions above, you're ready to go to a WEB SITE that will help you narrow down your "ideal location". Check out: www.moneymag.com and www.bestplaces.net. Could be, that your ideal location is where you are!

GOVERNMENT

Contact federal, state, and local AGENCIES as an individual, on behalf of family members, as a business owner, potential job applicant or volunteer in need of help locating services when you move. Take the time to let them know about your situation. They will help point you in the right direction. Most states and countries even have a web site outlining the services and resources they offer. Start with the:

Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicles / Transportation Department
Insurance Department (health, car, home etc.)
Attorney General (at www.naag.org)
Employment Security Commission
Small Business Administration (at www.sba.gov)
Education Department
and don't forget your "moving packet" from the Post Office (www.usps.gov/moversnet)

OTHER AVENUES

Companies such as Automobile Association of America, your insurance company, real estate office, Chamber of Commerce, Visitors or Tourism Center, and even moving companies are available to offer helpful HINTS about moving and INFORMATION about the area you are considering. Also look through newspapers, phone books and other literature you have gathered to narrow down your search.

GO ON AN ADVENTURE

After you have gathered all the material you can, take a TRIP to the places you are considering -- an extended trip if possible. Consider longer-term rentals such as corporate rentals if you have narrowed your site down to a city or town. Visit the places that are most important to you and your family. Check out schools and recreational areas and shopping malls. Talk to a real estate agent. Get a good FEEL for the area.

Maria Marsala is the owner of Maria's Place for Holistic Evolution, a nationally recognized Life and Business Development Coaching and Consulting Company. Maria's Place provides clients -- who are committed to having an impact on the world -- personal and professional services including coaching, consulting, training, seminars, administrative support and computer/web services. Visit website at www.coachmaria.com.

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