Two Years

It was right around this date two years ago that I arrived in Seattle from my former residence in Phoenix. I told a few people recently that one has to occasionally knock a life or a system into chaos to get it to change, and I think this has been the case for me, as I have a whole new life here.

My dad asks me most every time I call him on the phone, "So, you still like it there?" The answer is always yes, and not because this place is without its problems. The city fits me pretty well, as I feel like many of my own values are in line with the values of the city, with some exceptions.

Much of the surrounding area, besides the natural beauty of the place and the uniqueness inherent in any locale, seems to feel much like the suburbs/exurbs of any other city. Christopher is very happy with the suburbs, and he and I are often in sharp disagreement about our feelings towards Seattle, since I still very much love the peculiar energy of this town.

The Freemont Solstice Parade that I saw today I really think highlights the things I love about this city. I think it's just delightful that I can live in a city where the police make sure we clothed, "normal" people don't get in the way of a naked bicyclists and have a policy that makes clear that there are better things to do than to go after pot smokers - not that I want to try either activity.

Besides being more aware of earth-centered celebrations, I can think of several big ways I've changed:

• I understand first-hand what a post-Christian world looks like and I feel better equipped to deal with it. I know very few people who identify as Christians and fewer who go to church. Church is just not on the radar screen at all here.
• I'm more understanding of the labor movement and why organized labor is important.
• I'm a more calm person from living here in this place of refreshing rain and peaceful lakes and seas.
• I'm much more aware of how we not only function as individuals, but also function as groups, and how groups and systems can be healthy or unhealthy, and the ways to create change in systems.
• It's not a big deal to be single here, as many people live by themselves and do things on their own.
  
• Being an introvert isn't an automatic liability in Seattle; there is lots of support and encouragement to have a rich inner life.
  
• Artistic expression of all kinds is a way of life, so my artistic spirit is encouraged and able to better be itself, without needing outside justification.
• I'm less judgmental, as the spirit of this place encourages one to be aware of group consequences of individual actions, but allows for freethinking.
• I'm far less materialistic. I don't need to live in a fancy apartment or drive a nice, big car, since both just don't work here. Simplicity is practical and expected in these parts.
• I'm more generous. There's a lot of emphasis on stewardship here in this Diocese, and starting afresh lets you prioritize expenditures differently.
• I don't feel stuck in one monolithic city, since there are many municipalities all around the region, each with Northwest sensibilities, but a slightly different take on them.
• I'm a more flexible person that doesn't feel like things always need to be done the way I want them done. I'm more open to change and far more adaptable.
• I'm a lot more happy. I was able to start anew in a place that was better for me all around.

Two years later, being much more used to the weather than I was even a year ago and much more used to the rhythm of life in the Northwest, I'm very glad to be here. I'm glad I made the choice to follow this dream I'd had for so many years and come here. It was the right decision.