Have you ever been tired of moving?

Man, I thought I was the only person that felt that way. I had been moving to a new place every 1-2 years since I was in middle school. I can't even remember all the addresses I've stayed at.

At first it was because of family issues, like you've experienced, but then it just became an instinct. I would always be looking for a new place and justify it by saying it was closer to school, or work, or more affordable, and that made sense. Then I moved from one city to the next because I figured I was young and should travel before settling down, but I never found comfort anywhere.

Looking back, I realized that the insecurity of losing friends, relationships, possessions, status, etc. was what propelled the instinct of finding a new roof. I never found a home because I never felt comfortable anywhere. The feeling of losing it all and starting over became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I've been living in my current home - well, apartment - for the last 3 years and it's the longest I've ever lived in one place since I started puberty. And even now, I still go light on furniture and gadgets because I'm so used to the idea of having to pack it all up again.

It's emotionally exhausting never having that kind of security, so I feel for you. The burden of not having stability weighs on you and makes it hard to imagine a future.

I think now that you're older, maybe you'll have something to anchor you, like a job, or friends, or favorite places. For me, it was my dog. I live in an area with lots of places to walk her or to let her run free, and it's nice having a reason to stay put.