How I Recognized It Was Time for a New Environment (And You Might, Too)

How I Recognized It Was Time for a New Environment (And You Might, Too)

In my previous post, I shared background information about the journey that led me to consider environment changes, particularly through recognizing patterns and experiences that prompted deeper reflection. (I’ll link that post here for those who want to refer back to it.)

Today, I want to delve into specific signs that might suggest it’s time for a change in your environment—or even a move. These reflections come from my own experience and might resonate with you in unique ways. Each of us will encounter versions of these feelings at different times, and while some people may recognize just a few of these signs, others might already feel a strong pull to make a change. Sometimes, though, it can take a few cycles of these experiences before realizing they may be indicators of a need for a true physical shift.

Whether you're seeking validation for a change or simply exploring, I hope these insights offer a supportive perspective on tuning into what you need.

Photo by Nubia Navarro (nubikini)

1. You’re Presented with a Viable Option to Move

I wanted to address this point first because a major life shift, like moving, isn’t just an idea—it’s a big decision that involves very real, practical considerations. Sometimes, even when we know deep down that a change is needed, we’re held back by the absence of a clear or realistic option. I think many of us can relate to feeling ready for something different but waiting for the right opportunity or support to make it possible.

It can feel disheartening to hear advice about change when the “how” still feels out of reach. For me, the prospect of moving has only felt truly achievable when I’ve had a concrete support or opportunity—though, honestly, it didn’t always look exactly as I’d imagined. Each move I’ve made, I can trace back to a moment when the next step revealed itself, fitting the needs and circumstances of that particular time. It’s shown up in various ways: sometimes as a friend’s offer of a room, a relative’s suggestion, or just discovering a place that made sense with my budget and needs.

This is where the process of change can start to feel real. When a tangible option presents itself—be it a job offer, an invitation from a loved one, or the discovery of a place that feels right—it’s a sign that change isn’t just necessary but also possible. These opportunities may not appear in the way we expect, but they can light the path forward when we’re ready to step into something new.

Photo by Jeffrey Czum

2. You’re Losing Motivation for Life

I remember so clearly when this feeling first surfaced, and I found myself confiding in a few close friends about it. It wasn’t that I wanted life itself to end—it was more that I felt ready for this version of my life to be over. Life still held moments of joy, but reaching for that joy had become exhausting, as though it took more energy than it should. The experience was deeply intense. Over time, I came to feel that I had absorbed everything this chapter, this place, had to offer. I was giving my all just to keep moving forward, but that effort no longer brought the same sense of fulfillment or happiness it once had. I’d grown, I’d learned, and I’d given so much—financially, emotionally, and spiritually—that I felt… spent.

More than anything, I began to sense that I was overstaying my welcome in this part of my journey. The longer I stayed, the more it became clear that something was missing, and as weeks turned into months, I saw that no matter what I tried, I couldn’t seem to create new meaning within it. It was as if the life I had built stopped growing with me. When we start to feel like we’re simply existing rather than thriving, it’s a powerful signal. Living each day without a real sense of joy or purpose can feel like you’re moving through a space you’ve outgrown, one that no longer resonates with who you’ve become. If you find yourself moving through life without a genuine connection to what brings you alive, it might be time to consider a new environment that can help you rediscover that spark of purpose and energy.

Photo by Deeana Arts

3. Your Creative Spark Has Faded

This realization took me by surprise—and I’ll admit, it was unsettling. After all, I’ve named my blog Creative Life by Nherie; I believed a creative life could surely weather moments like these. But, just like anything else, creativity sometimes needs a reset, a period of rest. This time, though, felt different. It was a sudden disinterest, an inability to feel inspired, that signaled something more significant might be shifting in my life. Many of you may remember my small hobby business, Create Season Studio, where I’ve spent countless hours crafting and creating. That part of me is still very much alive, yet as my priorities shifted, I felt my focus and passion begin to wane. Eventually, I made the tough decision to temporarily close the online shop, confronting the creative stagnation I was experiencing in my environment.

When the space around you no longer fuels your creativity, it’s often a clear sign that a change may be needed. If creativity has always been central to your life, a sudden loss of inspiration or energy for your creative projects might mean that your environment is stifling this essential part of you. Creativity flourishes in settings that feel fresh, energizing, and aligned with where you are. If your space no longer inspires your ideas or offers that essential spark, a new environment might be just what’s needed to reignite it.

Photo by Kaique Rocha

4. You’ve Withdrawn from Your Community

When the activities and outings that once brought joy start to feel more like obligations, it may point to something deeper than just burnout—it could be a sign of disconnection from your environment. I felt this shift quite profoundly during the last two years I spent in my previous city. I’d always known my time there was temporary, but the uncertainty and challenges that followed the pandemic made reconnecting with my community even harder. I tried to fill that gap by visiting neighboring communities, finding small moments of connection elsewhere. Still, a sense of discontent lingered, especially with the limited options my city offered for truly feeling “at home.”

When venturing out starts to feel like a chore, it’s often a sign that change is needed to reignite your sense of connection to your surroundings. If the activities you once looked forward to now seem burdensome, it may indicate that your bond with your environment has weakened. When engaging with your community no longer brings fulfillment, it might be time to consider a place that resonates more with who you are now and supports the kind of life you want to lead.

Photo by mikoto.raw Photographer

5. Self-Care Feels Exhausting

Self-care is meant to be rejuvenating, but when even these activities start to feel like a chore, it might point to something deeper—whether it's burnout or simply feeling out of sync with your current environment. I remember a time when my surroundings felt aligned, and I found genuine fulfillment in little rituals: spraying my favorite perfume, curling up with a beloved artistic book, journaling my thoughts. Those small moments often became the best parts of my day. But then, slowly, something shifted. The sense of joy and relief these routines used to bring just wasn’t there anymore. I tried switching things up, introducing new relaxation methods, and exploring different routines, but nothing felt quite “right” or gave me that alignment I was seeking.

It soon became clear there was more going on, a need that ran deeper than what a simple routine change could fix. While I kept experimenting with self-care practices, I started realizing that this environment might no longer be the space where I could truly feel renewed. If your self-care starts feeling more like another task than a source of peace, it could be a sign that a fresh start in a new setting is what you need to reconnect with yourself and regain that sense of alignment.

Photo by Liza Summer

6. Persistent Fatigue Despite Rest 

Constant fatigue, even after what should have been a restorative night, can often signal something deeper than just physical exhaustion. I remember when I first noticed this in myself. I initially attributed my tiredness to the occasional late-night scrolling, so I made some changes—setting an earlier bedtime and charging my phone away from my bed. While that helped a bit, I still woke up feeling drained, no matter how much sleep I got. My diet was balanced, and I even experimented with a few supplements to promote better rest, yet the fatigue lingered.

That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t solely about my sleep habits. I started to realize that my weariness was closely linked to my environment, tied to a sense of stagnation that I couldn’t shake with bedtime routines alone. If you find that even rest isn’t restoring your energy, it might be a sign that your surroundings are contributing to the emotional exhaustion you’re experiencing.

Sometimes, a fresh environment can provide the revitalization we need, offering a new perspective and energy that truly replenishes us.

Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV

7. Overload of Ideas Without Fulfillment

It felt as if my current self was grappling with the person I was becoming, each pulling in different directions. I found myself caught in a cycle of endless busyness and multitasking, hoping that if I just put in a little more effort, the missing piece would reveal itself. I threw myself into creating more products for Create Season Studio, rewriting business plans, supplementing my income with small side projects, and taking on tasks for others—all admirable endeavors, but none addressed the deeper need that was stirring beneath the surface.

Eventually, it felt like I was scrambling, trying to justify staying in an environment that no longer supported my growth. I was pouring out so much energy, yet not feeling the fulfillment or return that used to come so easily. If you’re overflowing with ideas but struggle to find satisfaction in bringing them to life, it could be a sign that your environment is stifling your potential. Sometimes, a new setting is what we need to feel truly balanced and re-inspired, helping us find clarity in our creative pursuits.

If you've recognized some of these signs in your own life, you're not alone, and you’re not imagining things. It could mean you’ve simply outgrown this part of your journey and environment. From a practical perspective, maybe you haven’t yet encountered that open door or invitation to change your physical surroundings—and I know how exhausting this stage can feel. Or perhaps you've noticed an opportunity for change but feel hesitant because it involves letting go of familiar things, even if they no longer resonate. This, too, can be an overwhelming place to be.

In the meantime, here are some suggestions that helped me through this “in-between” stage, offering relief without adding pressure while gently guiding you toward supportive actions.

Be open to exploring new ideas that you haven’t tried before.

In a season like this, it’s easy to fall back on comfortable routines. But if certain methods aren’t resonating anymore, it might mean you’re ready for something different. Don’t worry about “how” yet—just journal or reflect on what “different” could look like and open yourself to the possibility.

Connect with one or two trusted people who resonate with you.

The internet allows us to find support across distances, so if you don’t have close friends nearby, seek out online creators or communities who share openly about similar journeys. Spending time connected to supportive people—virtually or in person—can make all the difference in this stage.

Pause any creative pursuits that feel burdensome.

If creativity feels like pressure instead of joy, give yourself permission to take a break. If your creativity is tied to income, consider pursuing other work or adjusting your offerings for now. You might even try a new creative outlet to bring back that sense of ease.

Engage in activities outside your environment a few times a month, or as often as you can.

Accept invitations or explore simple activities away from home, even if it’s just a small outing. It doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming; the goal is to give yourself little things to look forward to and feel refreshed.

Imagine what you could let go of if a move became a reality.

Start by surveying your home. Picture what you’d keep if you only had a small storage unit. Decluttering or even just rethinking items sends a signal that you’re preparing for a new chapter, and it can be surprisingly liberating.

Ask your inner self for help whenever you feel anxious.

This might feel subtle, but asking yourself for guidance, especially before bed, can bring unexpected clarity. Sometimes the response is a small action that feels “right” in the moment, or a release through emotions. Follow these gentle cues without overthinking or obsessing.

If this blog post resonates with you, here are some upcoming resources I’m putting together.

I'm creating guides, worksheets, and journals to support you in this journey, sharing personal stories and steps from my own experience. I’ll update this blog and my other platforms as these tools become available. For announcements, check my Linktree. If you’d like to join my 2025 email list, please visit my contact page for details.

Here are some actions you can take next:

• I encourage you to check out the Simple Living, Creativity, and Community pages, where you can find ideas and resources I'm exploring during this transition.
• I'd love to have you learn more about and sign up for my newsletter email list that will relaunch in 2025.
• Stop by my YouTube channel @creativelifebynherie where I share life, creativity and intuitive tips connected to a thriving creative journey.
• If you need to get in touch with me, just follow the instructions on the contact page.

Other blog posts you might like:

• Simple Living, Creativity, Community and Change
• Embracing Change in Increments
• What Letting Go Looks Like: A Personal Reflection