- Alexis Newlin
Settle
Updated: Nov 15, 2019

I've been settled in my apartment for 5 years and Fresno for over 6 years.
I've come a long way.
Prior to coming back here, I was a nomad. Some of it I had no choice; I grew up poor and often we'd have to find new housing every 1 to 2 years. I lived a life in boxes and suitcases, prepared to be uprooted at any moment.
When I became an adult, I vowed to be finacially stable so I could settle in one spot.
After college living, which involves a lot of moving from dorm rooms, to roommates to shared housing, I finally obtained a place of my own. Yet, I still continued my nomadic living.
I refused to buy furniture and settled for furnished places.
I lived in boxes, ready to move at a moments notice.
I still lived as if I could be unsettled at any moment, as if I would never truly hold onto a place that was my own.
While living with a friend of mine, I started to long for my own place. I knew that I wanted to live in the Tower District, an older side of town filled with cute California bungalows.
God made a deal with me:
"Buy furniture, and you'll get your apartment. No more nomadic living. YOu're going to learn how to be rooted. You're going to settle."
I cried.
The what if's started racing in my mind: what if I lost my place? what if my income decreased? I started reliving the fears that I'd had during my childhood.
God reassured me that He'd always be with me and He'd always provide.
I decided to seek out a place. Once I had it, I took a friend with me and purchased my first couch.
It was such a victory for a girl who never knew how to settle.
This post was written through a writing prompt through Five Minute Friday. I actually missed last week (Oops!).
For writing prompts and encouragement, please visit https://fiveminutefriday.com
Happy Friday Friends!
~Alexis