This topic is about a 49-year-old woman who is living with two ostomies and dealing with chronic pain and other health issues related to past cancer treatments. She feels isolated and without purpose, especially during the long, dark winters in North Dakota. Unable to work or have children, she spends her days at home and lacks a local support network. Her annual trips to the ocean, particularly in Florida, bring her joy and relief, and she dreams of moving to a seaside community to find a renewed sense of purpose. She is actively researching Florida towns and is hopeful about relocating with her husband.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. Emotional support and perspective
- Remember that surviving cancer is a significant achievement, and at 49, there is still plenty of time to make life changes. Keep your dream alive and focus on positive thinking. Visualizing the beach and setting concrete goals can help maintain motivation until you can relocate.

2. Create local or online connections
- Consider starting a local ostomy support group. By organizing such a group, you could help others and find peers who understand your situation. If in-person groups are hard to find, online communities can offer the support you need.

3. Light therapy for winter depression
- While waiting to move, investing in a sun-lamp or light-therapy device can help counteract the effects of limited sunshine during winter and improve your mood.

4. Relocation resources
- A lifelong resident of Florida has offered to answer any detailed questions you might have about moving there. Reach out when you start serious planning.

5. Shared experiences
- Many people find that living near water, whether lakes or oceans, helps reduce stress and improve their well-being. Others also plan to become Florida "snowbirds," showing that your dream is achievable.