Downsizing has been a big job. I’ve missed blogging during the time that this important life change has been taking place. It hasn’t been one life change really but several, each one hinging on the other.
Downsizing has been about letting go, more and more, day by day, of all that had captured my heart in its weary yearning for the ownership of house and home. At an earlier, younger time of life, was the time when I had the desire and dream of having my own house and I would do anything to realize this. Fortune smiled and this exciting event happened – not only once but twice. Along with all the responsibilities came the joy of owning one’s own home. It was fun decorating and acquiring all the accoutrements to make this home truly beautiful and reflective of each family member’s individual personality and taste.
Little did I realize then that one day this longed for possession would no longer have the same appeal for me. We outgrow what we once grew into. This age and phase was calling me to a different way of living and being. I didn’t want the accoutrements clutter and responsibility that came with “big” anymore. “A man builds a fine house; and now he has a master, and a task for life; he is to furnish, watch, show it, and keep it in repair, the rest of his days.” Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882)
Big to small was the order of the day. The house was put up for sale. We received many offers and the new owner is a very young person. She’s up to the responsibility and task of home ownership and we’re happy that she loves this house and is overjoyed to make it her home. And so life changes, and we’ve moved on.
This is a different phase and stage of life and our new home which we are renting has turned out to be beyond our wildest expectations. We have less space but we don’t need as much anymore and that is a nice feeling. We don’t have all the clutter and we realize that we don’t need as much as we thought we did. Downsizing externally is good but downsizing internally is even better. “To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter … to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring—these are some of the rewards of the simple life.”— John Burroughs
The most important learning of this time is truly that when we closed the door of our last home, another door opened up for us. We have beautiful views from our new home, lovely sunrises and sunsets, and most of all the opportunity to see that this is a time for gladness and new opportunities appropriate to this time of life. Just as all the other phases of life came with their lessons and learning, so does this time. It’s all part of a lifetime.
There are no regrets – just looking forward to what’s ahead and the growth and opportunities of this time – and more beautiful sunsets!