A Moving Story from Our Readership

​We're thrilled to receive our very first Moving Story at OTM!

This blog belongs to our readers, so comment, share, and submit the stories you find here to inspire others with the support that a few knowing words can bring. 

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Eileen writes:

After living abroad alone for several years, I suddenly found myself at the age of 63, returning to my family and community. I knew the largish house I owned would be expensive to heat and to care for, and, since I was alone, I preferred something smaller and more intimate. I also knew I needed wood underneath my feet, so I opted for a small cabin near my children. Just enough privacy and just enough closeness for being "grandma."

I was very lucky to have both my children and their spouses to move me and the jeep and wagon that they used to place all of the big appliances and furniture on. The weather was in our favor, and the former tenant moved out just in time for the painter to put a fresh coat of cream colored paint on the white walls, giving it a warmer glow and feel.

This is the first time I have actually moved into a place of my own. and, being a Libra, it is not easy to make all the decisions about decorating and purchases. I was moving much of my recently deceased mothers' belongings into my new abode, and was worried there would be too many possessions. I knew I wanted light and less... kind of Japanese style... more white background—the black ink on the page...
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My daughter reminded me that when I unpack each box I can ask myself "does this spark joy?" If so, then I keep it. If not, then it gets put in a box and is later brought to the second-hand shop in our area that gladly receives everything. Knowing the undesired items would find a new home was important to me. i couldn't just throw stuff out, knowing that so many people need things but don't have the funds to pay for new items. I was once in that  place too, of being a young mother with many children and many needs and not much income, so it was important to me to also be able to pass on things that could help someone else.

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What I am finding now, after already living in my new place for 2 weeks, is that it takes time to know what I want and need in order to make this new house my home. the curtains, the rugs, the pillows, the light fixtures, all keep evolving each day as I try and "feel" what will bring a smile to my face whenever I see or touch it.  I want everything to be perfect already, but I see it is kind of like a garden... I need patience and to slowly plan it,  prepare it,  tend it, look at it, plant things in it, weed it, and wait, in order to discover how it will look once it blooms or gives fruit... slowly slowly.

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