New Spaces for New Growth
“I have, in the past, seen settling down as a deterrent to growth. It doesn't have to be, though. It can be the launching of new growth.” — Jan Denise
I am adopting this perspective as we settle into our new home. Since we started this journey of putting a deposit down, packing, and moving, I have been stretched in a variety of ways—some difficult, some welcome. The stretching continues, as we settle down in a new part of town, with new roads, and ultimately new challenges. First to the good growth. It is a pleasure to have coffee while enjoying this view. The view at our old place was supposed privacy bushes that the birds built their nests in; which alternatively attracted flies and other bugs. They still did not hide the neighbor's cinder block wall, or block out their "tenant's" noise. We were sometimes bothered by the landlord's intrusive wife, Jehovah's Witnesses, and neighborhood wanderers—the bane of being directly off a major strip. So the shades were always drawn, which only added to my depression and the feeling of the walls closing in. I am a light and space girl, and I cannot tell you what seeing this every morning has done for my soul.
I am thrilled that the dogs have space and comfy pillows on which to perch. Puppet, in particular, is all about the comfy pillows and is trying them out in every room.
And for a mold-free bedroom that also has lots of light, and that I can decorate and fix up.
After 11 years that comforter needs to be replaced and our wood needs some help. That's what 4 dogs will do for you, but I wouldn't trade it! And now, to the discomfort. We still have essentials to get: like a refrigerator, which means we are spending way more on takeout and delivery than I want. We are full-time workers, so the unpacking and the final cleaning and polish is slow. We moved in with the knowledge that it is an old space, and some things have been neglected; so it is also navigating the waiting and the logistics of having those items repaired or replaced. We have been gifted with a washer-dryer, but have to wait until our benefactor moves next month; so weekly laundromat visits are back on the agenda for now. My challenge is not to fixate on either the pleasurable growth or the uncomfortable parts. My job is to just be present in the process, learn to be patient with the process, and take things as they come without stressing myself out and wishing for something different. It's also allowing for gaps, mess, and imperfection, because even that is a form of growth and beautiful in its own way. I am also thrilled with this full length mirror so I can make sure my outfits are on point. Today's couture is my favorite Yoga shirt and leggings: perfect for the day's agenda of teaching the Yoga, and training new teachers!