It’s normal for a house to *explode* with stuff before it gets all packed up again, right?
We’ve been busy packing, fixing house things, and end-of-year activities.
For the most part, we’ve managed to remain calm and happy. The kids have been spending most of the weekend at my parent’s house, swimming and being spoiled. They have fun, while J and I pack up stuff. Fun, fun, fun.
J had a mini panic attack the other evening, and we’re going to try to push back our moving date by a week. It wasn’t exactly a panic attack — it was more of a HowAreWeGoingToGetItAllDoneInTime?! attack. Since escrow closes on June 30th, it’s easy to delay our move by a week. J just has to change his week-off with work.
image borrowed from here
I read this quote the other day, and it has really stuck in my head. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, especially as I pack up this chapter of my life and get ready for the next chapter. It’s a valid point. What kind of life can I make that is going to leave me happy and content on a day-to-day basis? What changes can my little family make?
What kinds of things can YOU do so that your life is something you don’t need to escape from?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
i have a feeling that you are so being so organized when it comes to this move. another week is a good idea! that is a great question to ask. I keep thinking that less is more!
Interesting post. I particularly liked the Seth Godin quote which I hadn’t heard before. That’s definitely a thought that’s been preoccupying my mind lately, although I’m making progress, slowly but surely, towards real freedom. It does beg the question though, when is a holiday a chance to relax and explore what life has to offer, and engage in new experiences, and when is it simply an escape from an otherwise dreadful life? I guess each of us can only answer that question for ourselves.
What a great question. Creating a home that is as calm, peaceful, organized and un-cluttered as I can make it (with five kids, my personal standard is far from perfect) makes me enjoy the life I live in it, rather than wanting to run away.
On the non-material plane, I find that the deep breath is my friend. Before I yell, before I lash out, before I react harshly to the childishness (often loud and jarring) all around me…if I take a few deep breaths I can respond with perspective and kindness and move on. I’m not always successful but when I am, it helps my life feel so much calmer and happier.