• My simple life: an update on the move

    Posted on July 3rd, 2010 Saver Queen 8 comments
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    What I gave up: a view of green. But I'm finding other ways to appreciate nature around me.

    “There’s something good everywhere you go.” That’s what my grandfather told me when I expressed anxiety about leaving my hometown to go to university. That has always stuck with me. It’s very true, because no matter where we  live, there is always something good to be found. Sometimes in unexpected ways and in unexpected places.

    My move went well, and now I’m finally getting settled in to my new place.  I was very scared to move, partly because I was giving up so much – to name a few, I was downsizing from a large two bedroom to a small one bedroom, switching from underground to outdoor parking, and moving further away from, well, just about everything – downtown, work, yoga.  And I was trading in my beautiful balcony for a much smaller, less scenic view.  There were also sentimental reasons that made it difficult to leave.  It was where I had lived with my former partner, and walking away meant officially closing the door to my past.But I was also sad to give up the apartment because it was the place where I had become re-acquainted with myself. I was crushed after the break-up, and I put myself back together in that apartment. For a year I lived alone. I found work, found new friends, found a new sport, and found myself again. I rediscovered my independence, and found peace in simplicity and in solitude.

    And so, I was afraid to give up this space where so much had happened. But I felt inspired by my readers’ comments, especially the one that said, “You will create peace in your new apartment. You are peace.” It reminded me of a quote by Robert Fulghum:

    Peace is not something you wish for;

    it’s something you make,

    something you do,

    something you are,

    something you give away.

    I wish to give away peace, to inspire, respect and honour other people, including myself. And moving to this new place helps me to accomplish this. I’ve found a place that is affordable but is also comfortable, which makes it sustainable, and that allows me to do the work I love to do.

    My new place is simple, modern, clean, and it is me.  It has big windows and a big bathtub. And it is filled only with what I truly love. I got rid of everything I didn’t need or that didn’t make me feel good.  I donated my television sets so I am officially TV free. I donated most of the cheap, mass produced Ikea furniture that my ex left behind.  I donated a lot of things that had negative associations from my past, or even things that just pulled on my heart strings too much. I kept only what I really value, what I love, and what brings me joy or adds something to my life.

    Walking into my new apartment, it feels cozy and it feels like me.  To some, it might look like failure. I don’t have a lot of expensive stuff to show off. But to many, I think, this lifestyle would be enviable. Not bogged down with extra “stuff”. Not a slave to my posessions or to my self image. Clear on what I love, and what is important to me.  I have my antiques and vintage finds, my own art, my plants and herbs, some high quality furniture, and my most important asset, Butternut. (Home, afterall, is where the cat is.)

    Sometimes I compare myself to other people and I wonder if I’ve failed myself, if I haven’t raised expectations of myself high enough. But I guess my inner desire is just too strong to be ignored, the desire to live simply, to live modestly, to live meaningfully and mindfully.  I guess I don’t even need to question it; this life feels right to me. It gives me peace.

    MIndfulness
     

    8 responses to “My simple life: an update on the move”

    1. Wendy July 3rd, 2010 at 22:19

      Beautiful post. Thank you.

    2. it's me, Sam July 3rd, 2010 at 23:17

      This is the second time I’ve read the post, the first time made me cry happy tears.

      I’ve been purging my home of things that I no longer like or like you have history with someone else.

      I think you’re brave to get rid of the tv, I’m considering giving up the microwave as the only time I use it is to heat up my coffee or leftovers.

      Bravo, saver queen, bravo for being strong!

    3. ~~Melissa July 4th, 2010 at 18:10

      Cheers for a lighter load and a fresh beginning.

    4. Trish July 5th, 2010 at 09:23

      You have a great outlook and approach to your new life. I struggle with what others may think as well, of my shabby old house, full of dog hair, and my seeming lack of ambition in the professional world. but I remind myself of what I have that I love, a low stress, placid country life. I love that word placid!

    5. Catherine July 5th, 2010 at 13:54

      So glad to hear your move went well. I applaud your decluttering of mind, heart and apartment.
      Enjoy knowing you love your new home and are at peace there. Your leap of faith has won the day. Butternut is a loving and forever friend on your journey. Enjoy!

    6. me in millions July 6th, 2010 at 23:13

      Really great, thoughtful post. I hope I’ll be at that place (physically and emotionally!) very soon.

    7. Saver Queen July 7th, 2010 at 22:20

      Thank you, thank you, thank you, for everyone’s supportive comments. And best wishes to those of you who are also going through some struggles, saying goodbye to past relationships or trying to make peace with the past, or simply moving towards a simpler, calmer life. It sure helps to know that we’re in good company.

    8. Nancy July 13th, 2010 at 08:26

      Personally, I think you have a VERY enviable lifestyle. You’ve created what most people search for, for their entire lives. You’ve taken the time to look inward and you’ve listened and followed your authentic self. What gift is greater to oneself? Your home reflects that as well, and I know it will contain the mindful loving energy of who you are…

      Time to make some beautiful memories happen in this sacred space! Looking forward to reading about them as you begin the next chapter..xo

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