Step by Step

Whew!

That sums up how I feel after a whirlwind month of big changes-- changes large enough to create uncertainties about our not-so-distant future.

But, as the dust is beginning to settle, so are my swirling emotions.  I've swept them all up into a big ol' dustpan and dumped them in the garbage where they belong. None of these emotions were serving me or my current situation. They were cluttering my thoughts and robbing me of serenity.

Years ago, when interviewing for my first high school teaching job, the principal expressed some concern that I would be able to handle the kids due to lack of experience. He also wondered how I would manage the heavy workload; how I would approach the job in general.

My answer went something like this:
I am currently training for a half marathon, not a huge deal for some, but a big undertaking for me.  I am approaching it like I approach everything in life:  I break it into manageable steps and accomplish one step at a time. 

 Today is the day I heed my own advice.

The first step on our journey is to find a new place to live.  Since we aren't sure how long we are going to be around, we have decided to rent. And, since the buyer's offer included our furniture, we will rent a furnished place. In a way, it will be so weird to walk out of the place we have called home for nearly 17 years with just personal effects and memorabilia.

It's also exhilarating, freeing, lightening.

It's weird. We are enjoying our house more now than we have in a long while. We are using the pool, sitting on the lanai, soaking it all in. We will celebrate one last Thanksgiving here with our immediate and extended family, one last shindig at Pembrook Run.

When I texted the kids the change of plans--we were going to go to family in Pinellas County--my daughter texted, "BTW--this is depressing."

My answer: "No, it's not depressing. It's exciting, a new beginning. We have to keep moving in life so it doesn't get stale."

I'm also going to heed that advice.


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