Lessons

Today was my first day back at work after nearly five weeks off. It went so fast! I kind of knew it would, but I’m still surprised at how quickly it zipped by.

Of course, I had a few things to do. Like pack up my house. And move. And unpack. You know, small stuff like that.

Although I’ve moved house a lot of times before, this particular move has felt like a big one. I think it’s because it’s brought a lot of changes with it, including…

…rehoming my cats. (This actually happened before the move was decided. Long story, but the upshot is they both have fabulous new homes where they are pampered, well loved and very happy.)

…severely culling my possessions. I’ve gone from a two bedroom unit on my own to moving into just one room (plus some bits and pieces) in a well-established household. Astute readers of my blog will know that I’ve been banging on about minimalism for quite some time. Actually putting it into practise, for real and in a major way, has been exciting. And rather terrifying at the same time.

…house sharing. I’ve shared many times in the past, so it’s not an unknown. This time I’m sharing with a friend and her two kids, which is rather different. I haven’t lived with kids since I was one myself – or at least since my little sister was, and I moved out of home when she was 12. Happily, these kids are very awesome and I love them (and already spend heaps of time with them) so I’m not too worried about that adjustment.

My counsellor asked me, before I moved, if I had any concerns. I said my only real concern was about food. I still have a few disordered-eating habits and behaviours that I haven’t quite managed to let go of yet, but it’s difficult to engage in ED behaviours when sharing a house (and meals) with people. So really, my only concern was that I might not be able to fall back into unhelpful and unhealthy behaviours. That I might actually do some more healing. Ha. That’s not a bad concern to have, is it?

After the move, she asked me what I’ve learned in the process. That was a hard question, but I think the thing that stands out the most to me is that I really don’t need stuff. And getting rid of it – or about 90% of it – has been incredibly freeing. I kept clothes and bedroom furniture and one bookcase. I kept my knitting, crochet and embroidery things, and some art supplies. I kept sentimental items like photos, and books that my dad got as Sunday School prizes in 1941. The rest? The lounge room furniture? The kitchen items? The TV? The dozens of things I’ve moved from house to house because I loved them 20 years ago or because they were a gift from someone I never see anymore anyway? GONE. All gone, and it feels great. I feel light. I feel free. I feel like I am now surrounded by only the things I love, the things that comfort me or challenge my skills or make me happy. It’s a great feeling, and I’m so happy to have made this move so I could find out just how much I don’t need.