Moving On

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone is moving this year? My family, neighbors and friends alike all seem to be moving on.

Whether it’s down-sizing, upgrading, retiring or building – change is in the air.

It’s been interesting to be the one not moving (this time), but have a ring-side seat to it all. There is so much more wrapped up in moving than trading one space for another. It comes with the often onerous need to decide what to keep and what to let go of. This process can take on a life of it’s own. Pulling out a box of photos from the attic can become a journey back in time; each picture to be relived before landing in the stay or go pile. This can take months!

Besides attics, there’s closets, garages, storage units and assorted areas in which we store “treasures” that we’re sure will be needed one day. Sometimes I astound myself with the logic by which I deemed something worthy of storing. Moving is an opportunity to boldly and blatantly discard or pass on something not in use. This summer I have repeatedly heard how freeing it is to clear out and lighten up. 

If you have been in a home for any length of time there’s a spectrum of memories there, from wonderful memories of warm times shared with loved ones to the angst of disagreements or emotional hurts. As each room is painstakingly packed into boxes, its a good time to review what’s happened there. When I move, I like to give thanks for all the good and loving memories I hold from each space, then acknowledge and release any negative ones.

Part of moving on is beginning to see yourself in your new home. Imagining where your furniture will fit best, arranging your bedroom closet and how your home will accommodate your daily routine. You have to paint yourself into the picture you have of what’s coming next; it prepares you for the transition. And personally I’ve found it to be a lot of fun! I start to get excited when I can “see” myself in a new reality. Imagination a is powerful thing.

As a witness to those moving on, I’m reminded that it involves not only physical labor, but mental and emotional labor too. Yet, I’ve seen so many great things come of this effort:

conscious decisions

clearing out

letting go

gratitude

release

imagining

Things I want to have in my life. It’s led me to wonder how to increase them without having to actually move.

And I have an idea.

Over the next year, I’m going to pretend I’m moving. I’m committing to systematically going through my house “as if” I’m preparing to move. One closet, one stash, one room at a time. Practicing, preparing for the real deal one day. Gaining freedom, lightness, gratitude and release in the process.

As for imagining; we’ll see what adventures ensue. Want to join me?

In celebration of new beginnings,

   Pam