Saturday, May 5, 2012

Change and love

I never thought of myself as someone who resists change. Change is the nature of life. It's part of the cycle of life and death and life again. Maybe I'm getting old, because I'm looking at a change and I'm not excited about it. Or maybe I've finally got the life I want and I don't want to change it.

I love our home. We've lived here for 10 years and I'd stay here until I died if I could. But my husband's job is over an hour away and the yard maintenece coupled with the commute is leading us to check out condos closer to where he works.

What does this have to do with romance? Well, everything. When I was a girl I listened to Judy Collins (I know...waaaay long ago) and she had a song with a line that went something like this: "...but if you want to live in New York City, honey you know I will." That's a little farther than we have to go, but if it'll make my husband happier at the end of the day, I'm in.

According to M.Scott Peck, that's the definition of love. Wanting the other person's happiness as much or more than your own. So, with a minimum of kicking and screaming, I'm already starting to downsize. Purging stuff you don't need is a great thing to do even if a move isn't pushing you into it. There are some great organizations willing to take your old clothes and small household items. Plus, I see a yard sale in our future at some point in the summer.

Well, it took forever to write this blog. Blogger is giving me fits and that's one change I'm not happy about.   

9 comments:

Wynter said...

I always think change comes for a reason. It allows for growth (and maybe is an excuse for new furniture;-) Good luck with the move!

Chrisbails said...

I agree, I hate change also. But to keep up with everyone else, you have to be willing to change. My mom always told me, you have to be willing to compromise. Great post Ashlyn.

Maggie Nash said...

You know I've just been through this over the last year Ash. It's very tough to get through, but honestly - it's so much better now. I can't imagine why I kept so much STUFF. My rule for cleaning out was - if I can't remember the last time I saw it, then I don't need it. We had 5 skip bins and about a dozen trips to the rubbish dump, plus the St Vincent de Paul got a few car loads too. I'm glad I did it - and when I think about how difficult it was to keep up the large house, garden and pool from the old place I feel so relieved that I don't have to do it anymore. And yes, I moved because dh asked me to...we women seem to be the ones that compromise more eh?

Anonymous said...

We moved 11 years ago for pretty much the same reasons. I still miss my old house but I've thought AT LEAST once a week since we moved that it was a GOOD decision. Yours will be too. And as you say, getting rid of some of the clutter isn't a bad thing.....

Peggy

Sherry said...

Ash,

You know I love to move.. absolutely love it.. It gives me the opportunity to be someone new everytime.. I've never ever been anyone new, because I really do enjoy who I am. But the girls have, they used to love changing who they were.

And yes, I understand that you love your home but there is always another home, that might be just a little bit more what you need right now…

More cuddle time in the morning with Mr. Amazing, and more time together in the evening that alone is a plus..

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

You're all so much smarter than I am.
I have to see the possibilities as well as the things I'd be leaving behind.

Thanks for reminding me.

Dalton Diaz said...

I'm reserving judgment until I find out if you're moving farther away or closer to me!

Sam Cheever said...

Hey Ash!

I've seen pictures of your beautiful house and I understand your not wanting to leave it. But I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason and you'll figure out what that reason is once you've made the change.

Like Sherry, I LOVE to move. I love everything about it. But I think she and I are in a very small club. LOL

Here's a little tip. Since you are giving up a place you love, figure out one thing that would make the next place special for you and look for that. For me it would be a perfect spot in the house to write. For some it might be a great place to put a garden...whatever. Try to find something your current house doesn't have or that you could improve on. Then you'll feel less like you're giving something up, and more like you're gaining something.

Good luck with your house hunting. I hope you find the absolute perfect place to call home.

Callie Croix said...

A fresh start is so good for us psychologically, I think. Even small things, like purging old clothes/household items can make a big difference mentally. And I'm sure you man appreciates your support!