Addendum 9:30 AM:
One of those wonderful people I refer to below as "knowing me all my life"..... has emailed me a correction. I actually lived in our first house for 14 years! Thanks Alice- (my 2nd mother/neighbor who lived across the street from us during my "wonder years")
2-3-09 stable brain?
I was pondering the possible reasons why I tend to resist change. With one glance at the mess in my basement, it becomes quite obvious that letting go is difficult for me. And it’s not just letting go of stuff, but people and relationships too. For example, I still exchange Christmas cards with my high school boyfriend’s parents..... That’s 30+ years ago that we shared some special times together. Is that so bad?
I have been turning this question over and over in my brain, what I have come up with so far is that the reason I am not good with embracing change is that I just haven't had enough PRACTICE. I had a very stable childhood….. is it possible to have too much stability? (My Dad’s going to get a kick out of that thought….. he already thinks I am wacky)…. But I think I’m on to something here.
I grew up in the same house for the first 12 years of my life. Then we moved up the street one block and this is where my parents still live. I have many people who can say that “they have known me all my life”. I still have friends from kindergarten.. My parents stay in touch in friends and neighbors they have known for 50 to 60+ years. Mom and Dad will celebrate their 60th Anniversary later this year. My Mom still owns the farmstead which belonged to her Grandfather, the place she was born and grew up. Greg and I now have been in our house for almost 16 years, ever since we were married. My life was and is predictable and sweet...... so what can I say..... I have never really had to practice change.
Personally, I like the whole concept of continuity. I like a life with deep roots and deep friendships. I remember learning this little song as a child…….
Make new friends but keep the old ones; one is silver and the other gold.
So I guess I need to start….. start to practice change......I hope you noticed the new February look of my blog today. Baby steps! Who knows maybe I’ll get really BOLD and change the look every month!
House update: offers and counter offers continue!
I've been in both scenarios...moving 7 times in 10 years to my first husband. I think that's where I became a purger...getting rid of things if I haven't used them in a year. Now I've lived in the same house for 14 years. But I'm not a pack-rat. I like the feeling of free-flowing energy and keeping closets cleaned out at least once a year. If I put something in a box and don't use it and have to look to see what it is...I get rid of it!
ReplyDeleteBut I live near the town I grew up in. Everyone knows me in this community from when I was little, so I know both sides of the street :). You will gain momentum as you start...movement is the key. ~L
I agree, getting starting is the KEY!.... the FOCUSING!
ReplyDeleteNice blog entry and I like the new layout. You may have found your new career path...writing. Encourage your folks to get a computer so they can read your blog.
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