In Week 12 of the Simplify Your Life Challenge, we’ve been asked to talk about how we deal with changes. For this post, I thought I’d share a story that happened a month or so ago…
* ****
I’m extremely fortunate to live in my dream location. Ever since I graduated from university and moved to Sydney, this was the spot that I had always hoped to eventually settle down. Years later, after much saving and hard work, I’m here. With my family.
But our modest 2 bedroom unit has started to reach its limits in space. That’ll happen with growing twins.
As with any old building, it has its structural flaws. One of them is the slight rising damp we have in the twinlets’ room.
We’ve always kept a close monitor on it. Even having the area re-plastered and re-painted. Repairs though, can only do so much. Moving out is imminent.
But we know that if we are to move to a bigger home, we will need to move out of my dream location.
Each time the topic comes up, I somehow manage to avoid it. Whether for the good or bad, I leave it up to my husband to do the searching on the real estate web-sites. I’m not in denial about our growing necessity to find a new home. I guess I’m just not ready to leave what I’ve considered perfect surroundings. I don’t want to face the change.
But then one Sunday, a friend told us of the severe situation he experienced in his apartment. Walls had to be knocked out and eventually, as there were little toddlers involved, everyone had to move out.
The tradesman told him the potential health risks that rising damp can cause. Especially for young children.
His story scared us.
The following day, Mr Surfer called me from work. We discussed our options. In a state of panic, we mutually agreed that it was time for drastic measures.
“I’m going to set up some meetings with real estate agents this week…” my husband solemnly said.
The sudden urgency overwhelmed me. However, this time, I no longer had the choice to steer away. As much as I had resisted the conversation in the past, for my family’s sake, I now needed to face the realities.
There was a pause on the line. But then, I replied.
“Okay, let’s start working on a plan…”
Much to my surprise, once I surrendered to it, I also overcame my fear of leaving our home.
Instantly, I felt that it was important to heed to what the signs were telling us. It wasn’t coincidence that our friend told us his story. There was a gut feeling that Something – far greater and more powerful than us – was directing us to the next chapter of our future.
That week was quickly filled with real estate agents inspecting our home. We also asked a specialist to assess the rising damp.
In the end, we were told it was minor. That there would be no direct or any harm for the boys. We can stay here for as long as we want to.
But, now I know I’ll be ready to leave. As much as I love this place and how it represents an example of what dreams are made of; it is only four walls.
I’m learning to carefully look out and listen for signs of change. They sometimes just quietly brew in the background like a storm in the distance.
Other times, without a word or whisper, they swiftly take us along into the next stage of life.
But having a sense of awareness to the fluidity of this world is helping me move along with it. Letting the tide of circumstance take its natural course and graciously accept what’s in store.