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…
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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.
kirri says
That’s the thing about big change….it has both rational and emotional components. Sounds like you engaged both to move through your decision making process relatively smoothly. I wonder whats next 🙂
kirri recently posted..Rockin’ Mamma interview with Deb Mills
mamagrace71 says
It’s been a journey to get to this stage. For me, it’s always been about the emotional components. But you know, it’s about working on those things that you don’t necessarily use but they’re there waiting to be improved. Does that make sense ? 🙂
Daisy says
Isn’t it funny how we get attached to homes, to places. I’ve never really understood it – we moved around so much growing up, that a particular space has never held sentimental value for me.
Until we bought our own home. Brought our babies home to it.
Now it’s special!
The rising damp issue must have been frightening, but I’m glad it have you the courage to face the idea of moving one day 🙂
Daisy recently posted..Through the looking glass. Or the computer screen…
mamagrace71 says
Yeah, this is our first family home and it’ll be hard to let it go. But hey, we go on to build new dreams and memories in another special place, I guess…
Mel says
Are you coming back to gods country? 🙂
You wont know what to do with yourself, so much room inside and out for the boys to run around in, they will LOVE it! So will you, I know it.
Ahhhh…..Storage room, clothes spread out, toy room, your OWN backyard and swing set, trees to climb, washing line spinning in the sun right out your kitchen window, pets, new neighbours maybe with kids for the boys to be friends with.
Good luck in your search. Looking for real estate is one of my most favorite things xoxo
mamagrace71 says
Lol ! You never know…we might be there before you can say, “Surf’s up !” 😉
You’re right about all the great things about where you are. Despite how much I love it here, there are constraints that I can no longer ignore.
Why doesn’t it surprise me that you’re a real-estate geek ?
Doesn’t surprise me at all. 🙂 xxx
Mel says
Would LOVE to be able to come and visit you 🙂
Lulu says
Hi Grace, I haven`t commented in ages but I still read! Have enjoyed reading along your SYL journey in recent weeks.
I was like you when I had to leave Kichijoji- I know you know that side of town and can relate. I could of lived there forever and it would of been a great place to raise a family too but it was just way out of our budget to continue renting anything bigger than a 1LDK out that way and Shun`s work is other side of Tokyo anyway. I am glad we are settled in our new area now and currently building a new hosue which is almost done and while it is not Kichijoji you are completely right when you wrote in the comment above that you can make new dreams and memories when you move!
Glad that the damp situation was nothing major- wishing you the very best!
I am the same with change- not a fan in general but if I can plan things then I am all good.
Lulu recently posted..Gratitude & kindness {SYL12- Week 11}…
mamagrace71 says
Hisashiburi, Lulu-chan !
I love, love LOVE Kichijoji !!! And I can totally understand how it would’ve been tough on you to have to move.
But, what I’ve learned (and still learning) is that with change, can come opportunities. So, if we see it that way, I think delving into something unfamiliar, can be a little less daunting. I hope, anyway 😉
ava says
I love your last 3 lines Grace-ie. About to look out and listen for signs of change, about going and moving with the flow. I’m sure wherever you are as long as you have your 3 boys with you, it is okay.
ava recently posted..Learning English
mamagrace71 says
Thank you, my lovely Ava !!! I’m really going to try and keep in tune with what’s going around. Because not only do I believe things happen for a reason – we need to know why they’re happening. Have a beautiful week, my friend x
Casojaha says
Things are very hard to let go of sometimes. Well done embracing change when it needs to happen
mamagrace71 says
Thank you ! It’s a work in progress…but happy to say, we’re getting there 🙂
Denyse Whelan.Education Specialist says
Happy for you G… And just remember to scrub the chalk off before the pics are taken for your home for sale … Love that you know it feels right.. Because it is!! D x
Denyse Whelan.Education Specialist recently posted..3 FAQs About Public Schools.
Bridget says
It’s funny, we’ve moved so much I hardly think of it as change. But, in just a few years the big twins will move out and on to college. That’s a change I can’t bring myself to think about – not even for a minute.
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Paula says
I love what you said “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.” Thats a fantastic way of explaining change, i love it!!!! Good luck with next exciting phase of your life 🙂
Paula recently posted..Week Twelve – Where am I????
Veronica @ Mixed Gems says
Feels a little serendipitous when change like that happens. It’s almost magical. It’s uplifting. It’s empowering. xx
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Remnants of Summer
TheUrbanMum says
It is only four walls, even if it feels like your heart is encased in the centre. Life does have a way of working out. I am sorry to hear of your story, however surely there is a better one around the corner. x
Annaleis Topham says
Moving is soooo hard. I’ve done it numerous times, but I think it’s important to realise that home is where your family is so whatever house you are in, and in whatever area it wont matter as long as you are together and you go into it positively! Goodluck with such huge changes!
Annaleis Topham recently posted..SYL12 and Facing my Fears
Tat says
We don;t have the damp issue, but we have concrete cancer… not sure how serious that is and not sure I want to look into it right now, either. But our situation is very much similar. My husband wants a house. I want to live where we live. Who needs a backyard, when you have a dozen parks within 15 minutes walk of your apartment with built-in playmates and other mums to talk to? But it seems that we can’t all have what we want and at some point it will be my turn to compromise.
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