I awoke this morning with a level of calm that I don’t often experience. After a busy two weeks of moving, working, and hosting my family for a few days, my brain was on overdrive. In addition, today was the day I cleaned the old unit and took the last items out of the apartment. There was no pattern or plan, but I got everything clean and moved the remining items to my car. There was a sense of relief that flowed over me. After weeks of looking, planning, signing documents, and starting a new role at work, I am happy to know that in 48 hours, I will no longer be responsible for my previous residence. When I left this afternoon, I said to the empty apartment, “Thank you. You have served me well.” I said something similar when I moved out of my unit in Florida.
My home in Bloomington was the shelter I needed at the time. Not unlike the friends that come and go, I was happy and excited at first, but the world around me changed, which adjusted my perception. I learned about my new state of residence and made new friends. I saw and touched snow for the first time. I wrote poetry describing the seasons and my feelings of insecurity as I observed new behaviors. I worked from my living room for 18 months. I changed jobs twice in that time. I become serious about my financial future and changed it (including my recent move to a less expensive area). I made a commitment to travel this beautiful country over the next several years.
Some of these things would have happened regardless of where I was living, but it gave me the security to explore and learn. I continue my journey of learning in my new location. Even when our lives are more blended together than ever before, I will take comfort in the separate rooms for various activities. One room will no longer hold the entirety of my life. Distractions will be minimized, and a new focus will be embraced.
I’m excited for new opportunities. Will I finally find a church that I like? Will I make friends that I’ll still know to in 30 years? Will I be able to save enough money to purchase a home? These questions will be answered eventually, but for now I am going to enjoy the ride.