So, I pulled the trigger, moved out of the house, moved everything to storage and I feel…nothing. Realizing I am so disconnected with “place” is a strange feeling as if I was meant to live as a vagabond (great! more therapy). I thought I would miss the sweet house in Boerne but I do not. It was easy and it feels natural and this is how it started.
I closed the door to the storage room on a Thursday afternoon. It was much larger than I wanted but time constraints and advise from those who care said don’t stress over it. I wanted so badly to minimize but found myself still connected to some “stuff”. I tried selling a bunch of stuff on the garage sale sites but twenty meet ups and less than $200 later I realized it was not worth it. I hauled truck loads of stuff to the battered women’s shelter. A much better choice for me.
I flew out that Friday morning for my home away from home Placencia, Belize. I spent a few days reading in my hammock decompressing from work and moving. Good friend Valerie met me a few days later and we did a lot of nothing! We pretty much sat right on this beautiful little porch at the Tradewinds Hotel, drank beer, laughed and went swimming when we got too hot. We did eat at a few of my favorite spots. Mojo Lounge and Bartique is my new fav! Click here to check out Mojo.
Back to work via Houston where I was met by bestie Anne and family. I immediately realized that I have over-packed pretty dramatically. I “moved into” a summer suitcase (medium-sized roller) and a winter suitcase (very large roller) and sent the winter suitcase with Anne when she came to help me move. While in Belize I donned less than half what I brought. Now in my Houston hotel room with everyone waiting I have to make some quick decisions about what to keep and what to pack up and send with Anne. It was ridiculous and I made some poor decisions. Not life changing poor decisions, just poor wardrobe decisions. The best decision I made was to pack my back scratcher! Out of all the things I have with me that is my most practical.
At work I wear an unflattering uniform so now I have a seventy-six pound suitcase and a carry on that include no uniforms (I am fortunate to be able to leave my work clothes on-board). Since I am always in uniform on the boat I begin again to feel ridiculous about all of this crap I am carrying around with me. My inner minimalist is begging to be freed…maybe I should check my suitcase.
All-in-all it is going well. People think I am a little crazy but most of them envious. No mortgage, little debt (only the new property in Boerne which will be paid off next year), and few ties to anything or anyone. I remain vigilant in the work that I love, in prayer, and in trying to take care of myself physically and mentally.
I am now in Michigan in my cousin’s beautiful little cottage. The fall colors are starting to pop and the weather is perfect. I have a full winter wardrobe to choose from and have worn less than a third of it. Downsizing again! Sending home clothing in a box to my awesome sister who is handling my affairs while I remain voluntary homeless. She is the rock on which all of this pivots. Without Sally, none of this works.
There it is dear readers. God is working in my life in many ways. I ask that you hold me up in prayer as I do you. I ask God for the grace to make the right decisions, for the strength to live right, and for my heart to be open again to love. Blessings to all of you for a happy and healthy season.
Coming of Age Through the Freedom of Travel 