Many of you reading this have downsized your living quarters for one reason or another. Maybe it was to cut expenses, to live a simpler life, to have more free time, or the need and desire for fewer house responsibilities and worries as you grow older. No doubt you can add additional reasons to this list.
Whatever the reason(s), there is a mix of emotions attached to changing your living arrangement ranging from relief and eager anticipation to a sense of loss mixed with regret and sadness, while simultaneously battling the physical exhaustion, anxiety, and sense of being overwhelmed which are part and parcel of meeting the set moving deadline.
This describes my recent experience of selling my house and disposing of most of my furnishings and other belongings to move to and fit into an apartment.
I have always found it a bit sad to leave a home and this one was especially difficult since it had originally belonged to my parents and housed many of the decorations and furnishings that I grew up with including some items that had belonged to my grandparents. This is not to mention the many memories made there as my children and I would celebrate the holidays and special events such as birthdays and graduations at this home which became my own home 21 years ago.
Needless to say, it was painful to part with that which had provided me much joy over the years yet the question I need to ask myself during this time of parting and sadness is “What can I learn from this experience”. As I ponder, I am realizing how important perspective and attitude are.
Realizing that all I hold dear is a gift to be held with open hands rather than a personal possession to be forever clutched tightly has made this letting go much easier. Yes, there is grief and sadness in the leaving behind required in this downsizing and so much else in life but attitudes of thanksgiving, gratitude, and appreciation for these gifts used for so many years welcomes in a sense of freedom and even joy.
That is why saying “Goodbye” is incomplete. The full sentiment is “Goodbye and Thank You”!
-Terri Sersch
Beautiful reflection from a girl with a big heart! Prayers on your continued journey.
Living with our Creator and his creation (others,plants and animals)the most is what we all need to do.
Lovely words of wisdom for accepting and acknowledging change as a part of life! Wishing you many blessings in your new home with opportunities for more precious memories to be made! Enjoy😊🙏
5 1/2 years ago we sold the home and property that I grew up in as a kid after the passing of my mom. It was in the family for over 75 years and mom lived there for over 65 years after she married Dad. So many precious memories. Just a small 1100 square foot farmhouse filled with so much love. To others, it might not seem like much, but to us it was home. I too was very sad to see it go but I just pray that the new owners take care of it and fill it with precious memories like we had. Hugs to you and enjoy your new location. We’re all just passing through and our eternal home will be so amazing! God Bless You and those you love
Terri, thank you for sharing your thoughts and reflection. Truly it is a saying goodbye and thank you. I left my home community that I was born and raised in 9 years ago for a call in a new community. And as we sold our home of 25 years, it was bittersweet. I still reminisce and grieve the loss of the woods. The lake is beautiful, but there’s something about the woods. A place that I found solitude, a place where I could enjoy my birds and my flowers. It is never easy, but God walks with us and holds our hand as we step into a new journey. There is always some kind of letting go, whether it’s of a loved one, a home, a congregation, or even a routine. We ask ourselves what gives us life? We invite ourselves to let go of those things that do not and to gently step onto the path unknown. Peace to all those who are letting go, and starting a new beginning.
I love your reflection on letting go of those precious memorable gifts we all encounter on our journey here on earth. Yes emotions of all kinds and gratitude is one that I find helps me in the process of letting go and saying Good bye. Amazing how God leads and touches us with love as we journey in saying Good Bye as we learn to let go . Thanks for sharing your beautiful reflection.
Thank you, Terri for such a helpful reflection on the letting go process. As we work on down sizing in preparation for a future move, I appreciate your focus on gratitude and look forward to reflecting on that as we make that letting go journey.
Terri thank you so much for sharing the experience you are going through. Yes we hang so tightly to fond memories of the past – reliving the sweet memories of people, places and events that brought us happiness and joy. Life brings on new opportunities, new doors that open, and needed transitions as we grow older. The summer of 2021 I also had to sell and say good-bye to our home of 24 years. As I packed and boxed things, fond memories overshadowed my decision making process of “do I take this or do I give this away”.
Each and every room in my house had little stories of saying goodbye to me. The sounds of my children seeking comfort and protection from a bad dream, echoed in my bedroom. The large mirror in my bathroom told me the story of my son emptying a full can of shaving cream in his attempts to be “just like dad” shaving. Loud screams of laughter and excitement still were left over in the recreation room from my daughter’s pajama parties. The gusty howling wind in our back woods echoed the same sounds that scared my little children camping outside for the first time. We continue on as our environment changes. However what we hold dear in our hearts still lives on in the depths of our soul. Praying for you Terri as you navigate the changes you are going through. Peace
How beautiful is your attitude and perspective: ” a gift to be held with open hands rather than a personal possession to be forever clutched tightly”. A simple but challenging lesson for me still!