Some wisdom is ageless. But this is REALLY far back.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
- Plato
After 13 1/2 years in this house that I built “during and post” divorce, I’m putting it on the market.
Scary.
The last time I had to list a house, pack up and organize a move – I was in the throes of divorce. Not the best of times. What to take? What to sell? What to donate? What will fit? Never thought I’d be doing it again, yet . . .
So when I saw this today in a book I’d been pouring over, about downsizing (thanks Marla!) it just seemed appropriate. I’m doing my best to re-purpose things. I’m donating things, I’m selling things. I’ve gotten prolific on eBay. I’ve entered the worlds of Poshmark and The RealReal.
I’m learning that what’s valuable in my eyes is not necessarily valuable at all. And I’m learning that the “it” thing is a white kitchen. Mine, of course, is stained wood in the shade of walnut.
Lucky for me I have neutral walls already but seriously? How much to change to make it the house that sells vs. the house that doesn’t? It’s a hot market in our city right now. Total epic fail last week on the power grid and water supply aside, Houston is a popular place to move to right now. And those interest rates? SCORE!
Letting go is hard. Combing through 40 years of photo albums, family memories, baby books that your kids do NOT want? Wow. Talk about a walk down memory lane. But I did it. Took a week, pulling out 10-15 photos only from each album that holds hundreds? Tough. Walking them out to the trash can? Even tougher.
My sons tell me that cleaning out is freeing. I’ll feel a lighter load. What I really felt was “Why? Why was my marriage and happily ever after the one that ended?” Why am I once again listing a house, and packing up ALL BY MYSELF?
Take a breath . . . because “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” Guess Plato knew a thing or two . . .
suddenlysinglewomen 
Lynda, my heart aches for you as you deal with yet another unexpected change – however, I’m not a bit worried about you because I have seen you change directions, and do it well. Your are a very strong woman, and whatever life gives you, you turn those lemons into lemonade. I know that in the future, looking back on this, you will see that what you didn’t really want to do, was the best thing at the time for you and your future. Your future holds some nice surprises, I promise, and you will make your own happiness, where ever you are. Love you, girl !!
Awwww – thanks sweet friend! You are the “real deal”!! : -) And hoping some of those new adventures might include one of your fabulous travel adventures.
It makes me sad every time i see your “For sale” sign. I’m loosing the best neighbor I’ve ever had!
Aww, thanks – very kind thing to say. I’m still startled every time I see it . . . Trying to figure out a way to take your porch and swing with me, wink wink!!
Great attitude! You will love being curator of less stuff!
Luckily when I moved into this house there was a great “clean out”, this one will still be alot, but not near what I had last time. Still so hard to let go of all those photo albums during happier times. Was a great walk down memory lane for sure. : -)
It’s sad but you are doing it beautifully!