The Stuff we Move

Moving is a time of change and reflection for me...this move in particular has been a very important one. We only moved across town, so it wasn't that it wasn't very far or to a new place with new people. But in many ways, Ryan and I have chosen this move as a new beginning for us. There are many ways this has been a great move for us - away from some not so great friends for our daughters and into a new neighborhood with several options for new friendships for both the girls and us, and of course the house is AMAZING! I feel so spoiled - two bathrooms and a HUGE kitchen, not to mention large closets - what more could a mom ask for?

So, on to the things I have learned!
1. Thou shalt not be a pack rat and hang onto "things".  I am so blessed to have parents and grandparents that have passed things on to us, that we really haven't had to buy much of anything. Now that we are in a house that we can use some of these things, it is time to let go of others. No more, "But I might use this if we ever _____" or "I don't want to get rid of this and then need it next year!" I have to let go of the stuff I don't need and will never need! I can live without it and keep the memories!
2. Thou shalt have good lighting in bathrooms!  OMG! I was shocked to see what my make-up really looks like when we moved into this bathroom and had good lighting! Eeek, why did no one tell me?  Now that I have experienced good lighting, don't let me go back!
3. Thou shalt not expect moving to a new house to be a major change in lifestyle. Moving is not going to fix any problems you may have in your family that aren't directly related to the space you are moving from. For example, we definitely function better in the mornings with two bathrooms and making meals is more enjoyable in a larger kitchen. It has not fixed the girls fighting habits, though! Little Kid still goes into Big Kids room and wants to play with all her toys, make a big mess and not pick it up even though she has her own perfectly wonderful space to be in.  While moving can in many ways be a catalyst for change, it in no way does it on it's own. You are still the same person you were, just living in a new space. Use this opportunity for growth and reflection and make the changes the old fashioned way - hard work and practice!