Moving.
Ugh.
I pack. I throw away. I give away. I sell. I pack some more. I use some Kleenex. I run out of the house because I want to feel normal for a few moments, as if the life I've led for eight years isn't ending.
Then I come back... and pack. And find old cards and old memories. Laugh at old pictures. Grimace at old hairstyles. Find comfort in old friendships that have already weathered a few storms.
I sit, wrapped in a blanket. On the floor, because I rarely sit on furniture if I can help it. Disconcerted by empty shelves and boxes that don't belong here. Writing cover letters that convey how amazingly awesome I am only in a way that is modest and professional.
I don't remember the man's name, but I remember what he said: "Going is easy. Leaving is painful."
I think he was right.
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11 comments:
It sounds like you're going about it in the best way possible.
It's always tough picking up and leaving, especially when you've been somewhere for so long.
Just hang out on the floor for a while. I've always found it to be a good thinking place. And maybe get yourself some waffle fries.
In no way do I consider moving to be an easy task, however, I wish to offer you a few personal words:
If you are at peace with yourself, and you are your own home, then no matter where you live and where you move to peace will follow you, and there shall be no such thing as pain.
I recently moved country, which some say is a difficult task. I moved once when I was a child, and have lived in over 6 or 7 different houses.
When you move country as a child, it is a painful experience, losing your friends, thinking you wont make new friends, feeling reluctant to moving and leaving the life you knew behind. The second time is so easy... you know not everything has to be redone, as you yourself are complete, and that is all that matters.
So when you move, think not of the things you leave behind, but of that you take with you: Your life, the only true belonging you have.
That said, it is only my point of view, as many would contrast to my opinions, however I find them to be words that keep me going, words that will allow me to travel the world without feeling bad every time I have to say goodbye, knowing that there will be a hello at the other side.
ive just found your blog a few weeks ago so forgive me for not knowing but where you off to ?
Sara: I know! No waffle fries (or Chick-fil-A anything) where I'm going!
Lemiffe: Thank you for the perspective and words of encouragement. I'm happy for new things but sad for goodbyes.
Gina: Most people don't know, actually, so no worries! ;-) I'm heading to Seattle, land of my birth, after eight years in the Virginia backwoods.
West Coast bound, eh? Welcome back to the Pacific. :)
welcome back to our side of the coast. packing and leaving can be very hard.
AWE! Yes, moving is hard...but so is sitting on the floor...and you are doing a great job there. LOL
visiting you from my SITS day. Merry sitsmas, while I'm at it.
Good luck with your move. I always say that any trip is an adventure and moving can be one of them as well. Hope to hear about your moving adventure soon.
Good luck with the move! I'm still only 50 miles from the house in which I grew up, so I can't relate to really MOVING, but definitely attest that the boxes and such are horrid.
By the way, just sent you a LinkedIn invite and clicked "send" before leaving a note telling you who I was. It's me. :)
seattle!
i lived there for a few years...
hope the transition aka "limbo purgatory" is working it self out for you!!
I'm excited for you, even though you're moving even farther from me! My bro is heading back that way in Feb/Mar so maybe I'll come to say hi!!
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