Buying our current house in June of 2003 with an old 70's themed interior; wall paper and carpet, made me feel I was home once again. Leaving home at age 19 (1980), marrying a Sailor/Navy man and starting a family right away...took me far from family and friends. My first apartment as Mrs. Thomas L. Berry was in Virginia Beach, Virginia and I loved it. Only a few months married and a few months pregnant my husband left for his first deployment (overseas trip on the Navy ship) in our married life. It would be the most difficult 7 months of my life...but would also prove to set a pace (I would live by) to endure throughout the rest of my life. Reject, Replace, Distract and Do...Reject any negative thinking, and don't go to any dark places, Replace those thoughts with joyous loving thoughts, Distract with projects and "busyness", and go do something for yourself and others. This would help me over and over for the next 30 years.
(It wouldn't be right not to mention my husband's sister; we call Dee, who graciously gave up her bed and moved to a day bed in her room so that I, the pregnant sister in law, could sleep well. (The many nights of laughter in that bedroom are some of my fondest memories) Alone without my family or husband both strange and difficult, was only made easier by Tom's wonderful family who had taken me in until our apartment was ready.
Little did I know that this was going to be the first of many, many moves as a millitary wife. 23 years later...when I walked into this house...and saw the themes I had left behind many years earlier as I started my new married life...I filled with tears and warmth and new I was home. After 7 years of relishing in the feeling of being home, the nastalgia has worn off, and the old carpet and wall paper wearing thin on my allergies, told me it was time to come "Back to the Future."
So you see this makeover isn't really about new paint and carpet...it is about letting go of the past, and all the pain that made me who I am. It is about getting rid of the old to make way for the new, and about simplifying so I can focus on what matters most. Decluttering my life, and my mind. It is much deeper than a few facebook photos, and I am so happy to be letting go! Only when the old "sandbaggage" is dropped from the Hot Air Balloon, can it soar high. And my friends, I am ready to fly!
Today I am packing up my bedroom, Like I did 30 years ago to move to Virginia Beach to start out on my own. As I pack each memorabilia, I clear a place in my mind, to let it all go, and know that I will be OK. This time...I smile for life isn't about the silly old bracelet from High School, but about the people/relationships in your life today. Memories are wonderful...but making new ones are just as important. It is no coincidence that our paths have crossed...and each day I thank God for the People, not the things, in my LIFE...For I have found that the true purpose of life is to work out relationships with yourself, God, and others....Then will you truly LIVE LIFE to its fullest.
Until next time....when are you starting your makeover?
Thanks Pam for starting this blog. You have always been one of my favorite memories of New Jersey and the Cape May Branch. I walked into that building and you made me feel like I had come home and that memory has been with me as I have walked into many chapels since that day. I a finally buying my own home here in Hurricane and I have enjoyed your upgrading so much. Mine will take more time as I am planning on having this home paid for in less than five years. I am on a count down (only 45 more months to go). I love Hurricane even though it is not as green and lush as New Jersey. But I do have a majestic view of the mountains, and "desert". Anyway, I am looking forward to reading your blog and tell Tom 'Hi" for me.
ReplyDeleteI've been going through some very similar experiences in the last 8 years. I have also learned that it's not about the stuff. The less I have, the better I feel. Stuff weighs on my heart and mind. I have also learned to get rid of the old to make way for the new. It's people that matter.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your blog! I'll be reading.