Chasing Contentment

I've been culling things out of my life. Actual THINGS. Things like clothes I don't wear. Furniture I don't use. Books I don't read anymore. Kitchen gadgets I don't use. Y'know? THINGS that clutter up my life.

I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to pile six paper-ream boxes of STUFF into the back of my car and donate it. Or how wonderful it feels to come home and find all that STUFF gone. Or how incredible it feels to squint at the other side of the room, stuff a few M&Ms in my mouth and mutter "you're next" around melting chocolate (without choking myself, no less!).

I've been saying for a while now that I'm "downsizing". I haven't talked much about what that means. But, since I'm going to be "downsizing" for quite some time, I suppose I'd better explain a bit.

My father passed away in 2003, and my mother has been living alone. I don't like her being alone. A while back, I bought a house right around the corner from her. I spend much of my time at her house. So, we came to the decision that I should get out from under a mortgage and move back into her home.

I'm converting the two front bedrooms and bathroom into a small apartment for myself. So, I'm downsizing all my belongings, getting rid of what I don't need or use, and making some changes to the two rooms at my mother's house. I'm excited about "going home" and being with my mother again. We are best friends, love watching movies together, and cooking (and eating) together. And since my mother is approaching retirement, this means that I can be there for her and with her as she ages. It's a good arrangement for both of us.

My cats, who love their "mimi", are going to love it! They will also love the rather large screened in patio that looks out into a double lot full of trees and bee gardens!

So, when I say I'm downsizing for the next several weeks, what I mean is, I'm moving into a smaller, more content life, and the process is going to take a little time.