I know I have been alluding to some big changes in our life here lately. It all started with an accident we had on the highway. We were all okay but we couldn't help feeling like something was wrong in our life. A brush like that makes you think- makes you question your priorities. I guess it really started long before then but the accident shook us into making some decisions about our life.
It left both of us wondering what, exactly, our priorities were. Jay and I have been working very hard but never seem to get ahead. Our dreams and goals just weren't coming into focus. We have been going through the motions of our life together and as a family. That's not the way we want our life to be.
We love the neighbourhood we live in. It's really more than a house on a street. It's a community that we've grown in for the last 12 years. We have moved from house to house to house within this community- finally settling here. It's really my dream house. Not to big and not too small. Generous rooms with high ceilings and stunning old trim. I love this house.
But it's really just bricks and mortar. And the simple fact is that we cannot afford to live here in this big house. We aren't living the life we want. The mortgage payments are too high. We are working so much we don't have time to spend together as a family.
It turns out, we are moving. To a new neighbourhood and a new community. We listed our home yesterday and the sign will go up sometime this week. I have had time to tell a few close friends but I apologize if anyone else dear to me reads this here first. I am having trouble facing the decision myself, and that makes it hard to share with other people.
There are many reasons that I want to stay. But there are a few very important reasons why we need to go. It has been a difficult decision for us, and one neither of us is really happy about. But I think it will be freeing for us. I think it's a step in the right direction for us to create the life we really want.
I've been getting the house ready to list. I will show you the 'after' shots of my hallway and staircase tomorrow and fill you in a bit on what we are looking for in a new house.
xo Meg
That's a huge decision... especially since it sounds like you really love that home. I do hope that everything works out for the best for you all xx
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know about the accident - how terrible, I'm SO glad you are all okay. What a tough decision! But I understand completely. Hubby & I bought a very small house because we were very stressed about a larger mortgage. Sometimes I am embarrassed by just how small it is and worry about selling, but the thought of a larger payment scares me. What a brave and responsible decision. I am sure you will grow to love your new house even more!!
ReplyDeleteIt is always hard to make a difficult decision. But find comfort that you are doing what is right for you and your family at this time. YOu can never go wrong when that is the basis for your decision.
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't living the life you had hoped, then you are definitely making the right decision! Life is filled with twists and turns and not all of them are caused by something/someone else. Sometimes it is a person, looking at their life and saying "I want something different". Good for you!!
ReplyDeletePS you are totally right - houses really are just bricks and mortar (and maybe some wood).
A huge decision but one I think you will come to appreciate more and more as time progresses. Think of all the fun of searching for the next home, and making that one perfect for your new life with your new focus. I wish you all the best during the transition.
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs Meg! Home is where your heart is not the building in which you live. I love you guys :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave step. I hope this brings you closer to the life you want to lead. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHouses, and everything inside can be replaced - except your family and the time with them. I regularily say to Aubrey that I'd be just as happy in a small 1 bedroom apartment with him and Oscar. The size of the house isn't what makes it a home. Hugs as you transition to the next stage.
ReplyDeleteMeg, God bless you and your family as you make this decision and take this big step. You seem to have your priorities in order and I applaud you for doing what you feel is right for your family.
ReplyDeleteHomes are where you live with your family....not the building. You can make a beautiful home where ever you live Meg! And making decisions to make your life better is a good thing. My husband always wants to move to a bigger house and I always poo-poo it. It's nice to live below your means and have more money for living and travel experiences instead of being mired down by a big mortgage! All the best to you and your family! Angie xo
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful house, but I'm sure the next one, the next home will be even more beautiful, no matter what it looks like. Ridding yourself of the financial pressure so you can focus on what's important - family - will be so worth it in the end. I know it must be so, SO hard, but I think it's amazing that you are able to take a step back from your situation and assess it realistically, and then take the steps you need to take to get back what's important in your life.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the sale and the next adventure. May it be full and the life you truly want!
Wow, that takes so much courage. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this must be a bittersweet time for you but I like how you stated this "create the life we really want". That's the part to focus on. Good luck to you in all you have going on.
ReplyDeleteMeg - all good wishes for your next steps! Thanks for sharing so candidly.
ReplyDeleteWhat courage but I agree it so nice not to have all those pressures! We moved back to Canada after living in the US for a few years suddenly and now we can't seem to stay afloat either! It is so darn expensive here on the west! I am afraid we might end up moving too, luckily we are renting and can just pick up and go! But hard nonetheless as friends have been made, etc.
ReplyDeleteLucky person who will buy your house! But then you can make your mark on the new place! Good luck!
Meg, difficult as this decision has been, I feel confident that you will never regret it. Making a change like this is humbling, yet freeing and I believe keeps you nimble as people, as a family. My husband and I made a similar decision 6 years ago when we decided to move from Chicago where we had both grown up and much of our family lives, to Madison, WI. It hasn't always been easy, but I can honestly say I have never looked back and feel that it was absolutely the right thing for our family. I wish you nothing but the best in this adventure!
ReplyDeleteCathy