Letting Go

I'm down to seven days and a wake up as they say in the military. (My former husband was in the Navy during the Viet Nam era, so we kept track of how many more days we owed Uncle Sam that way.)

My friend Linda came today and we cleared out all the clothes left in my closets and drawers. Two medium size boxes of clothes are on their way to Cambridge, one computer, the flat screen monitor and all the other doodads that make it work have also shipped out! I'm sure over half of my wardrobe was donated to Value Village today! One goal is to really experience slimming down my life so today was a good test. The books and music are a bit harder though I've taken at least 15 boxes of books to the used booksellers.

There have been a few parties to say goodbye. What a wonderful, supportive, brilliant and loving tribe I have! I'm so ready to do this, but when I look around and see all these people who are so much a part of my life, I know there will be some lonely moments. I'm a true extrovert so I also know I'll make new friends quickly but you don't replace those who go back a decade or two or three, very quickly.

Some days I wonder why I didn't do this years ago. I feel like I've been heading in this direction all my life. Other days, I know it just wasn't time till now. I trust that this IS the time, that what I need to learn/do could only be done now. I did some reading last night about this kind of big change. Learning to balance activity and quietude are key to staying grounded. That is my goal this week---some time to myself to journal, soak up how much I love my house, my neighborhood, time with friends and family, and lots of energy to finish packing up the house.

More in a few days.