Monday, August 16, 2010

Embracing Life Differently

I have heard someone say, "Live like you're dying". Single Boo reminded me that we are all dying, minute by minute because this life here on earth is just a moment in time in our forevers.

I didn't realize how locked into things I had become. For instance, for years, I've loved the color, cobalt blue. In fact, scattered throughout my kitchens in each place I've lived, were my cobalt blue dishes, canisters, resting spoons, bakeware, etc. (You get the idea, right?) Then, there was a chair that I had fallen in love with. It wasn't an expensive chair, just a comfy one that I often used by my easel. It was my kneeling chair. I grew used to the sounds of the houses I've lived in, the people in the neighborhood and the stores that I shopped at.

But, I've learned that it's not bad to let go of what seems like normalcy. Normalcy can often be construed as a crutch or a security blanket. It can hem a person in to not wanting to explore further outside to see what else lies beyond that "normalcy".

When Single Boo and I leapt to Oregon, she brought with her the color red. Gone now, is the cobalt blue accents and kitchen supplies. In place of it are beautiful red items. In fact, we both got extremely excited over finding a Mr. Coffee in red, at a thrift store, and without even considering whether it worked well or not, we bought it. (Another lesson in normalcy because no longer can I walk away from the coffee maker. I have to babysit it because it literally dumps and spews coffee all over the counter.)

I walked away from a house in the desert with beautiful walking trails but high heat during the summer time. That was what I knew as normal. Now, it's beautiful green everywhere. Even the puppies have a dance in their step which is becoming their new normal.

Have you ever had to walk away from "normal"? If so, what did it feel like?

19 comments:

Brian Miller said...

it was the most frightful and exciting time...and i would do it again in an instant...smiles.

Liz Mays said...

I believe that's what I'm doing now actually. It's exhilarating, freeing, disheartening, and terrifying all at the same time.

I hope Oregon is the BEST!

Terra said...

I walked away from routine once when I got on an airplane for the first time, and flew from Wisconsin to Istanbul Turkey, to attend college there for a year. This was a great year for me in a very different world.

Stacy said...

I've done it several times. I wish I could do it now. I am one who likes change and gets bored with normal.

Deidra said...

I've walked away from normal many times. Sometimes it went well and others times, well...not so much. Your post makes me think of that JetBlue flight attendant who had had it up to here. Talk about walking away from normal!

I like red. =)

Anonymous said...

No, I've never done it. I commend and applaud those who have. I often wish that I had the courage to do it.

Diva's Thoughts said...

I was just thinking about the whole doing what feels uncomfortable to grow outside of my comfort zone this weekend.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

It often takes walkin' away from normal to shake us up a bit and allow us to grow.

I'm prayin' Oregon will be the best place on earth for you.

God bless and have a marvelous day!!!

Suz said...

You sound great. Nothing like an adventure to spice up life and bring a new perspective.

i am praying for you and wishing you happiness, love and a job!

Lin said...

Change and adventure is the only key to moving forward and not being stagnant, Simone. How many of us fear change and live our lives regretting?? I still say how brave and wonderful it is that you did this. I know you have moments where you wonder if what you did was right--but deep down, I think you know you did. Hold onto those moments, my friend--the positive ones, I mean. :)

Unknown said...

I love how you make me think and consider new and deep things.

And I really love that you babysit your red coffeemaker :)

Bethany said...

I have, and I didn't handle it well at all. I wish I could have handled it with the grace that you are. You have a great attitude!

Helene said...

It sounds terrifying but freeing at the same time! I tend to be very scared of change. Anytime I've had to walk away from what I know as "normal" has been a deathly frightening experience for me.

It sounds like you are embracing it well!

Veronica Lee said...

I'm quite the unadventurous one which is why I'm still in Malaysia although nearly all my clan have migrated elsewhere. My elder sis is in Canada and my younger one is in Singapore.

I salute you for what you've done, Simone!

ethelmaepotter! said...

Oh Simone, you are such a brave and adventurous soul! No, I can't say I've ever given up normalcy. I've made itty-bitty changes over my 53 years, but I'm afraid I'm a creature of habit. I have actually been contemplating a complete change for...a while...but I lack the courage to do it. Even though I know that the change I'm contemplating would bring about greater "normalcy."

Congratulations on your amazing self-discovery, your new home, and your reds!

You go girl!

Mandy said...

Red is like black and white - classic and yet retro and fun at the same time!

I'm so proud of you for all these new things you are doing and trying. Yay for greenery and skips in step!

When I went off to college and when I moved to Ohio, I left my 'normalcy' - the comfort and security of having friends and family close by. I had to start over in finding new places to eat, read and visit. And sure it's hard and lonely at times.... but it's also liberating and wonderful too. You create your own new 'normalcy' like walks with Single Boo and discovering a used book store that you love. You find your way and make a new path. It's good to shake things up a bit and sometimes you fall in love all over again in the process - with yourself, with your new hometown and more!

Buckeroomama said...

Like everyone said, it`s terrifying, yet exciting and liberating at the same time... ((hugs))

Leslie said...

Scary... I don't do change very well!

Gianetta said...

I gave up a normal perfectly good job to pursue my dream of being a writer. I miss the security that a regular paycheck can bring but I've never been happier.

 

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