hang in there

February has become the CRAZY month in my SLSR schedule.  I wasn’t planning to write another post until mid-March when I expect things to calm down a bit but then I read an email from my friend JC, a fiction writer who has encouraged my work on this blog from the beginning: “People want to hear how you get through the tough parts.”

“Well,” I thought, “I don’t know yet.”

So for now and for the record, let me tell you about February:

• #1 Priority: getting the condo ready for that For Sale sign in early March.  Includes the to-do’s I procrastinate on, cleaning, packing, and donating more stuff.
• Arranging to rent a studio apartment from late February to late May.  With a large rental corporation, this involves jumping through 10 fiery hoops and signing a 30+ page lease to curb litigation.  Red tapey paperwork challenges my patience and I was surprised by feelings of entitlement.
• Choosing appliances, plumbing fixtures and lighting for my tiny house.  I discovered how unprepared I was for some of the choices and costs.  Even if I didn’t have the above going on at the same time, I doubt I would enjoy looking at 2000 bathroom sinks online.  I’m thankful my builders are easy to work with and clarified priorities, because this month I got to that point in all builds where $ trade-offs need to be made.
• Let’s not forget working full-time.
• Researching renting an RV for the move across the continent because it would allow me to transport the cats and my stuff comfortably.  When I learned I would need to book months in advance for a one-way rental, I was prepared to pay a non-refundable deposit but it turned out to be a no-go from the rental company so my extensive worrying about the details was unnecessary.
• As board secretary, preparing for the annual HOA meeting (my responsibilities end this month).
• Getting a cold.  Feeling run down.  Being very tired.  Not sleeping well.

So, how have I been managing?

• #1 Therapy: kitty snuggling.  During the winter, I created an oasis in the guest room, a small room that is easy to heat quickly.  Most evenings, I take time to get cozy watching Netflix with both cats. I don’t take our time together for granted.
• Each day, acknowledging all the stuff I do get done.
• When I start to feel anxious, as appropriate: breathing exercises, permission to be distracted until I calm down, giving myself a pep-talk, reminding myself to stop worrying so much, remembering that my health is the most important thing.
• Asking friends for help.
• Being realistic when setting expectations with others.
• Hanging out and talking with friends.
• When I get close to tears, repeating “three more months.  Just three more months.”
• Imagining how I will feel being retired and living in the tiny retreat.

And these days, I never forget how fortunate I am to have choices.

My next post will be written from the 400 square foot studio I’ll live in until May.  Until then, over and out.

References:

• SLSR: simpler living semi-retirement
• HOA: homeowners association

Disclaimer: some details above may be exaggerated.