Enjoying the Unexpected

Despite the bad wrap that moving gets from most people, I will admit, I still remain convinced that overall, its an enjoyable experience (my family, whom have helped me move nearly every year since 2004, will most certainly cringe at this statement - however, I like to think I've streamlined the process considerably by this point - my last move took less than 3 hours, and ended in a lovely lunch of pizza at a local pizzeria).

In every move it seems there is a magical period of time - those first few days when everything in your new place finally comes together to form a home. Whether makeshift or permanent, this shelter becomes slowly your own, and with each move comes the possibility for reassessment and reinvention. There is a natural space for purging the old and unused and time to build up the new. We find ourselves thinking quite literally about what reflections of our person we choose to display to the world, but more importantly, what we choose to view of ourselves each day as we craft our new surroundings. Its stunning how the photographs that held such meaning in one building - one stage of our lives - can be packed away and out of sight without a second thought in a room with fresh paint; intriguing how the color schemes that seemed just right now drop away in exchange for more fitting hues. The act of moving is a shedding of skin, the dance of a chameleon, the practice of remaining flexible and fresh.

Imagine the first week of any given moving experience. Without fail, there will be stress; you are uprooted, your belongings are shuffled about, misplaced, and you must actively rearrange everything that holds distinct familiarity and comfort in your life. The unexpected is bound to arise; leaky sinks, furniture that doesn't fit as planned, questionable neighbors - there is simply no telling what you will run into. But this, all of this, is a huge gift. In these moments of unrest, we are forced to rise above ourselves, to step out of our comfort zones and step into stronger and better versions of whom we've already become.

Moving, for all of its tension, is a fairly good reminder that everything is temporary, and that nothing should be taken for granted. Each moment, even those riddled with stress or unwanted change, is a unique opportunity for growth, learning, or just a smile you didn't see coming.

So, here's a toast to enjoying the unexpected...in moving, in romance, in life, in fishing even. Whatever the universe throw at your feet, stare it back in the eye and say, "You there! Let's do this!"

And if you absolutely can't for some reason...might I suggest investing in some donut holes and seeking out a sunrise.