Even More Beauty (A Love Letter to Those Navigating Transition)

Dearest you,

These are not easy times, I get that. Transitions often lead to good things, but while you're in the midst of one it can truly suck.

Surrender to the suckiness and frustration, but don't dwell in it. Feel it, acknowledge it, then let it go.

Practice extreme self-care. Extend an invitation to self-compassion while you're at it.

Surrender to the unfolding, to the element of surprise, to the possibility of what may come.

Surrender to the moment, it's where you'll find peace.

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When something makes you happy, soak it in and smile. Really, smile. It makes a difference.

Entertain the possibility that your transition may be sending you messages through your body, via physical symptoms of which you've long grown tired. Explore this and see if anything comes up.

Try to pinpoint your needs and give yourself the gift of meeting them. A day off, a cancelled commitment or an 8pm bedtime on a gorgeous summer night. Don't worry about what others may think, this one's about you.

Create space to sit, be and rest.

Write it out. You don't have to keep it all inside. Don't censor, just unload.

Be curious, discover what blocks you. Savour the feeling that comes when you move through one of your pain points towards insight. Glee, enlightenment, self-empowerment.

Be curious, discover what heals you. Savour the feeling that comes when you find something that works. Relief, joy, gratitude.

Practice patience, patience and more patience.

Re-invite self-compassion. Keep that door open, always.

Nurture.

Accept.

Embrace the gifts being offered by the journey. If you're not ready to embrace them, at least try to recognize them. It'll make things more palatable.

Trust.

Be open and ready to receive because there is even more beauty waiting on the other side.

For all of us, there is even more beauty waiting on the other side.

Where I've Been: Moving House, Making a Home

It's a transition like no other: discombobulating, tiring and joyful, full of "hitting-the-energy-wall" moments, promise and renewal.

I left my old home kicking and screaming just a little, knowing that I would be shifting to a more car-centric lifestyle away from my beloved shops, markets and restaurants, but oh I am falling hard for our new space!

The silence, the openness of the house, the scent of the Linden tree outside our bedroom window... it all feels right. We haven't been here two weeks and already there is a sense of comfort and familiarity with the place.

These are a few favourite snapshots taken over the past few weeks, starting with the day we got the keys:

(Hover over the photo for its title, click through to Flickr for more details.)

Our first visit after picking up the keys at the lawyer's office <giddy> .

The seller left us a lovely note on the counter, welcoming us to our new home. 

Move day. Apparently the amount of stuff we had warranted a second truck, whoopsy!

The dining room on move day, starting to take shape. I LOVE the colour of the walls.

Buddha sitting under the crabapple tree, setting the tone for our space.

The initial chaos in my office/studio. It's come a long way since then! I foresee a "studio transformation" post later on, perhaps.

One of my favourite views in the house, from the upstairs landing. On this particular night it included a whole lotta comfort & cozy.

Another favourite view, this time out our front window. I can sit on the couch for hours by the open window and just listen, and be. 

Finally, our highly biased opinion: "This is the best house EVER!"

I can't wait to continue making it into a home.