Freedom! ...one guys perspective

For years I have been fascinated with the idea of mobile living. Going where I wanted, living in locales I found appealing. Even if in reality I stayed in one place. Knowing I "could" move was freeing. For those that know me even casually, you know that I am 100% onboard with the Tiny House movement. I felt an RV was a great way to start as it would allow us the flexibility to explore the lifestyle without having to factor in all the details until we found our own groove. Convincing my lovely Bride however, was a more daunting task.

For years the topic would crop up, but it was clear I was at a different point in my thinking than she. I never gave up on the dream, but I did not force the issue either. Baby steps. Shawn has recently given some insight on her emotional journey as we prepared to embark on this adventure. My journey was slightly different. The emotional part was fairly easy for me. I was not as attached to "things", my "things" as Shawn was to hers. In some cases we even discovered she was more attached to something of mine than I was. That is not to say my process of purging "stuff" was without hiccups. I was however, surprised by the things that triggered those pangs of guilt or moments of indecision.

Personal items were a breeze! I have never been one to accumulate much. If I currently use it, it remained. If it was tucked away in a drawer simply for safekeeping, I said goodbye. The first battle with guilt came when I was cleaning out the garage. My array of nuts, bolts, nails, screws, etc. My Grandparents were thrifty people and they taught me to never throw away a useful piece of hardware. Ever! I knew I would not be needing any of these items in the RV and even if I did find it necessary to make a repair, I would most likely have to purchase RV-spefic hardware. Common sense did not prevail outright, so I pushed the decision aside for several days while I wrestled with my guilt. Ultimately I pitched them in the garbage and steeled myself to live with my shame. The next stumbling block involved unused lumber and scrap wood. I was more decisive this time and carted it to the curb. I watched it drive away in someone's pickup an hour later. I may have shed a silent tear although I still think it was allergies. There were a few other bumps along the way. However, none stand out clearly. I do recall laughing and mentioning those instances to Shawn as they were so random and unexpected.

Everyone's sense of attachment, emotion and guilt will be different. Remember, no one can take away your memories. You my even be surprised by where your stumbling blocks occur! The freedom you gain in the end is worth the pain you incur during the process. I have not missed, had to replace or given any thought to those items.

.......The "Green Sofa". That 10 foot, back-breaking, hernia waiting to happen curse from my Mother-in-Law! When Shawn gave me the green light to sell it, I had it posted on every imaginable website within the hour! I knew how hard it was for Shawn to cross that threshold and did my best to be sensitive to her feelings. However, I could not help smiling as I helped load it one last time and watched it drive away. I knew it had found a good home and it was going to help a new family build memories. Too, there was the added satisfaction of knowing some poor S.O.B. would be cursing me for years to come for selling it to him! ~Johnny

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