Prioritizing Time Over Space In 2020, like many, I faced decisions that would reshape my life. The global pandemic made us all rethink our priorities. For me, the realization came that time spent with family and friends far outweighed the importance of owning a larger home. This led me to make a bold choice: to downsize my living arrangements and focus on creating memorable experiences through trips and shared moments. My home might not be the largest, but it's filled with warmth, love, and memories. It's also on a peaceful quiet road where we watch baby fawn being born and learning to run. It’s where laughter echoes through the rooms, and every corner has a story to tell, especially the newly remodeled basement! The decision to live in a smaller space was not about financial savings but about fostering a lifestyle that values relationships over material possessions. When I travel for work, I know the house is easily maintained during the harsh winter months, which I was always worrying about. One day, a teenager visiting my home said, "Wow, your house is actually nice!" This comment struck a chord with me. It highlighted an unspoken stereotype that single parents can't have nice homes. While society often places undue expectations and pressures on single parents, I've chosen to redefine what it means to have a "nice" home. To me, it's not about the size or the grandeur but about the love and happiness that fills it. During the pandemic, I chose to invest in experiences rather than things. Family trips, weekend getaways, and simple outings with friends became our new treasures. These moments brought us closer together, creating bonds and memories that no amount of square footage could ever provide. Choosing to downsize was a way to simplify life and focus on what truly matters. It's about creating a nurturing environment where my family and friends feel welcome and cherished. It’s about showing my children that happiness and contentment come from the relationships we build and the experiences we share, not from all the material things. I have created a place where my children can bring their friends, have a slice of pizza and tell me about their day. I always wanted to have that open door policy even before I had children.
In the end, it’s the time spent together that makes life rich and fulfilling. Downsizing was a step towards a more meaningful and intentional way of living. My home is a testament to the fact that single parents can indeed have beautiful, warm, and inviting spaces - homes that reflect our values and the love we pour into them. Tonight, while my children are at a fun concert at Gillette with their friends, I was home planning trips for the rest of the year and planning for a dear friend's graduation party this weekend. I chose not to clean bathrooms or vacuum up the dog hair. Once you release all the things you think you should be doing or providing it's such a breath of fresh air.
As we continue to navigate life, I hope to inspire others to prioritize what truly matters. Let’s choose time together, meaningful experiences, and a life filled with love and laughter over the pursuit of larger, emptier spaces. Because let's face it, nobody wants to clean the rest of your life!
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