Maybe Change Is Good!
I hate change, any kind of change. I’m so affected by anything different in my life that I’ve kept our furniture in the same arrangement where it was placed when we moved into our house 30 years ago. I looked at the space before we moved in; figured out what should go where (where it would look the best), and that is how the furniture has remained. Over the years we’ve purchased new pieces, but they go in exactly the same spot as its predecessor. Some (my daughters included) may say this is boring, but I don’t care. My home always receives rave reviews from visitors and I remain comfortable in my surroundings. (The furniture is, after all, placed in the most suitable space for it in each room.)
This consistency in furniture placement isn’t the only thing that marks my aversion to change. I get depressed over things that would bring joy to others. It took me awhile to adjust to no longer being able to shop at my favorite plus-size women’s clothing store when I lost 170 pounds. (Now that’s a sad statement!) For months I would pass the store and firmly have to restrain myself from turning into the parking lot. I so wanted to see what new stock the store held even though it was no longer suitable for my smaller size.
Each time one of my kids moved on in school—from nursery to elementary to middle to high school to college—I was more than a little out of sorts. When two of them moved out of state, I was devastated. When friends move, I’m overwhelmed with sadness. When family and friends pass, I take to my bed. I’m just not good with any kind of change…at least I haven’t been in the past! I’ve learned the hard way, however, that change isn’t all bad. Aside from death, which I’ve come to terms with as a natural part of life, change provides new opportunities.
My daughter and son-in-law’s move to Tennessee—I can’t believe that they took my only grandchild with them!—and my son’s relocation to Chicago have provided me with some great travel and exploring opportunities. This is also true of friends’ new locations. Also, wearing average-sized clothing makes shopping easier. I can find what I need in just about any store and the variety is more extensive. (Being a “medium” isn’t all that bad either!)
Now for the furniture. There have been a few changes in placement, but this isn’t the biggest difference. With the use of slipcovers and window treatments, I change the look of my rooms. My living room couch is covered in a white linen fabric for spring and summer; a suede-like and warm rust color in the fall and winter. Coordinating window treatments are put up. (These differences are a big deal for a person resistant to change.)
Another big difference in my home décor is the artwork over our living room fireplace. For decades a “nice” large painting—a favorite of mine—hung in this spot. Never, ever would I have given a thought to changing it…that is until a print, a very large and somewhat contemporary piece, caught my eye during a recent shopping trip. The colors of the flowers would be, I knew, perfect in my living room. And the size—more than double of the long-hanging “friend”—would, I knew, work better in the space. I bought this piece! Ahhh! What a wondrous difference. This change was what the fireplace and room needed.
I’m learning!!! It may have taken me longer than most to appreciate the benefits of change—and I’m still taking baby steps—but I’m getting there.