I have guilt, y’all.
I made the big announcement that I would become a full time blogger in 2015, but here it is nearly a month into the year and I’ve served you guys nothing but three measly posts, accompanied by lots of tumbleweeds and crickets. I apologize that it’s been such a ghost town on this blog, but let me explain WHY I’ve been so quiet lately. I have some really good reasons, and this week I’m spilling all my secrets.
As one of my good friends said… 2015 is the year I hit the Life Change Lotto.
We are selling our house.
Yep, you heard it here first. I know that it sounds crazy since I’ve always said that this is our dream house, but after much prayer and planning over the past year, it’s become plainly clear that this is the best path for us to take.
But first, let me back up.
2014 was a year of major life reflection for me. I looked around at all that we had been blessed with- a beautiful home, nice cars, the ability to provide our son with a top quality education, and jobs that more than adequately paid the bills. We were BLESSED, but instead of feeling that blessing all I felt was TRAPPED. I felt completely trapped in my job, plus I chose to add the crazy demands of being a full time blogger and managing a thriving Young Living essential oil business on top of that full time job. Far from feeling thankful for my blessings, I only felt tired, stressed and even resentful of others who didn’t have as much on their plate.
People I met constantly said to me “I don’t know how you do it.” To be honest, I don’t know how I did it, either. All I can say is that it was exhausting and not very rewarding. Finally one day, I looked around at my life and asked myself what I was doing. What was all this hard work for? I was constantly saying “I’m sorry, baby, mama’s working.” when my son asked me to play with him. The house was a wreck most of the time. I ordered way too much take-out instead of cooking at home. My marriage got ignored and started to suffer. I was overwhelmed and unable to keep up with all the demands placed on me. Demands I PLACED ON MYSELF. I finally realized that I was choosing for all of this to happen. I had a choice. I just had to be brave enough to make new choices. Ones that really, truly mattered for my family and not just for my ego.
2014 wasn’t all bad, of course. The biggest highlights of last year were all of amazing blogger retreats that I had the pleasure of attending. I went to Tybee and Nashville and Anna Maria and Atlanta and Chicago, and at each retreat I spent HOURS talking to so many of my girlfriends– analyzing my life, my blog, my purpose. I cherish all of the input I received from every single one of you wise ladies (you know who you are) and I want you all to know that because of you, I was finally able to step out in faith, listen to the overwhelming feeling that God kept putting on my heart and JUST DO IT ALREADY.
So. I quit my job in October. I turned down some really great business opportunities. I started baking my own bread. I learned how to not be so busy. And now we are downsizing our lives in a big way. I chose a simpler path. I knew that all of that would require sacrifice, and giving up this dream house is part of that sacrifice. But here comes the good news… As soon as I let go of control and handed it all over to God, He led us straight to a different path that has been smooth sailing so far. And now things are falling into place easier than they ever have before.
Which brings me to the second half of this story.
The house right next door to my parent’s house went on the market last Fall. We looked at it, but we were just not ready to move then. There was no way I could handle house showings during the Holidays, so we both agreed to wait until after New Years to put our house on the market. I told myself if that house was still available after January 1st we would go back and revisit it again. And it was. So, in early January we made a contingency offer on that home that was accepted! But, we hadn’t even listed ours at the time. I busted my booty for two weeks, along with the help of a friend, and cleaned out the entire house top to bottom in preparation for it to sell (no small feat in a 4,000 square foot house owned by a blogger/junker/mini-hoarder…)
Our house went on the market on a Friday, we had five showings in two days and by Tuesday we were under already contract. And it’s a very reasonable offer without a contingency!! In fact, they want to close by the end of February. Like a key clicking in a lock, it’s all falling into place perfectly, which is why I know that this is the right move. God has His hand on all of this. This has been the LEAST stressful thing I’ve ever done. In a lot of ways, I am just along for the ride and I’m not even white-knuckling it so far. I’m sure there will be some bumps along the way, but I’ve never been more sure that we are making the right decisions.
The new house is really beautiful–with everything on our wish list, plus the bonus of being right next to my parents, their pool and the lake that they live on (pictured above!) So… while it was not an easy thing to get to the point of letting this house go, I have no doubt it’s the right move for us to make. God has been calling my heart this direction for a very long time now, and as soon as I was willing to let go of control and just trust Him, He started upping the ante and answered prayers left and right!
I cannot wait to show you guys the new house and get started on all the projects that are swirling through my head. But, we still have to get through two house closing, packing and moving over the next month. Oh, and throw a birthday party for a special 7 year old. Please bear with me while we go through this huge transitional time in our lives.
There is even more to this story, which I will share here tomorrow!
Trust me, it gets even better… You don’t want to miss it.
congratulations girl!
that’s a big move in many ways!!!!
yay you!
Congratulations! That is such an awesome development for you all. It sounds exactly what you need. Can’t wait to read part two tomorrow.
Congratulations!!!
WOW, that is a huge step, but I feel in my heart that you made the right decision.
Always remember, family comes first 🙂
Can’t wait to see pictures.
Wow… You’ve had lots of changes, but it’s great to know that everything is falling into place with God’s will.
So excited for you and this next chapter!!!!! Praying with you sweet friend!
Your name has been on my mind so much lately! So glad life is falling into place! Aren’t blessings wonderful??
Beth, you’re doing what we all need to do…..Let go, and Let God!
So exciting! I’m wishing you all the best with the changes you’re making for your family.
So happy for you Beth! I struggle with the whole ‘house’ thing too. The one we have is way to small for my growing business and the business has taken over to the point we have no house to live in! But I don’t really want to move! I love what we have created here and would have a really hard time leaving it. but if that is the path God takes us I will adjust and learn to love another house I’m sure!
My heart is bursting for you, Beth!
This is all so amazing Beth…I am a firm believer in if it was meant to be it will happen. Clearly…this was all meant to be. This is the absolute perfect time in your life to be doing this. You are young and energetic. You won’t be “missing out” on anything now…and just think of the fun days ahead. Best of luck even though I don’t think you will need it. <3
Your post today really touched me. For the last few years, I have been so restless trying to convince my husband to move from our “starter” home that we have been in for 17 years!! My home also happens to be right next door to my older sister. I have found myself dreaming of a bigger kitchen, bigger laundry room, soaking tum, kitchen island…the list was endless. I had forgotten that this “starter” home was what made it affordable for me to stay home and raise my 4 children, never missing a day in their lives AND watching my niece and nephews grow up right next door. It also made us be able to afford big and little treats along the way without having to worry constantly. You have made a brave and wise decision. My children are now teenagers and I wouldn’t trade one second of watching them grow for anything. Thank you for helping me to get back on my path and best of luck to you as you take this new path in your life. Can’t wait to see how wonderful it all turns out!!
CONGRATULATIONS! That is awesome! I can’t wait to read the next part of the story. I’m so happy for you. You are amazing!
Wow! Big news Beth! I can’t wait to see the new house and I know you’ll make it just as much of a “dream home” as the home you’re leaving!
Congratulations Beth! I’m so happy for you and your family. This reminds me of the quote “Let go let God” and this sounds like what you are doing. 2015 is going to be an awesome year for you and it’s starting out amazing. Can’t wait to see your new home and what God has in store for you.
Blessings to you- Andrea
Congratulations Beth! God is so good!
i am so happy for you!!!!!! you deserve all the best and i am so glad you have worked hard to get where you are, but can now take a step back and really enjoy your life. life is about the moments we are in- not the ones we are working towards.
Beth I am so happy for you. When things are right God really does make everything seem so smooth. I wish you all the luck in your new adventures.
I can’t think of a person more deserving of all of the beautiful blessings coming her way. I’m so excited for you with all of the amazing changes that are taking place and love that you’re at peace and have calm in your life. Love you.
I had a very similar experience in 2014 and have started 2015 feeling free and excited about life again. I just felt so weighted down last year and it wasn’t until I took a couple giant leap backwards that I could see just how much it affected every aspect of my life. I’m so thrilled for you and this journey you’re on and wish you nothing but smooth transitions that continue to re-affirm you made the correct decisions for your family!
Beth it sounds like everything is falling into place beautifully. Downsizing is a blessing, in many ways. You’ll look back soon and see all the ways a smaller house can be better 🙂 We did it too, also with our “dream home” and this house is so much smarter for us ! Looking forward to following along on this journey!
I’m so excited to have Garrett next door! We promise to play Legos more than minecraft, catch fish in the sunshine, explore the outdoors with inquisitive minds, and not gang up on you too much. You can play in the pool without upkeep, explore my well stocked craft room, fish on the pier, and J can have all the forgotten tools in our garage for his new workshop. I can look in on your creations from the beginning and spend more time with my kids! Win/win/win, sweetie!
Congrats!! Very exciting stuff ahead, I can feel it! I think it’s so commendable to hit pause and look at your life and say, “what is it I’m working so hard for?” We talk sometimes about a bigger house and more this, more that, but I wonder, why? Good for you & your husband for working on your priorities together and deciding what’s best for your family. Best of luck!!
Aren’t you full of surprises. “Stop the glorification of busy”…. I have been saying this thought in my own words for 20 years, sort of a mantra that few heed. Heed it and you win says the wise old Bliss.
Ch-ch-ch-changes! SO MANY great things happening for you right now, friend. 😉 Happy for you and all that this transition brings with it. I’m proud to think our heart-to-heart karaoke sesh in AMI had a little to do with this (KIDDING!) There are great things coming your way. Just breathe. <3
I’m so happy for you, Beth! I love hearing stories like yours where all the pieces fall in to place and God’s hand is in control. Can’t wait to see your new digs!
As someone who downsized a few years back, i won’t deny that I miss my bigger house, but …. I LOVE my new life..and you will too …. really ? on a lake? win win girl. and your house sold already? another win (the first couple that looked at mine bought it…so I was lucky there too !) .. you will love fixing up the new digs …. and breathing better ! congrats … and wishing you well on your new journey ..and hope to see you at TN Country Living !
Great post and thank you so much for sharing. Sometimes it is so hard to make these big life changes. Especially when everybody’s watching and everybody compliments you on how well you are “juggling it all.” I too am making a big change in my life and really appreciate your candor on this post. Good luck!
Beth,
Congrats on the fast sell of your house and congrats on your NEW HOUSE!!! I very happy that things are working out good for you and I can’t wait to hear more tomorrow.
Blessings,
Linda
Congrats, Beth!! What a step out in faith. Sometimes that’s where God blesses us the most! I cannot wait to see how you decorate the new home…I know it’s going to be lovely. We’ve lived across the street from my mother in law for two years…it’s such a sweet thing my kiddos to be close to grandparents as kids. I know G’s gonna be beside himself.
Happy for you!
Thank you for sharing and Congratulations on your very inspirational life events! Looking forward to tomorrow’s post.
So excited for the blessings and clarity that God is bringing you and your family! I love when you have that peaceful moment of, “Yep, God is so in on this!” Can’t wait to see some pics of the new house!
So thrilled for you and your family, Beth! Praying that God continues to open new doors for you!
Girl, so glad to hear you’re getting off the “roller coaster!” You won’t miss a thing and you’ll sleep like a baby at night! Just the voice of experience speaking here!
This sounds so exciting!! A new page in your book of adventures. All the best to you and your family as you embark on this. As stressful as it may feel, your writing exudes enthusiasm. Can’t wait to watch your adventure unfold. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Congratulations to you!!! I’m thrilled for you and your family! Wonderful news. God is good! VERY good indeed! xo
So happy for you, God is indeed good when we trust Him!
Woo hoo! God is so good! My favorite part of this post, “As soon as I let go of control and handed it all over to God, He led us straight to a different path that has been smooth sailing so far. And now things are falling into place easier than they ever have before.” As multi-tasking, A-personality women, we tend to want to control everything. I’m so glad you handed over the reigns. He is all-knowing and in charge. Giving us the life He intended for us. I can’t wait to hear how the rest of your journey goes! xo, Lucy
Many congratulations on your new chapter, Beth and for sharing your personal journey. I particularly like that quote “stop the glorification of busy’
Beth,
I wish you guys all the best in all of your endeavors. Keep us posted.
So happy for you Beth–can’t wait till your next post (even though I think I already know what it is-hehe)
I am so excited for you Beth. We all have to work hard to give up and just let God lead us. Your post reminded me of a verse I have to read often. Proverbs 16:9 says…The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. We love to plan and then wonder why we are in such a mess. Then the Lord comes in and directs us in such a better plan.
Can’t wait to hear more!
Beth, I am so excited for you. Your post reminded me of a verse that I have to read often. Proverbs 16:9 says..The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
We plan and plan and then get ourselves far overloaded or bent out of shape, and then the Lord steps in and directs our steps down a much better path.
Can’t wait to hear more.
I’m so happy for you, Beth. We have been in a similar situation for the last several months. Our house sold really quickly and life has been such an adventure ever since. NOTHING has happened the way we expected, and some days I feel frustrated and worried that we made a mistake. But through it all, a little whisper comes that God is in control, just breathe and trust. Can’t wait to see/hear what He has in store for you. 🙂
So awesome, Beth! I know change can be scary but this all sounds wonderful!
I’m very happy for you & what a wise decision in so many ways. One thing I can say as a Mother of three, with two out of three in college & only one home,you will NEVER regret time spent with your child. However, many workaholic types will regret NOT spending enough,time with their kids. You are a perfectionist. That’s obvious when you look at your house. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Don’t put all that Pinteresty driven pressure on yourself to have the perfect home, perfect meals, home baked this & that, etc, Do what you can that’s realistic. Spend time playing with your son. Now as I look back at all the times I wished I had more time to myself & less kids around, I have it, lots of it, and it’s odd & weird & at times lonely. So enjoy some craziness, but mostly just enjoy your son!
Congratulations! and I bet you’re about to move in to your dream home 😉 Looking forward to your journey!
xo,
Debbie
😀
[…] I quit my job, then yesterday I told y’all that we are selling our house. What could possibly be next for my Life Change Lottery update? Today I’m sharing the BIGGEST […]
Okay, this is great, too. Sometimes we need to back away and throw up our hands. Boom! I’m so excited for you!