Periods of Renewal: Haircuts, Moving, and New Jobs

Why is it that a change as simple and mundane as a haircut, a new job, or a new apartment can feel so draining? Maybe it's the intense emotional molting of sorts that comes with change.

Well, I am in the midst of all three changes mentioned above, and as of last week, I couldn't have felt more overwhelmed and sad. I was behind on everything in my life: my full-time day job, my freelance writing side-job, the progress on my move, quality time in my relationship, and anything else you could think up.

But for some reason, perhaps it's the progress I made on my move last weekend, perhaps it's having my new computer up-and-running now, or maybe it's this week's lovely sunny weather; but all of a sudden I can breathe again, and it feels good.

This year has most definitely been a year of change so far: new relationship, new car, new computer, new haircut, new place to live. I think what is hardest about these kind of changes is that they take so much effort and goal setting to bring to fruition; you don't get time to sit back and enjoy the benefits until the hard work lets up.

But once you do get to stop for a moment and take in the changes and progress, it sets in motion a process of renewal, a shedding of the old skin.

Last weekend was sort of a Spring rite of passage for me: bagging and boxing up giveaway clothes and books to get rid of excess junk and clutter before moving. I don't know about you, but I always enjoy the process of getting rid of things, makes me feel so much lighter. This weekend I look forward to enjoying the benefits of all the hard work of moving -- just plain relaxing. I have totaled 6 straight days of moving, and tomorrow I'll officially be done. Yaay!

And with this ending, with picking up and leaving the apartment I called home for 2 years, is a new direction. Can't help but feel a bit free at the prospect of a new road, though admittedly, a little sad as well.

It's so important during these times of transition to remember you and not get too caught up in demands, deadlines, and responsibilities. One way to ensure that change will be negative is to lose track of the joy of living while setting about attaining your goals. That's one lesson I haven't fully internalized yet, but hope to along the way.

We'll see what the rest of the year brings...