The Silver Lining

Nothing about moving is easy.

 

Suddenly life seems messy and chaotic. Everything from making dinner to going for a run takes longer because you have to dig through boxes to find what you’re looking for and then get diverted off course by trying to put just one more thing in its proper place.

Even though Bo and I have slept seven hours every night for the past week, we are both exhausted and drained. There are different types of drainers including monetary and professional. The constant credit card swiping as we purchase things we didn’t have the foresight to realize we needed, like shades and air conditioners, unnerves us daily as we do our best to stay within our planned monthly budget.  From a professional standpoint, we both are trying to make sure that the move doesn’t get in the way of the work we need to deliver each day, but it’s hard to focus when surrounded by boxes.

While I know that in just a few weeks life will return to “normal” and we will be head over heels in love with our new apartment, I have already found the silver lining in the madness.  (Image source)

This momentary craziness has helped us both realize how far we’ve come on the journey towards a balanced lifestyle. Over the past month, we haven’t missed a single workout. Each morning at 5:15 AM when the alarm goes off, we momentarily entertain the thought of pushing snooze, only to remember the energy that those morning miles will give us the rest of the day.

A few years ago, we would have made excuses and rationalized a July and August meal plan of delivery sushi, Chinese, and pizza served along side a few cold beers or glasses of wine. Each morning we would wake-up feeling the effects of the previous night’s decision, chug water and lace up our shoes, thinking we could out sweat the less than stellar food decisions.  At least one or two times there would be a straight-up binge fest of delivery, alcohol and then an order of Insomnia cookies around 11pm because “we’re moving and deserve a treat.”

We’ve ordered Seamless one time in a month and eaten out just a handful of other nights, instead spending most of our evenings cooking a healthy meal even if it’s just omelettes or roasted chicken. Last night in between unpacking boxes, we grilled vegetables and turkey burgers, taking a 30-minute break to enjoy the meal together at our dining room table.

So while I still have no desire to move for at least another few years, I appreciate what it has taught me over the past few weeks. We may not be perfect, but our life is definitely far healthier now than it was a few years ago. We’ve made strides together, and the way we have managed stress has improved. When the dust settles in our new place, I’m thankful that our next project won’t be losing the 10 pounds we gained during the move.

So until then, I’ll just continue to break up the craziness by laughing so hard it hurts when I decided to hop inside a full-size outdoor storage unit at Lowe’s. Because rumor has it, running and laughter is the best medicine!