“Times of transition are strenuous, but I love them. They are opportunity to purge, rethink priorities, and be intentional about new habits. We can make our new normal any way we want.”
— Kristin Armstrong-Three time Olympic Gold Medalist/road bicycle racer
As fast as the winter ice storm arrived it left. On a hilly gravel road out here in the Prairie there had been little or no traffic for a week. No mail, nor garbage collection, recycle bags multiplied, while newspapers deliveries remained scarce. We might have felt a bit like “Little House on the Prairie” except for electricity running lights and appliances as well as heat. Electric heat was supplemented with a propane gas fireplace. Waterlines never froze and the cupboards were full. When I ran out of hardback reading books, my neighbor loaned a Kindle downloaded with multiple books. While I swore, I’d never use a Kindle, preferring a regular hardcover with pages to turn, I thoroughly enjoyed reading often staying up later than I ought.
Then the earth began to thaw. Ice on the lakes vanished and the ducks were swimming again rather than walking on top of the ice. The goldfish were free to swim and forage. The cats spent more time frolicking in the fields. From the kitchen window I saw two birds splashing in the birdbath. Heavy coats, gloves, and woolen hats were tucked away. The thermometer registered almost seventy degrees so Sam and a buddy went fishing. All was well.
The formerly iced-over mailbox was now full of spring catalogs touting the promise of a new season to come. During the ice storm week, I rummaged through clothing for spring and summer. I was tried on and sorted to see what might stay and what might go. Since this is a regular practice, there wasn’t much to do or much to discard. Evaluating on a regular schedule helps to keep time and energy devoted to decluttering minimal. Clothing and accessories can build up on you if you’re not careful. The usual questions to ask are: Does it fit? Do you wear it? Is it in good shape? Does it need or is it worth repairing or altering? Does it suit your lifestyle? Is it your current style? Do you love it? If you don’t really love it you probably won’t wear it and maybe someone else could enjoy it. If you’ve previously worn professional attire and are now retired with no need of suits or pencil skirts, there are several thrift and consignment stores in the Golden Triangle area offering professional clothing to those just starting their careers. A simple way to help someone in need.
In college I wore typical college clothes everybody wore. In the month of May, my senior year, I sent a resume to the one job I coveted. I was asked to come interview the following day. I had one classic knee length dress and no time or money to find another. In the heat of May driving an unairconditioned Volkswagen I wore a winter sweater dress. I had to drive to three different interviews. If nerves didn’t cause me to sweat the dress did. That day I transitioned from college student to management team. Life’s full of transitions. Go for it.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
