09/08/2024
After 8.5 years in a very unhealthy relationship, I finally moved out. I left everything I owned other than my books, clothes, and a small bit of memorabilia. I spent the last year and a half living with my parents with my two young girls.
In the absence of paying rent, I slowly cobbled together a new life during that time. It was its own kind of nesting in anticipation of the birth of the person I can finally be on my own without feeling like I’m walking on eggshells every day.
We moved into a 450 square foot unit in a friend’s yard. I chose access to outdoor space and beautiful environment over more physical space. We share a room and, to give the girls a bit of their own space, I used most of the storage space under the stairs to make them a secret hideout where they draw and listen to stories.
I couldn’t be more grateful for this space, this new decade of my life, a fresh start. Nine years in San Francisco previously taught me I don’t need a lot of space to be happy. True spaciousness is feeling free to express myself, to let go, to live without fear or stress from another. I am so so grateful to be here.
Edited to add: I am overwhelmed by the kind and generous responses to this post. Thank you to each of you for your warm-hearted words.
And to anyone in the same situation, thinking of going, GO. Listen to your heart. There should be no question that you’re loved, safe, valuable, whole. The road is lumpy and hard but the view on the other side is breathtaking ✨
