Moving On-The Big Move at 80

On January 2, 2025, I listed my house for sale in preparation for a new chapter in my life. The decision wasn't a spur-of-the-moment resolution from New Year's Eve's hangover. It was a tough decision because I enjoyed my current house. It was a decision rooted in clarity and purpose-driven. After all, I had made my home comfortable and a place to relax and entertain my family and friends.

This is me relaxing at home. A warm and relaxing room exudes tranquility and joy, comfortably embodying the essence of a peaceful home.

My current house has become a sanctuary over the ten years. Having a backyard nestled among trees with a woody view that changed with the seasons was my place to sit. I would often commute with nature, not to mention the three-season sunroom painted with vibrant colors of green in the spring and dressed in orange and red in the fall. Summer and spring mornings were spent listening to birds chirping while I enjoyed sipping coffee or a glass of red wine. Occasionally, I would get an unexpected visit from Mr. Robin; chirping or scurrying squirrels and chipmunks brought life to the yard.

Relaxing at home, surrounded by the serenity of nature through the window.

Sunlight streams into a serene sunroom, casting gentle shadows over cozy seating adorned with vibrant pillows and lush plants. The

As time went on, the house location no longer felt right. I realized that as much as I adored my house, it was more important to listen to my body. I was spending more and more time driving to activities across town. I could feel the stress on my body and knew that at some point, this would not last. I started to think about self-care. I had begun to hear loud whispers that I must care more about myself and less about material things. The house had served its purpose, giving me peace and joy during this chapter of my life. I know this move wasn't about leaving this house but moving forward, starting over at the beautiful age of 80, and the commitment to reinventing myself—the question of when and where. Like most decisions in my life, the answer will come in due time.

I gave conservation about one of those senior communities, but I knew better. I've decided against a senior community because, let's face it, bingo marathons and early bird specials aren't my vibe. Instead, I needed a place to thrive—or at least avoid fighting someone over the last tapioca pudding cup. In 2025, I've come to the glorious realization that if I don't focus on my happiness now, I'll probably forget what I was waiting for by next week anyway. There were other factors that helped me to decide, such as the location of my daily routine, like how far I had to drive to and fro to the gym because squats aren't going to do themselves. The proximity to entertainment, life's too short not to have a little fun, and how close my friends lived. Oh, and let's not forget the stair dilemma. The idea of hauling myself up and down stairs in a few years makes me appreciate having a single-level home might be my new best friend.

This house came to me from a friend who was selling her home, and yes, she was moving to an Active Senior Community. The new house was smaller, and I needed to downsize and needed to eliminate years of snuff. It didn't take long to receive an offer on my home. I started with all these items to pass on to my children, only to find out they didn't want any of my stuff. I was glad that my granddaughter could use a few things. Realizing that these were my memories, and they would make their memories. It does not matter what I should bring; it's about creating a space where I can live happily, laugh out loud, dance within the wall, and not worry about whether I'm the only one who will hear me, for I am leaving a townhouse. I realized in 2025 that I should shift my focus on cultivating my happiness; if not now, when? I have learned that the home for me is where I live and plays a significant role in my pursuit of happiness.

I'm purging for the down-sizing

While I may not know the future, I embrace this journey enthusiastically and determinedly. ditched the saying, "You are too old to buy a home." It is funny how some societies and, yes, family members, even though I should wait, the next move should be to a nursing home or one of those apartment complexes where you are encouraged never to venture out of the building.

Living isn't easy, but it is worth every breath I take. We can reinvent ourselves if we dare to step out and believe anything is possible. We must learn to "move on" and not live in the past. You are never too old to live your life.