Here I go again. As much as I enjoy being settled in a comfortable home, life gets in the way.
After searching for a condo in Park City, Utah for over a year, I’ve made some compromises and just signed on the dotted line.
What did I finally choose? A view. A large balcony overlooking a split-rail fenced horse pasture surrounded by mountains. Secondly, a location that allows me to walk to skiing, restaurants, bars and take a 10-minute bus to Main Street.
What else did I get? An untouched 40 year old, furnished space. Let the fun begin!
First, I moved from my current apartment to a friend’s lovely home for two months to avoid living in the renovation project.
Now that I have the keys, it’s time to hire a contractor. Then comes clearing out the 1970’s “quality furnishings.” I see a great deal of Craigslist in my future.
As the demo and construction starts, I will incorporate 10,000 form and function decisions into my workdays over the next couple of months. Thankfully, I enjoy the creative challenge of renovation and have talented friends to help. But, I do understand how unsettling this process will be.
Here are the 5 Ways I Will Survive This Life Renovation
1. Self-care first.
I can’t spend 12 hours a day walking around DIY stores without eating or drinking anymore. Well, I can but I’ll regret it. I must keep water and healthy snacks in the car, break for real meals and balance exercise with rest.
2. Expect the unexpected.
We all know to pad a construction project budget and time estimate. As the inevitable news rolls in, I will strive to focus on the big picture and not sweat the small stuff.
3. Enjoy the creative process.
How often do I get to play with tile, stone, paint and flooring samples? Not very. Drawing inspiration from the places I’ve traveled and the beauty I’ve experienced is something to savor.
4. Remember that Architectural Digest is not coming to shoot my work.
The goal is to take chances and learn from the outcomes. If it’s not perfect, only my friends and family will know and they love me anyway.
5. Integrate the experience into my coaching practice.
Sharing my challenges, coping techniques and triumphs, while maintaining my sense of humor, will motivate me to focus on what I learn throughout the renovation. Perhaps I’ll read “A Year in Provence” again for storytelling inspiration.
Over the coming weeks, I will provide not only updates on the renovation progress, but also how I am living true to my goals for this life transition. I’m sure that my life coaching experience will come in very handy throughout this project.