Making a house a home.

Making a house a home.

By Ollie.

So, I’ve just moved into a new house with my friend. I wish I could’ve said that it was an easy transition, but to be honest, I’ve been stressed as hell these past few weeks getting everything sorted on time and balancing a particularly busy month. But now, all the hard work has paid off, and me and my flatmate have been able to create a lovely little home for ourselves. It’s nothing big and fancy. Just the basics. And truthfully, I wasn’t even particularly concerned about moving out of my family home. However, now I love it, and feel so grateful to have my own space, and what’s more. A warm, safe environment that we’ve built together and continue to take care of.

The feeling I get from sitting on the couch with a brew, tv blurring in the background. Both of us sat not talking just enjoying each other’s company. With accompanying fairy lights and the rain outside. Is incomparable. And I still can’t get over having ‘my’ own bedroom, my kitchen, my garden, even the little gate on our front porch. Small, insignificant things that make me feel like a ‘proper’ adult and grateful for my life.

There’s been change in other places in my life as well. I recently received a promotion at work, so I’m getting to grips with new responsibilities and perks. And a friend from Uni has taken over the other role so I’m enjoying developing that friendship, both professionally and personally.

Traditionally, I’m not great with change, I’m the kind of person who finds comfort in watching the same shows, reading the same books and listening to the same music. What can I say, I know what I like. But even though my exterior world is changing, I’m still the same person inside. I still have the same routines and Ollie-isms. And one thing I’m learning from my friend is to chill out more and take life in your stride.

It comes so naturally to me to stress, worry and overthink. You could say it’s in my DNA. If I prepare for the worst and worry about every possible negative outcome, then I can’t be disappointed. But it’s not a healthy mentality nor a sustainable. People need hope, you can last on nothing but it. And optimism is a remedy for all ailments.

Even though this past month has been extremely busy, I’m relieved to admit that nothing went wrong actually. And I’ve been able to travel, move, work and just enjoy myself. so maybe there’s a grain of wisdom in there. That it’s always good of course to be organised, realistic and practical. But sometimes, things do just work out, and they happen for a reason. So, there isn’t really the need to stress about preventable and recoverable things.

Therefore, I urge my readers to trust in themselves and the universe more as we approach the new year. Have hope, enjoy yourselves and think positively. A good mindset is your strongest tool in life. And it never hurts to smile and stroll through life.

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