Down by the Cypress Trees

What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to?

The biggest risk I would like to take — but have not been able to up to this point — is living independently, either in an apartment or in a house of my own. The unfortunate truth is that up to this point, everything has been either inaccessible or unaffordable. And I need both. Accessible and affordable housing, what a concept.

I am in my thirties, and have not gotten to experience the power (nor the struggles, I realize) of living on my own. I have not had to care for my own place, I have not had to buy my own food, do my own laundry (it’s inaccessible to me in my current living situation). I have not been able to host a group of my friends.

I love my parents, and I’d be lost without them. But I am ready for the next chapter of my life, a chapter of independence like I’ve never known before. And yeah, I realize it’s going to suck in some ways, but the sense of freedom and independence makes it worth it.

Well, I will let you in on a little secret — I am actively turning the page toward that next chapter. I have hired a supported living coach, who has been helping me learn how to do household chores, cook my own meals, and has generally just been helping me get my life together (thank you!). I’m hoping to learn a lot more of what it takes to live on my own with her help so that I can settle into an apartment without too much chaos.

Stay tuned, there is definitely more on the horizon!