What have we learned?

 

We got news that it might take way longer than we thought to arrange for the tie-ins to the sewer and water mains at our property in High River. Getting the engineering work done, putting it into the town for approval, and then doing the work could take us well into October. We didn't know what to say or how to react. 

After a few minutes of silence, Heather asked a great question. 

"What are we meant to learn from this?" 

The process of trying to identify the lessons and the learnings helped temper the waves of disappointment and frustration.

FIND THE GOOD IN THE BAD

We have become quite good at turning lemons into lemonade. However, it is much harder to do in the moments when the bad news lands. I think both of us are shortening our transition time when new obstacles appear.

AS LONG AS THE DESTINATION IS FIRM, CHANGING THE ROUTE AND THE TIME IT WILL TAKE TO GET THERE IS PERFECTLY NORMAL

Heather and I can clearly see our home and studio as they will be sometime in the future. With the support of the SEED Homes team we have had to chart a new route a number of different times as obstacles presented themselves. 

WHEN YOU NEED HELP, IT WILL BE OFFERED. BE READY TO ACCEPT IT

The most emotional part of this journey has been when family and friends have stepped up to help. We have been without a home for over a month now. It was back on July 28th when we said goodbye to our former Elma Street home in Okotoks. We did not anticipate being displaced this long. Being homeless an additional month or two is still possible. Family have stepped up without hesitation to give us shelter. That is when tears start to fall.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Everyone who has been through a new build has experienced disruptions and delays. Things pop up that couldn't possibly have been anticipated. It happens. Roll with it.

FIND THE WINS

Even on the worst days, you will find wins, should you choose to see them. The SEED Homes team is making great progress on our home and studio. Each day we get an awesome email from Julie with a progress report and pictures. Seeing the home in person next week will be a big win.

TRUST - IN DIVINE TIMING

Everything will happen when it is supposed to. This is a hard one to accept, especially when you get milestone dates stuck in your head. That might be the biggest lesson coming out of this experience. Don't impose a rigid timeline when doing a new build. That's a recipe for increased stress. Give yourself a temporary living situation that has some flexibility.

CUSTOMERS AND CLIENTS UNDERSTAND

We have clients and customers patiently waiting for us to get set up again. They have been incredibly understanding. However, should they choose to move on to another service provider or artist I would totally understand and wish them well. We are in a situation that is mostly beyond our control. 

When we emerge from this time of change we will have a beautiful home and studio and begin to settle into the community of High River. It will be the beginning our of downsized life and the start of something new. I'm excited to see what that means creatively and energetically for both Heather and I. We just need to wait a little longer to get started.