My first place.
The need for independence helped me to evolve as a person.
A need for independence
After breaking up with my last boyfriend I had this need to do something. I was not sure if it was something big or just something that was for me alone since I put so much effort into him. I finally realized I could move out on my own. This was a little daunting since I knew I would need to live alone but exhilarating at the same time. I would, for the first time in my life, be living alone. Being in my late twenties, about to enter my thirties, it felt like this was just the perfect time. Without thinking too much about it, I found my current place and moved out within in a month. It felt amazing to be on my own finally, but I did not realize how much work it would be or the feeling of loneliness that would come with it.
Learning to be independent
Up until I had moved, I thought I was an independent person. I did not realize how much I really depended on my family for help with things. Now having my own place, I was realizing I needed to grow and learn some things for myself. Do not get me wrong, I still ask my parents for help with things like unclogging the shower or to put up shelves. Being on your own though you have this whole household to take care of. I had to cook, clean, do laundry, and the worst for me was vacuuming. I hate to vacuum. It is something I still struggle with. Learning how to balance all of this with a social life, work and then adding in school became a priority. Something other people in my life like specific friends really did not understand which added in stress.
Adopting a pet
I felt a stress and loneliness from living alone that was new and different. I decided to follow through on another dream I always had which was to adopt a cat. Adding in this new little life to take care of really helped with the stress of taking care of a home. It was a learning experience since I had never had a pet cat before. However, it was the best thing I could have done. Adopting a cat helped me to relax and evolve into someone strong and determined to make it on my own.
What I have learned
I learned to take care of another living being which really put things into perspective for me. It forced me to ensure I took care of my house properly but also to ensure I took care of myself. If I did not make the phone calls, I needed to ensure I stayed healthy then I could not take care of my new little friend. I changed my eating habits to be healthier and did not spend as much money on myself as I would have before. I had this little being to spend time with when I was lonely or stressed out. Having your own place financially is difficult but having this little being really forced me to work harder and ensure we had the best life. I learned that you need to grow and evolve to continue to live a good life. Making that quick decision to move out and live alone really has taught me to so much and pushed me in ways I never expected it to. It brought me my two cats who completely changed my life for the better. I am now a stronger, independent person and more determined person than I was before. I feel that I have become a better person and will continue to grow and evolve in ways I could not have if it were not for having my own place. For me, this experience has been extremely difficult at times, especially financially, but it has been worth it to have these two cats and the strength as a person I now have.
