When we tell friends that we have actually moved 18 homes in 34 years, they remain incredulous. Not that we designed for it to be like that. Nor is the husband too fond of the nomadic life. We just moved when life and work needed us to do it. What did we learn in the process? First, our careers ranked above all else. We had our back to the wall when we began, as we came from very humble beginnings and had no inheritance. Even the traditional household stuff our parents wanted to give us, we declined. We wanted to build it ourselves. So we went where our jobs took us. Career growth and opportunity ruled the decision about where we lived.
When we tell friends that we have actually moved 18 homes in 34 years, they remain incredulous. Not that we designed for it to be like that. Nor is the husband too fond of the nomadic life. We just moved when life and work needed us to do it. What did we learn in the process? First, our careers ranked above all else. We had our back to the wall when we began, as we came from very humble beginnings and had no inheritance. Even the traditional household stuff our parents wanted to give us, we declined. We wanted to build it ourselves. So we went where our jobs took us. Career growth and opportunity ruled the decision about where we lived.
Third, every time we moved, we realised how much needless stuff we were accumulating. We began the practice of giving away things. And we slowly learned to consume less. The rule was to keep attics clear at all times. We saved a lot from questioning our purchases keeping in mind that we could move. Our furniture also turned minimalistic as it had to fit into the Third, every time we moved, we realised how much needless stuff we were accumulating. We began the practice of giving away things. And we slowly learned to consume less. The rule was to keep attics clear at all times. We saved a lot from questioning our purchases keeping in mind that we could move. Our furniture also turned minimalistic as it had to fit into.
Fourth, we made a huge circle of friends. These are people who shared our joys and sorrows where we lived. They became part of our lives. We still can return to Hyderabad where we lived 34 years ago, and meet with our friends for a meal and laugh about our times there. The wealth that a diverse group of friends can bring into one’s life is alas so underestimated. In these days of social media, it is strange we call people with whom we have no shared experiences “friends.”
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