How to Live Independently

Happy Monday, dear readers!

A darling reader, Abby, emailed me a blog request: How to live independently. I just realized I've never written about this topic on this blog, more of how to be happy at home, but not about how I came to this decision and the commitment to do so.

The truth is, I've kind of lived independently since I was 18. Ever since my folks moved to NH more than 10 years ago, I'd been making my own decisions. However, it was only three years ago when I took the jump and completely lived on my own. No maids, no anything. Just me. I remember thinking, "If I failed at this, I have no one else to blame but me."

A peek into my favorite part of my tiny home.

It's not easy, that I admit. BUT it is that much rewarding. I remember sleeping on a mattress on the floor for a few weeks, waiting for my bed to be delivered. I remember forgetting I did not bring a car when I bought my fridge. I remember needing to stay home when some repairs had to be done at home. These are the things so far I know to be true.

1. You will do everything. I am this committed to living independently that I got myself a bare unit that I insisted to decorate myself. Three years later, I'm still halfway done. =P I remember having had to buy everything, from rags, to pails, to mops, to cabinets, a bed, a mattress, a fridge, plates. It never ends. There are days I wished the plates washed themselves. I cried a lot on nights I first slept by myself, alone at home. But the feeling of living by yourself and knowing you're in charge of it all is priceless.

2. Decorating is fun. In the beginning, HAHA. I was obsessed over Apartment Therapy for so many months I thought I knew what I wanted. As it turns out, I don't. I still have to make a lounge-y area in my home and put up a gallery wall.

3. You will learn to entertain. If your friends know you live alone, most likely, someone will drop by sometime. At some point, you need to whip up something edible, pour wine the right way, make eggs, smoothies and pop a film on.

4. Sleepovers!

5. Sleeping when you want to. AKA movie marathon featuring all chick flicks that Rachel McAdams starred in. Or Chris Evans.

6. Secret Single Behavior. Carrie Bradshaw's was eating on her sink. Mine, well, remains to be a secret.

7. Any appliance or storage you don't use can work as storage. This includes the microwave oven.

8. Dinner can mean sirloin one night, and popcorn the next night.

9. But breakfast is a different topic. Here's what I eat for breakfast.

10. Have an emergency contact on hand. At some point, you may slip down the bathroom floor, get sprained or fall sick. You're not wonderwoman. Call a friend sometimes.

I hope you enjoyed this little post! Happy week ahead!
xx

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