Up until this weekend, there was a big hole in the back of my house, where a door used to be. It lead into a little out room, that enters into my current living space. Once, this was my garage. Now, it is my bedroom/living room & soon, it will become my 3rd airbnb room/project.
This studio, flows into a little 5′ x 16′ alcove, that acts as a pass through dining area, leading into the kitchen and laundry room.
Between the out room and the garage, there was a hollow door with a large hole cut into the bottom. For years, the hole was used as dog door, that was eventually covered up with a piece of plywood.
I live in Idaho, where we have the Benifit of all four seasons. It’s currently November, so winter is upon us & the nights are becoming very cold. As you can imagine, the hole in the back of the house, has made the garage a very cold place to sleep.
I am not telling you this to whine or seek anyone’s pity. In fact it’s quite the opposite. I am writing about this, because it has made me so grateful, for the roof over my head.
Every night, as I lay under the layers of blankets, that kept me warm. I realized I was blessed with a choice. I thought of those who had no roof, no shelter, no bed & not enough blankets to keep them warm. It humbled me & gave me appreciation for everything I have, especially my home.
The next year of my life, I have chosen to sacrifice living in the comforts of a traditional home.
I have chosen to give up full access to a standard bathroom & instead will be roughing it, with my pimped out version, of a camping toilet. I have had a few people, who did not share my enthusiasm. I must confess, that as the reality of what I am about to do, gets closer. I too, have my doubts about The sanity, of my idea.
I think to myself; “What in Gods name are you doing? I must be crazy”… But each time this happens, I put my fears aside, knowing that there are people , who are homeless & would give anything to have the luxury of a camping bathroom.
I think of the time I lived in New York & the many moments, I spent in the big city, desperately looking for a public restroom. I often wondered how on earth the homeless survived there, with virtually, no public facilities available to use, anywhere.
I think of the scary outhouse, I was forced to use last year. We were on a winter road trip, traveling the great Alaskan highway. We were were at the very top of the Rocky Mountains. There was a snow everywhere and not a town around for miles.. I am not being over dramatic when I say, It was the most horrific bathroom I have EVER been forced to use & we were left with no choice.
Then my mind wanders, back in time to the days, when there was no plumbing & people were forced to use a chamber pot or dredge through the snow to relieve themselves, in the outhouse built next to there home.
It is those thoughts, that make me grateful, that I have a choice. It helps me see, that I am blessed with the luxury of my little homemade camping bathroom. I have comfort in knowing that when the guests checkout, I can take a shower & have use of the bathrooms, in my house, until the next guest arrives. I also have the security of knowing, I have many generous neighbors & friends, whom have all given me an opened invitation, to use there homes, anytime.
This weekend, I was sooo happy & grateful, to replace both of the doors, in my room. I no longer have a gaping hole, blasting the cold into back of my house. My living space is so much warmer and the heat vent into my room, can actually do its job.
Using my camping bathroom this winter is now a “little” less scary to think about.
I shared this moment with you, because I want everyone to know, good things can happen for those who are willing to make sacrifices to get there. Every challenge, is a stepping stone to success.
I feel very lucky to be alive and have the luxury of choice. As I sit here with my cold feet, I know, I have chosen to give up many luxuries now, so that I may reach my ultimate goal later.
I know a couple years from now. I will be sitting on my balcony, watching the sun set & rise, from my, newly built, addition. I will have 3 or 4, fully booked Airbnb’s, running within my home & I will look back, on these moments of sacrifice; knowing that I accomplished my goals. I will relish my many victories & start making plans for the next journey. My next dream, the next great moment, in this wonderful adventure, that I call my life.
I hope you have a dream to chase & if you don’t, I hope you find one soon. Life is a journey worth taking. Listen to your heart and seek the wondrous things. Find your strengths & fight your fears. Your not dead yet. It’s never to late to try. Get up & reach!!!!
Debbie Smalley (Deb’e)
mywings.blog 