A Big Decision to Go Tiny

​​Yep, you read that title correctly; the Roquemore’s are going Tiny. To some, this might seem drastic. To others, I’m sure I’ll be chalked up to a millennial tree-hugger (I’ve been called much worse). But to me and my sweet little family, this move equates to a large step toward freedom.
 
Two weeks ago, my position was eliminated at my workplace. While unexpected and a bit disheartening, this life changing event also brought me face to face with some questions I had been effectively pushing aside until then. What do I want with this one precious life I’ve been given? What type of mother do I want to be? What legacy do I want to leave? And then once I know those things… how do I achieve them?
 
The first question was answered easily in understanding that I wanted to live life to its fullest (super cliché, hang with me). From the outside, I most definitely was striking the picture of success-I was in management at an early age and making good money. I have a sexy husband and brilliant toddler. I have a nice mortgage that came with a 1600 square foot house and each room has been turned into a Pinterest-worthy vision. We are doing so well, in fact, that we were planning to build a house double in size to which my sister laughingly joked, “You don’t use your finished basement now.” But during the time of reflection, after losing my job, I realized that bigger houses and more stuff are not the answer to that question of what I want from this life. I want experiences, laughter, adventures, friends, star-filled skies, so much love my heart could burst and authenticity. It’s not to say you can’t have those things with a 2500 square foot home but it just didn’t sit right with me. While I was moving forward, 110 miles per hour headlong into the American Dream, something had shifted inside me and I needed to be reminded of what matters.
 
The second question, what type of mother I want to be, is one that rests on my heart each night and each morning. For years, Jordan and I didn’t even think we would have children. When Evie came into our lives, my identity shifted and I knew as her mother, I would be her primary female role model. I want my actions and words to resonate within her and set the example for being a strong, capable and loving woman. I want her to see me be brave and kind. To advocate for myself and others. To take risks and ride the rewards or learn from the failures. Through this change in lifestyle direction there will be less stuff and more experiences to give her. More time to explore with her and be present.
 
Finally, what legacy do I want to leave? We only have this one beautiful life to live and imprint ourselves on this world, so what do I want my mark to look like when I’m gone? I want it to be one of love and authenticity. Those are daily choices that I will have to make and my hope is that with less background noise I can continue that journey. I am not perfect by any means. I cuss like a sailor, drink more coffee than water, love to eat Honeybuns even though they taste like chemicals and probably am that damn millennial, tree-hugger some of you pegged me to be, but I invite you on this trek with me either way.
 
Now many of you might be thinking, “You don’t have to go Tiny to accomplish all of that.” And you’re absolutely RIGHT. But for Jordan and I, going tiny means not having a mortgage. It means a faster route to paying off our student loans and being DEBT FREE. It means physically being present and engaged. It means less stuff and more experiences. It means being brave and doing the unconventional.
 
So… here we go. Follow me in this grand adventure that life has thrown my way. It’s bound to be a wild ride as I navigate finding a new job, downsizing, overseeing a tiny house build and putting my love for efficiency to the ultimate test.