Part Three: You Don’t Need a Map…Just the Next Move.

Part Three: Do Not Tarry

Closing is Confirmed ✅

Well, the map has resumed.

You know how your GPS pauses when it loses the signal for a minute? You’re still moving, but it isn’t quite sure where you are or what direction you’re headed. You either slow down or trust your gut.

That was my life for the past seven days.

Last week, I shared that the map had changed. My buyer’s financing was uncertain because of issues involving structural repairs in my building. My October 1 closing date—the date I had planned everything around—was suddenly up in the air.

And there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.

The decision was completely out of my hands and in the buyer’s court.

So what did I do?

I kept packing.

Something in my gut told me October 1 was still going to happen. But even beyond instinct, I knew something else: whether this particular buyer purchased my condo or someone else eventually did, I was leaving.

That part of the map had not changed.

So I kept moving.

And then, after a week of uncertainty, I called my agent. He later responded by email with the news I had been waiting for:

The buyer has been financed. October 1 is a GO.

And just like that, the GPS recalculated.

But here’s the lesson: I never stopped moving while it was recalculating.

During that week, my dear friend Dorothy came to visit from Oklahoma. I’ve known Dorothy almost 30 years through my best friend, Mitzi, whom I’ve known for more than 30 years.

Dorothy recently retired and is celebrating this new chapter by traveling—a beautiful gift to herself.

She arrived last Wednesday and left today.

And honey, we worked!

We made three trips to the storage unit. We packed the guest room. We tackled my closet. We emptied the kitchen shelves. We moved my beloved plants to my daughter Shara’s house, where they’ll enjoy her sunroom.

My kitchen is now down to a bowl, a plate, and some paper plates.

And you know what?

I’m good with that.

There’s enough food here to get me through the next couple of weeks. The furniture pickup is scheduled. The movers are scheduled. The plan is moving forward.

What I’m most proud of, though, is what I didn’t do.

I didn’t panic-call everybody when the closing became uncertain. I didn’t cancel the furniture pickup. I didn’t start moving appointments around, only to possibly have to call everyone again and put everything back.

I allowed the uncertainty to exist without allowing it to control me.

My anxiety stayed in check.

And throughout the week, I kept saying something to myself, my friends and my family:

Do not tarry.

T-A-R-R-Y.

Meaning, don’t linger unnecessarily. Don’t delay what you already know needs to be done.

But “do not tarry” doesn’t mean rush.

There’s a difference.

I have time right now, and I want to use it appropriately. I can pack thoughtfully instead of frantically. I can appreciate the help that shows up. I can enjoy these last days in a home that has served me well. I can eat the food in my freezer, move my plants with care, sort through memories, give things away and slowly watch these rooms become empty.

Because this move is no longer something I’m planning to do.

I’m moving.

It’s happening.

Whether I feel anxious about it or not.

Whether I have moments of hesitation or not.

Whether I know exactly where my next permanent home will be or not.

It is happening.

And my responsibility is to respond to what is happening and take the next appropriate action.

So that’s exactly what I’m doing.

A huge thank-you to Shara and Dorothy for helping me this past week. This place is getting emptier by the day.

And strangely enough?

I’m loving it.

Maybe an empty room isn’t always about what you’ve lost or what you’re leaving behind.

Maybe sometimes an empty room is simply space being made for what comes next.

Thanks for listening. Thanks for reading. And come back for Part Four.

I’m sure there will be some happenings this week.

Why wouldn’t there be?

It’s my life. It’s Tena. 💞

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A Note About AI: This blog may have been created with the assistance of multiple AI platforms for historical research, fact-checking, writing support, and image generation. Every idea, perspective, and final edit reflects my voice and my commitment to sharing thoughtful, well-researched stories.

 – Tena 💚🩷