Maxine has learned some important lessons from her recent house move.

I moved house in December to a small bungalow that was supposed to make life easier and safer. Nearly three months later, I’ve been permanently stressed and struggling. I’ve sometimes wished I hadn’t moved.

A few days ago, I managed to let my daughter take on some of the paperwork and the phone calls. And I managed to let go of needing to do everything myself, almost as if I was trying to prove I could.

Today I’ve had a free day. I’ve written. I’ve gone to the tip. I’ve planted out some flowers in the new garden. I’ve cleared some gravel … all slowly and calmly, no pressure, and stopped when I wanted to. Talked to the neighbours, passed on some packing boxes. None of it was stressful, it was great to be out in the sunshine.

I decided I’d like to make a bamboo trellis and found some diagrams on the internet. That was a bit more challenging, but with a bit of patience and getting it wrong, I’ve learnt how to make a Japanese slash knot and a clove hitch.

I’m very happy, now I’m going to cook the supper.