The wind is blowing around my house during the first storm of the year. I don’t think we’ve had such heavy squalls since I started living in my Tiny House. It shows again how sturdy my house is built; it stands proud like a rock. But does that mean I’ve had a relaxing day? Not exactly.
Even though I know my house won’t tip over, I sleep a little restlessly during a storm. In a Tiny House, you’re much more aware of the seasons and weather conditions, compared to a brick house. The howling wind is more audible and every now and then my house shakes a little. The big radio mast next to my house also produces sound during a storm, like blowing on a beer bottle – a low whistle.
Luckily there was no damage today. My potted apple tree (given to me by Buro Ruiter last month) and a basket with a chrysanthemum in it, flew off the deck. And my bicycle fell over, that’s all. But still, this kind of weather is a little unsettling. It’s harder for me to stay in focus and I get a little squirrelly. I heard someone say that the storm is at its strongest here in Noord-Holland. At the coast though, it’s always a little windy. I remember talking about it recently. Noord-Holland is all polder and wind. But the winds are getting stronger and more frequent, and I’m afraid this will only increase in the years to come.
My Tiny House is resting on the wheels and on sturdy wooden blocks at the corners. Including all my stuff it weighs over 3500 kg, so I’m not worried it will tip over in the wind. Securing it with hooks and straps is not necessary. The shaking is really not that bad; I feel it only with the fiercest squalls. So, if you’re working on your own Tiny House and getting worried about the heavy storms, don’t worry, it’ll be ok. Even in an open field it won’t be knocked over. The owners of het Regenbooghuisje, Karin en Gijsbert from Dromen over Frankrijk have experienced this first hand. In the Tiny House Nederland Facebook group there are regular discussions on these kinds of topics. It’s a nice group where you can ask questions and share your experiences. When you’re busy with creating your own Tiny House, you’ll find people there who can help you with it, people with experience building and living in a Tiny House. That community is very valuable!
Maybe this wind is just what we need, and the storm symbolizes getting rid of the old and making room for the new. Nature’s way of spring cleaning, as it were, and maybe we should follow her lead. After all, the new year has just started! What things don’t we need anymore, and can be let go? For me, there are always a few things that need working on. They are not so much New Year’s resolutions, because I feel this way all throughout the year ;) But a new year is a good time to learn new habits and let go of useless or even harmful habits.
For example: I want to live a healthier life. Finally give up that blasted smoking habit eventually, but first going back to a normal eating pattern. Healthy, lots of vegetables, cutting back on the sugar and alcohol. Because, oh dear, that December was one big party. I need some serious balancing days! And I also want to be less critical of myself and others. Being aware of what doesn’t work is the first step, and I’ve got that one covered. Oh well, luckily there is always room for improvement. And finally, I want to work on gratitude and living a more satisfied life. So, what do I want to let the wind take away? My habits (or addiction?) of ‘bad’ food and drinks, my critical eye, and my moments of dissatisfaction with myself. Take it with you storm, I can do without!
And what do you want the storm to take away This is the moment. Let it out; it’s gone before you know it! And replace it with something new. Call it a resolution, or a new good habit you want to learn. Something out, something in – that’s the Tiny House way. And make it small, that makes it easier to stick to it. I’m not really a good example of that, I think, looking at the above ;) But most of all: make it practical. What are you going to do to stick to your goals? I’m going to take a moment every day to name 3 things I’m grateful for, for instance. Choosing a regular moment works best, and I’m choosing the morning, right after I start up my laptop. I’ll open a Word document and write it down immediately. And: January is going to be alcohol-free. There! My liver will thank me. And since I’ve told all of you, that’s an extra incentive to keep my promises. Is there anything you want to change? Let me know! Maybe we can support each other a little. Go for it!
Dear Marjolein, your openness is so refreshing! We had the same storm on the same day in Switzerland with record wind speeds of up to 195km/h – and still some people say there is no climate change, huh? Good to know the tiny house stood its ground just like you did, too! Funny enough, your comments about “healthy life”, “beeing too self-critical” etc. could be from myself… and some of my friends, too! Nobody is perfect – even “us pioneers”….-). Keep going, Marjolein, and be nice to yourself – you’re a great human being!! Big hug, Markus
Hi Markus! Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate that <3 You would think nobody can deny that climate change is a fact, but still they try ;) You keep on walking your beautiful path too Markus, I'm sure you will meet wonders on the way!