Why Tiny?

It doesn’t make ANY SENSE. Why on earth would I work like crazy all of these years seeking higher education and building a professional career only to move into a home the size of some people’s walk-in closet? Here’s why:

• The Dream of the huge house with six bedrooms and four and half baths just isn’t a one of my dreams. I could allow myself to believe that it is, easily, based upon how our society often defines and measures success but I know I’m not sold. I’ve been on those weekend driving tours of gorgeous neighborhoods or in the homes themselves and I feel nothing. No connection, no desire, no need. OK, OK, so you might say just buy a small house, a condo, or something NORMAL. Well, good point. However…
• Living in a tiny house greatly reduces Environmental Impact. Even if the house is plugged into the grid my impact is drastically reduced by the amount of materials needed for the build, the smaller number of appliances running and fewer consumer goods in the home. My goal is to eventually have the capability of living off-grid when and if possible through solar, propane, rainwater harvesting, and composting.
• Greater Financial Freedom. After you build a tiny home expenses are minimal when compared with a mortgage or rent and all of the associated expenses of keeping a conventional home. Bottom line: I don’t want to work to pay for a residence  I don’t care about with a substantial portion of my income. Student Loans. For all of you familiar, ‘nuf said. Also, when I want to travel or participate in an experience or activity that has an associated cost I want to be able to do that as opposed to submitting a mortgage payment that doesn’t enrich my life in a valuable way.
• What if I want to Move? My tiny house will be on wheels. To move just secure the items, hitch it up, and drive. I will become Mobile when and if I want to be and without packing. Yay!
• I want to Build something. I know nothing about construction or architecture and I literally have never used a power tool but I want to design and build this tiny little house myself with the help of the willing and skilled along the way. This is going to throw me completely out of my Comfort Zone, which I want to torture myself with deliberately because I believe that is where true growth lies.
• For me, this tiny house project will be a part of an overall Healthier Lifestyle shift. I believe that being in the home will encourage more outdoor activities, connecting with the community in which I live, beginning to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs, and continuing to make sure that my apartment adjusted dog Myla gets her outside and running time. I personally have shifted from athlete to former athlete over the years. This. Must. Change. One step at a time.
• Why Not?

So, this is where I begin. Lots to learn. Tons to plan. Questions to be answered. I expect the reasons above will change and evolve throughout this process. I’m blogging this experience to share with those who are interested in the process, to keep me focused and somewhat organized, because the blogs of so many others helped me understand what this lifestyle feels like and enormity of the project, and because this much online sharing is definitely outside of my comfort zone. So, here we go…