Catching perspective

The home I grew up in lies vacant. We are considering renovating, selling our current home, and living there for several years as a means to get a jump on retirement, college savings, and the purchase of several acres. In theory it’s a sound decision, but there are the demons of bad memories lurking in that neighborhood.
Things I did, things I said, and those done to me that cannot be taken back.
Will new flooring, fresh paint, and landscaping really help? My instincts say new memories will replace the old, but those first few weeks may be rough.
Today I walked down the street, and around a cul de sac I used to walk every day. Yes, the sidewalk has a few more cracks, but I don’t think time made the houses seem less imposing. I don’t feel as small as I used to, perhaps I’ve learned to stand a little straighter.
The shadows don’t seem as dark from up here.