If I want my home to be a place of connection, I’ll ask genuine questions and get to know the people in my home.
If I want my home to be a safe place to make a mistake, I’ll lower my standards for myself first, be forgiving of my own mistakes, laugh at myself–and allow others to see that.
If I want my home to be inspiring, I’ll pay attention to what inspires me.
If I want my home to be real, I’ll learn to embrace the imperfect, find the beauty in the undone, the *half hazard, the unkempt, the everydayness and the mess.
If I want my home to be comfortable, I’ll first stop apologizing and focus on others instead of myself.
If I want my home to be a place of rest, I’ll consider my attitude and the tone I set when I am home.
“Those are real nice words lady, but how does that affect how our rooms look and feel? I have an empty room, woman, HELP!”
Right. So…
If I want my home to be a place of connection where I can ask lots of questions and have good conversation, I want to be sure I have adequate, comfy seating so people will stick around.
If I want my home to be a safe place to make a mistake, I’ll display the imperfect in my home. That spelling test where they made a C?–on the fridge, the frame where the glass broke out–so? it still looks great. The leather chair with the rips? It’s loved and sat in daily.
If I want my home to be inspiring, I’ll collect inspiring things and show them off unashamed, regardless of the trends.
If I want my home to be real, I’ll find the beauty in what is. Accept that the messes unique to my home are a sign of a full and beautiful season of life.
“My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass”;
“We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re raising boys.”
–Harmon Killebrew (Quoted to me and Emily often by our dad)
*read the comments for more info