Our homes are often a mixture of thoughtful planning and pure happenstance. Rarely do any of us pay strict attention to complete detail to everything in our space.
Room for improvement in your homespace
It is time to ask:
- Is there anything negative in my house I would like to change?
- Is there something I do over and over again like a bad habit that really bugs me and it shows in my homespace?
- Is there room for improvement in a particular area of my homespace?
My guess is you can answer yes to at least one of these questions.
Examples of bad habits in your homespace
Over the years in my career as a decorator I have been privy to many different bad habits. Ask yourself what yours are. Here are some that might apply to you:
- You procrastinate about taking down holiday decorations even when another holiday is right around the corner.
- Dirty laundry stays piled on the floor.
- Dust bunnies are allowed to grow into dust monsters.
- You never remove the sofa cushions from your sofa for a good vacuuming.
- You never make your bed or teach your children to do the same.
We often pay more attention to the appearance we present to the outside world than the appearance of our homes
I am often amazed at the sense of style people feel it necessary to present to the external world while neglecting the truly important world right inside their homes. This is in the form of how they wear their hair, how they dress and what type of car they drive. Very few of us would go to work, shopping or to the gym without making sure we are presenting ourselves the way we want others to see us. All the while homes get neglected.
So, do you want to change?
21 days to kick a habit
Did you know that scientists believe it takes approximately 21 days to change a habit? This is because we naturally resist change. It is important to understand that:
- Change will need intention.
- Change will need focus.
- Change will need discipline.
Begin now to take a personal inventory of the habits in your homespace that you wish to change. Give yourself a plan of how and when you will begin the change. Just remember:
- Change will need time.
- Time needs time.
But you are worth it. Each time you conquer a bad habit it empowers you to conquer another. Slowly but surely your homespace shows positive change one day at a time.
You can do it!
Your homespace deserves it!
One thought…
A home that is honored is full of joy.
Conquer those bad habits one day at a time…
Photo credit: Susan Muehl
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You know how I am about my house, well I have been going around cuddling certain areas, that is my word for giving closer attention to, but some of the areas that were especially Al’s are very hard….I feel like if I move or change anything I am losing Al all over again….so I go and cuddle my own areas which are really few when I think about it. I have added alot of plants, which I love and I changed the spread in our bedroom and I added pillows in the media room. I can’t touch Al’s study or his garage….toooo painful. So I guess I am working on kicking a habit….not a bad one, but one I miss so much. I am the opposite of most people, I rather take care of my house than myself. My house is my soul right now….and my strength. Thanks for article and keep on writing…..love ya….Susie
I love the term “cuddling” as it gives such warmth and such love to what means the most to you in your homespace. I deeply understand “your habit” and know it is hard to shift from this habit called Al. Susie, he was one special man and he knew and loved every inch of the homespace you two had together. Regardless of the changes you make and have made since his passing, his presence is all over your homespace. Especially the yard. He left you, Ivy and Todd (and families) his own little slice of heaven. I think Al is one habit always joyful in the remembering and cherishing!!!
Jamie…I love the kind loving words you had for Susie. My friend Lori calls you friend and I can see why.
Like Susie my bad habit or rather what I perceive as one is taking better care of my home than myself when it comes to personal decorating. My Mother-in-law once said to me “you dress for comfort don’t you”. she on the other hand dressed wonderfully. I have a hard time seeing the older me as I would like to look.
Joy Stark
Joy, just to let you know – I, too pay more attention to my home than myself. I love my home and enjoy making it the warmest, coziest environment to be in. As for Susie, I marvel at how she is adapting to life without her Al. Thank you for the kind words!!!