The home should be the treasure chest of living.
– Le Corbusier
There has been an interesting shift I’ve noticed in my photographs over the last couple of months. More and more images of my home seem to be popping in. Whether it’s new art I’ve brought home, a cat curled up in an interesting place, my welcoming front door, or the play of light and shadow on the wall… They are all home.
It’s like I’m nesting. Settling in place. I’ve always liked my home, but now I love my home.
There are a number of different changes in my space and my perspective that are influencing this shift, but it all comes down to this: The things I choose to grace my space matter. The clothes I choose to put on my body, the art on my walls, the clutter (or lack thereof) on my desk, all influence my frame of mind. The more I choose to surround myself with things I love, and eliminate those I don’t, the more I feel at home. The more I love my home.
In The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, the author has a method for creating this shift. She asks you to sort your belongings with the question, “Does this spark joy?” If yes, it stays. If no, it goes. When you surround yourself with things that bring you joy, you are happier.
I know this to be true. Even before reading the book, I have been slowly doing this in my own evolving way, and have been seeing the benefits. I am to the point that nothing new comes into my house unless it is something that really does bring me joy. I’m not willing to compromise any longer. Creating my personal space is one part of creating the life I want to lead and the person I want to be.
It feels good to be in my space these days. Maybe you can tell, by the photographs I’m sharing.
I don’t feel at home in my home at the moment. Though I’ve been in this apartment for over a year now, I’ve never felt settled and have been reluctant to hang pictures, unpack knickknacks, and so on. This feels like a place “between” somehow, though between what, I don’t know. I’m glad you’re so happy in your home. You’re right, what you choose to do with your space matters. I guess I’m longing for that space I care enough about to do something with it, if that makes any sense.
PS – I love the beautiful shadows of this photo!