Hello sweet friends! I’m back today to discuss why I personally love doing home renovations. It’s a strange thing to explain, because remodeling is a stressful, messy, time consuming project. In theory it shouldn’t be fun. But for me, I am happiest when I’m covered in paint working hard to transform something into my vision. I’ve always been able to see a space and instantly imagine what it could be. I see the potential in everything. Every discarded piece of furniture on the side of the road, every empty house needing a new life, every blank canvas waiting for paint. I’m a very visual person. When I plan a room design or an event I can picture the entire thing at once in my mind. I love to plan out homes, parties, and lesson plans back in my teaching days. I see it all in my mind and quickly write down the details.
Reading has always been one of my favorite ways to refuel my soul.
Growing up I assumed everyone viewed life this way. It was only as an adult that I realized that I had a gift, a special way of viewing the world through the lens of potential. And I love helping others see that potential all around them too. That’s part of the reason that I started blogging. To help inspire people and share my love for creating. Transforming your home is not as scary or as hard as you might think. I never went to design school, and I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. When I talk to people who feel stuck or unsure about how to make changes to their homes I remember feeling that way too. For me, it’s so much more than home decor. There is something so empowering about the process of making your home a true reflection of you. Our environment influences us so much. When we surround ourselves with things that inspire us, whether it is quotes, verses, paint colors, art, photographs or family heirlooms we are choosing to celebrate our life and what is important to us.
I used to think maybe it was silly to care so much about how my home looked, or perhaps it was selfish of me when there were so many real problems in the world. But I realize now that I’m made this way, and this sensitivity to my surroundings is a gift. It allows me to help others. It’s so much more than furniture and decorations. It’s about understanding what refuels my soul so I can go back out into the world refreshed and able to continue to do good work. I really began to understand this when I was teaching elementary school. Several of my students were dealing with really heavy life issues, things that would absolutely shatter our worlds if these things happened to you or me. And my sweet students were struggling to cope with everything and still care about math and reading. It became my mission to create a safe, calm, comforting place for them when they came to school. I would spend all day pouring my heart and soul into teaching and caring for them. At the end of each day I was exhausted. So I started to create a home that inspired me so that I could rest and regroup after a long day and wake up the next morning ready to help my sweet students again.
As a creative introvert I need time alone. I really do enjoy being around people, but it can drain my energy. Every now and then I need to take time by myself to recharge my batteries. Reading, creating something, and writing all help fill me back up. It’s important to understand how you are made and what you need in life. For me, my home is my sanctuary. It is a place to refuel, snuggle my sweet babies and celebrate life. And surrounding myself with things that inspire me is all part of the refueling process. It’s not about the actual things themselves, it’s about how my surroundings make me feel. I don’t decorate to impress others. I’m creating my home for me and my family. And I want to share it with you so that you too can add inspiration to your own life!
Family photo by M. Shaner Photography
Funny, sometimes what I plan to write and what actually comes out when I sit down at the computer are two different things. I started writing this post with the idea of writing about how fun home renovations can be. But for me, there is a deeper meaning behind it all. So friends, I encourage you to find whatever it is that fuels your soul. Whether it’s traveling, spending time with others, exercising, reading, creating, whatever it is find it and do it so you can continue to go out into the world and do good work.
Have a beautiful day.
Sandy
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