Being Content With My Home

There always seems to be something to do to the house. People ask me (as we have been married almost a year now and the house is fully furnished) if I am “done.” I don’t think I will ever be done. I think it is part of being a psycho about decorating. But another part of it is accepting things aren’t always perfect. There is so much more I want to do but there is only so much time in a day and so many paint fumes that are physically healthy to consume in one setting. So here is a bit of my to do list…

Have no idea where to put this…and should probably paint it…All I can say is, this wall is crazy, but works for now…This could be better organized… This is the wrong shade of blue… We sleep on a futon…and I haven’t made the bed yet…This needs to be painted… Along with this…This wall could be better balanced… And yet somehow, in the middle of all these imperfections, we still live. We still love. We still invite people over. It is so easy for me to get caught up in what needs to be done, but sometimes I just need to stop and be content at where it is at the moment. And really, it is fine. Beautiful even.

10 comments

G.September 03, 2010 4:32 AM
Thanks for this reminder. A year ago, we moved from a 4 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom duplex in a city in another state. The decorating in my house was in progress but, getting there and to start all over in a much smaller space has been difficult. We can't paint the walls or do anything major because we are renting but, I've tried my best to make it home. Thanks for reminding me that all of the aesthetics are not the most important thing! BTW, you have a gift for decorating. Your home always looks great! :) (sorry so long.)
Tales From My Empty NestSeptember 03, 2010 5:21 AM
Your home looks very warm and inviting! As women, I think we are never fully satisfied with our homes, even though we love them. It is always a work in progress, but isn't it fun to do the little projects? I am refinishing an old French Provincial bedroom suit right now. I think it is going to be very pretty. Have a wonderful weekend. Love & blessings from NC!
Amanda @ Serenity NowSeptember 03, 2010 5:41 AM
Good for you! We could all take a lesson in being content today. :)
Lucy MarieSeptember 03, 2010 5:43 AM
You are right - the home will never be done, you will constantly be adding/changing/reconstructing ... but, it will always be home!
LaSeptember 03, 2010 5:54 AM
My kids have started asking me lately when I will be done with our house. (We've lived here a year now.) Silly kids, they just don't understand! =) Just like you, I will always have more to do. I have to make a concentrated effort not to let the house "doings" overtake my days though. It's quite a slow process with kids! Get it done now, girl! ;)
nina@themissadventuresofninaSeptember 03, 2010 7:59 AM
I'm so there with G. Going from a 4 bdrm house to a 2bdrm apartment has not been easy. But we are getting there. There are tons of things I want to do: paint, get a shampoo holder thingy for the bathroom, TV stand, hang curtains for our room, going to Ikea to organize our closets, etc,etc,etc.
I will never be done. But like you said, we love, we live, we make fun of strangers, life is grand.
ChristinaSeptember 03, 2010 12:10 PM
Completely relate.
TraceySeptember 04, 2010 5:36 AM
Good for you, Ashley. I admire the fact you can go ahead and look past things. I am a certified OCD nut and can't stand when things aren't finishe. This is why I usually don't have people over. It's sad. But I am getting past it this summer a bit. I hate looking at something and knowing it needs to be taken care of and it sits and waits. My house has been a project in the making for 23 years. My kitchen needs updating desperately, but not a priority just yet. We are having the outside of the house painted..never been touch in over 35 years. It is an ongoing issue, but you right about not stopping you life because your home isn't perfect. I'm taking you advice and going on to live!!!
jewelrybyrebeccaSeptember 04, 2010 1:08 PM
Seven years in this house and I've got a to do decorating list a mile long. Just about the time you get done in one area something in another area needs attention. But it's what I love to do. If something didn't need done, I wouldn't know what to do with myself.
EvaBabeDesignsSeptember 06, 2010 5:19 PM
Couldn't be better said. We have tons of unfinished projects but luckily we know how to enjoy life & our friends might think we're wierd, but eventually they see our incredible vision everytime we finish a project!