This week’s post may seem a little off-topic, but I promise to circle it back. I noticed my attitude and chain of thoughts this week as I started the chore of dusting my house. Now, I have to say that dusting is truly one of my least favorite home maintenance activities. So, as I’m putting down my coffee and grumbling about how much I hate dusting, it dawns on me that instead of feeling resentful of this task, I should be focused on how fortunate I am to have a house to dust in the first place. Not only do I have a home, but I have a home that I love and that I’m so blessed to be able to work from. (Remember having to do “stream of consciousness” writing is school? Welcome to what goes on inside my head. Yeah, sorry about that!)
This brings us to gratitude. In the full speed of our everyday lives and all of our many, many, goals, we have a tendency to forget to be grateful for the things that are right in front of us. And as promised, I am circling back to the topic at hand. It is so easy to look around our homes and see all of the things we are dissatisfied with. I believe that furnishing our homes is a series of goals that we strive to achieve as time and finances allow. So instead of eyeing that beat-up dresser with disgust, or cursing that dated dining room set, take a moment to be grateful for what you have right now, and make the best of each and every piece of furniture. The truth of the matter is, the more grateful we are for the things that we already have, the better able we are to see the beauty in them. If finances don’t allow you to replace that dresser today, make the best of it with a fresh finish or a new purpose (maybe put a table runner on it and use it in the dining room as a buffet?).

If that’s not an option, then add a seasonal candle or a beautiful vase of flowers and appreciate it for what it is. We’ve evolved into such a throw-away society that sometimes it’s important to take a step back and appreciate what we have and what’s right in front of us.
Now I’m not going to tell you that dusting is my new favorite activity. But as I go about the task with a new appreciation of all that I am blessed with, there is now a little spring in my step.

Hold My Wine, I’ve Got This…

Amy