Sometimes when I'm anticipating someone coming to my house to visit, I look around and wonder what they'll see. Today I was doing that and kind of marveling at how I've created my life based on what I value. And then realizing that we all do that, whether purposely or not. So here is a list of some of the things I value and how they are expressed in my life.
Relationships: I don't overschedule myself so that I never feel like I have time to be with the people I love. I often have time to just hang out with those people and really let them into my life.
Freedom: This is a gift given to me by Vic, who supports our family. Because of him, I have the freedom to structure my days one by one how I want them to unfold.
Simplicity: I don't often buy things I don't need, even if it's too many dishes, or more clothes. I like having just enough and being able to take care of those things. My house doesn't get over cluttered with stuff, and we can fit the stuff we have into the space we need. I don't over decorate my house because I like to take in the color of the walls, and the beauty of each thing I've placed without it being overtaken by something else near it.
Conservation: I'm still working on this, but I've really come to value the idea of not leaving things behind. I try and buy items in less packaging, recycle the packaging I do buy, and using up the things we have. I also try and make things myself, or buy them used so as not to consume more products.
Quiet: I almost never turn the tv on during the day anymore. I love when the kids have gone next door and it's just me and the silence. It really makes me feel good.
Learning: I really love reading. I love reading about new ways to think about the dynamics of our society. I love reading how to be a better parent, a better partner, a better human.
I'm proud of how my life is structured around what's important to me. I don't react as much to what other people think or to the things that are thrown at me. I feel like as the years go by my days become more authentic and more directly created.
4 comments:
i completely see that in you. all of it. when your around its kind of peaceful and i can feel good about myself. i feel like i dont have to be this big success or anything, as long as im genuine that's good. i often wish i could have a life like yours. i would love to plan fun activities to do with story each day and sometimes have the peace to just focus on that one thing at that moment and not worry about work or needing to be a hundred different places. i envy you for that. :) one day. one day.
I agree, I don't know how you keep it so simple. Even though I am at home. Full of errands and so many todos. My days are so chaotic, I just don't have that trait to make things calm and peaceful like you, I envy that of you.
I also know I can turn to you for advice on conserving and learning.
Thanks by the way for the emails. I haven't had a chance to look them over because I have been redoing my cabinets so we took a break from school this week. But I will tonight! I appreciate you taking the time!
I wish you guys lived closer tho because I think I would really enjoy visiting with you more.
I remain firm in my opinion of you being a "deep thinker". I wish being more resourceful and conservative would appeal to me. I'm still from that "more is more" mind frame. But, since we have been trying to sell our home, (I guess I should say, "having our home up for sale", as technically there hasn't been any trying on our part, except for the cleaning), I've been able to see that having less stuff is easier to work with.
I feel gratitude towards Jeff for making it so I can stay home, as well. I feel a deep sense of peace knowing that I'm here if my kids need me.
If Kyle reads that clutter part and holds it against me I'm going to be so mad!!! I always buy stuff I don't need and it makes me so happy! Especially if I'm shopping with Kassie or Jessica, because they pressure me. Now I'm wondering what my house says about my values. One thing is that I value relaxation over cleanliness, as you well know :) I can't wait to see you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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