Is your everyday life filled with beauty, the things that you love, and joy?
Each of us has an image of how we would love to look, live and feel. Unfortunately, few of us actively strive to reach that picture. Others may not really have an idea of what that seemingly unreachable joy might look like. Quietly and consistently we CAN work towards that dream self, if we just knew where to start.
“There is only one Success- To be able to spend your life in your own way.”
-Christopher Morley
Not sure where to start? Try this, make a list of all the things you can think of that you love about your life, or just love in general. (Even if you rarely get to experience it.) What would you love more of? Here is a sample list:
- Calm/Tidy home
- Music
- Flowers
- Warm weather
- Ocean/beach/kayaking
- Forest/hiking
- Cotton/Wool/Cashmere
- Pink/Red/White/pale yellow
- Comfort!
- Sterling silver/gold jewelry
- Laughing
- Studying/Writing/reading/photography
- No clutter
- Antiques
- Bright Sunny rooms
- Krav Maga
- Knitting
- Gardens/ponds
- Waterfalls
- Travel
- Alone time
Make micro changes to better suit yourself and inch closer to who you want to be. Pay no attention to colors and styles that are a fad right now, this is not you and it is time to stop compromising on happiness! Life is too short and you will not get another one. Today comes by us but once. Invest in a little whimsy, it will nourish your soul!
“Every man is the architect of his own fate. –Appius Caecus
Pick an area to work on. Let’s say your house. What is the actual goal you have for your home? I know what one of mine is, I want my husband to be COMFORTABLE when he comes home from a long day at work. I also consider it a compliment when a friend comes over and curls up for a nap on my couch. I want my home to be peaceful, welcoming, and calm. A happy refuge away from the stress and pain this world can throw at us. It may not happen over night, and there WILL be setbacks, but day by day work towards it. Never forget, your home is a reflection of what you love and who you are. If you choose a theme that isn’t your passion, then you sell yourself and the home short. It will exhaust you instead of nourish you. It is better to have empty rooms and bare surfaces than own something that drains you instead of feeding you.
It doesn’t offend God for us to enjoy the good things his creation has brought us. Am I saying focus ONLY on you? No. I simply am saying that you should make your life count, Care for your family, help others, build a ministry. Also, while you are working so hard for your family and others, feed your free spirit, allow yourself to feel joy and pursue what you love. God placed these things within you, so it isn’t selfish. In fact, I would be so bold as to say that perhaps God even encourages it. (Phillipians 4:8) He added the word lovely/beautiful depending on your translation, and I think he meant it. He went through a lot of creative work of His own to make this world as diverse and awe-inspiringly beautiful as it is. I would say He loves creativity!
Make a list for every area of your life that you would like to change. Be creative, make your life joyful, fill it with things that make you happy and that serves you and others. Make your every day lovely. Free your spirit from the drudgery of living your life in a way that does not give you true joy, go find your WHIMSY!
