A Time for Change
Wow, it's been a while since I've written! As you can imagine, life with three boys is borderline crazy and full of lots of snacks and lots of lego building and lots of poop and fighting other stuff. Not to mention the upheaval of our lives due to COVID. This has been surreal to process, and while I'm sure I will have words about our family's experience or the global experience at some point, I don't today. What I do want to share is how this time away from the blog has been really productive.
First of all, I've realized that I need to write this blog for me, at this point. Even though I set out to present an honest look into my creative journey, I still started to buy into that mentality that I'm creating for others. While creating for others is an incredible gift, there aren't very many "others" at this point tuning into a blog this size. So, I've either been listening to all the advice about what I should do to grow the blog (which just feels stressful and overwhelming because, truly, that is not my goal), or I've been lacking the motivation to write because not many people see or read this blog. As I've processed this, I've realized that at this point, it's gotta just be for me. So, I'm changing my mentality to writing for myself but sharing it with others in hopes that one or maybe five or maybe (GASP) ten of you, might benefit from what I share and be better equipped or encouraged. Second, and stemming from the first realization, I'm going to write as it comes out. I would actually go back and edit my (very few) previous posts to sound more...hmmm, what's the word....relatable? Maybe? Essentially, I love people and making relational connections and I'm always processing what is inviting to someone or off putting to someone. I'm always wondering what the other person is thinking and trying to figure out what they like, etc. Because one of the things I cherish most in this earthly life, is genuine and deep relational connection. At best, this is the foundation for some beautiful relationships that I treasure, and it's the smile and kind word that helps a stranger feel seen and heard. At worst, it's annoying to those closest to me (because I still think that way even in an established relationship) and it's a giant stumbling block in a relationship with someone that I just don't understand. I can think of a few individuals that for the life of me I just cannot figure out how to make that connection and it is hard and actually results in immense insecurity, thinking that because I can't form that connection, something must be wrong with me or they must not like me. Anyways, swimming back up to the surface here, that desire to connect is why I would go back and take out big words or super formal language. (Just realized the word I was looking for earlier, informal! I would go back and try to make my writing sound more informal.) But, that's not really me. I mean, it is. I call my five year old dude or bro twenty-two times a day and it's not uncommon to hear me make a celebratory air horn sound. (I am reallyyyyyy good at that sound by the way.) But there is equally a depth to me. On one of the last walks I took my little "dude" on, we discussed God's knowledge of the virus and His Sovereignty in this current event. So, I'm not one or the other, I'm both. And if this blog is for me at this point and if it is genuinely to be an honest look into my creative journey, I'm going to leave any formal style of writing that comes out as I pour myself into a post.
So, processing those things is one of the ways stepping away from the blog has been productive. But also, I have made a lot of changes in our home and it has been so sweet and fun and life giving! I think I may do posts on the different updates later. But, as a summary for now, we refreshed our master bedroom, updated our dining area and rearranged our family room. (Here are the best quality pictures that I have of these updates at the moment.)
All of these changes have been amazing for family life. Part of why the change was good probably had to do with the psychology of how all of the change around the world feels out of control and so bringing change that I can control is calming in a way. (But just an aside, this way of coping with uncontrollable change can become an unhealthy thing, if left unchecked, and it may point to a control issue that needs to be worked through.) However, probably the biggest reason I'm grateful for the changes, is the improved function of our home. When I can make our home work better for our family, that is a massive win in my book. That is truly an endearing endeavor. When I can bring more function and it looks pretty....oh man, that just gets me pumped. So, that is my encouragement and challenge to you. Make a change. If you feel paralyzed, make a small change. Being stuck at home is the perfect time to do this. If you have kids and think there's no way you have capacity to do that, get them involved!
Here are some ideas of small changes you can make:
Rearrange the furniture
Swap art around on walls
Swap throw pillows
Move your plants
Find a space to display something that makes you feel happy
Here are some ideas of medium changes you can make:
Tidy up ONE space that has been bothering you (shoes by the door, books stacked messily on a shelf, kitchen drawer, etc.)
Plan (and if possible purchase) new wall decor for a wall that needs to be refreshed or a blank wall
Find something that hasn't changed since you moved into your current home and change it up (this can be removing something that's always been there and either appreciating the fresh space or adding something different)
And for all the go-getters, some big change ideas:
Paint a room
Make something new for your house
Swap two rooms (like the whole rooms)
Go through and get rid of stuff you don't need or want or didn't even realized you had because it's been so long since you last looked at it
Do a room refresh or renovation (If finances allow, I understand how difficult these times are financially for some people)
Change can be hard, but it can also be really, really good. If you need any help figuring out what changes to make, let me know! I am happy to brainstorm with you and help you come up with a plan. If you have already made some changes recently, way to go!! Care to share? I'd love to see!
Looking forward to seeing what changes you have made and hearing about the changes you are going to make. (Remember, it's okay to start small!)
