Welcome back for day two in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Today, we are talking about Beauty. I’m sure you are familiar with some of the following quotes:
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
― William Morris
“The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.”
― Louisa May Alcott
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
― John Keats
“Beauty is no quality in things themselves: It exists merely in the mind which contemplates them; and each mind perceives a different beauty.”
― David Hume
Today, I would like you to find 5-10 things in your home which inspire beauty- for you. Don’t think about popular trends or how expensive an item was. Listen to your heart and identify those possessions that, in the words of Marie Kondo, “spark joy” when you behold them.
Perhaps, it is a dress or a pair of shoes; your silverware or a special glass; a painting or a chair; the tulips gracing your dining table or the comforter on your bed. There are no restrictions.
Once you have identified your chosen items, write them down. Look at each one again. Is there something they all have in common? Straight lines, country style, sophisticated elegance, a similar hue? Are they all heirlooms or sentimental items- treasured gifts from loved ones?
It’s helpful to know both what we find beautiful and why. It makes it easier to let go of those things which are burdensome or unnecessary or even ugly, but we feel compelled to hold onto out of guilt or obligation. I once owned a shirt- it was hot pink, collared and buttoned-down, with a ruched bodice and 3/4-length sleeves. Whenever I wore it, I received compliments on either the color or the fit. But, you know, even though I knew that shirt looked good on me and I looked good in it, I never felt comfortable wearing it. It was not beautiful to me. Finally, I let go of other people’s perceptions (positive though they were) and allowed myself to get rid of the shirt. I’ve never missed it.
All this to say, when you can identify those possessions which you consider to be beautiful, you will be better able to simplify and refine your home. The beautiful items you chose may help you define your true style or select the color scheme you’ve been agonizing over for a particular room. They may help you realize how much you own that isn’t truly beautiful to you and to recognize how beauty can be obscured by the excess of things.
Today, take joy in acknowledging the beauty within your home. Tomorrow, we will look at those other items you didn’t choose and begin to make some decisions about them. Don’t forget to tweet/share/pin your favorite quote from today:)
“Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind.”
― Amit Ray
Blogging from A to Z Challenge previous posts:
Day 1: Assess
(Featured photo credit: Better Homes and Gardens http://www.bhg.com/rooms/bedroom/color-scheme/real-life-colorful-bedrooms/?socsrc=bhgfb0616146)
Ruth Ann Nordin says
I never thought about focusing on things I like instead of what others like. I love this perspective, especially since I’m in the process of decorating my home. 🙂