Author of “Simple by Choice,” http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/
While clearing out my bookshelves this week, I've not only found books I'm ready to part with, I've also found books I'd forgotten about. So in the midst of the decluttering, I'm also doing a lot of reading. :-)
Last night I was reading the book, "What's a Smart Woman Like You Doing at Home?" by Linda Burton, and found the following quote that really inspired me to think about the importance of making my house a home (I think this applies whether you work at home or out of the home):
"It became clear to me that the job of homemaking was much more than an empty progression of menial tasks. More than anything, I learned that the substance of homemaking is the creation of a place that makes people feel good -- to, in effect, set a stage that allows positive feelings to happen. It takes great artistry to create a home where people will want to talk to each other; where they will want to linger over dinner; where they will want to snuggle up with a quilt and a book on rainy day instead of escaping to the shopping mall. It takes skill and sensitivity to design ways to buoy, comfort, and strengthen the people we love."
I think I've gotten so wrapped up in my decluttering mode this week that I'd lost sight of "why" I'm actively seeking to make my house a home. It's for the people I love – so they have a safe haven away from the weariness of the outside world, a place of refreshment and joy.
I'll probably keep on doing the same things in my goal toward a clutter-free house, but I think each little step will be infused with love for my family rather than just frustration over too much stuff. I've discovered over the years that a simple change of focus like that can make the difference between a chore ... and an act of love.
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