When I consider “home,” I immediately visualize the layout, the colors, and all the unique items that make it special. However, my true perception of home is not about the physical structure or the belongings within it. Home represents a feeling of peace and relaxation, the nurture of relationships, and the establishment of community. When approached correctly, it also serves as a source of sanity. Therefore, this year, I am making new commitments to my home, with all my resolutions focusing on the home itself.
1. Tackle procrastination: Procrastination can drain the joy out of many aspects of life. In the context of our homes, it can lead to an ungrateful attitude towards our living space. We all have projects that we put off for extended periods, resulting in a sense of falling behind and a lack of appreciation.
Upon moving into our current home, we simply transported all our belongings and stored them in the basement bedrooms, out of sight, and then overlooked them for two years. Even now, seeing the unpacked boxes and scattered items fills me with anxiety. No more procrastinating! We are determined to address the specific areas of our home that cause unnecessary stress. If you can relate, it’s time to devise a plan! We will gradually clean and organize the basement bedrooms, revitalize unused spaces, and complete makeovers for three rooms: a new home office, an organized laundry room, and a spare bedroom/playroom for the kids. Confronting these home-related challenges head-on will undoubtedly alleviate our long-term stress and foster a greater appreciation for our living space.
2. Focus on essentials: In a cluttered living environment, it’s easy to overlook the elements that truly make a house feel like a home. It’s time to thoroughly assess our possessions, distinguishing between necessities and meaningless items. I am committed to embodying the “less is more” principle and significantly downsizing our belongings.
While I enjoy thrift shopping and hunting for unique treasures, our accumulated possessions have become overwhelming. It’s time to rid our home of unnecessary items and engage in a decluttering process. One simple criterion for this process is to determine if an item holds sentimental value or if it was acquired purely for its aesthetic appeal or a bargain. If it lacks significance, it’s time to part with it! Simplifying our possessions will bring peace of mind and tranquility.
3. Embrace change and renewal: Following the holiday season, a multitude of new toys and garments enter our homes. Before incorporating the new items into our lives, it’s essential to collect old, neglected toys and clothes around the house. This simple exchange helps maintain order and sanity.
4. Prioritize people over possessions: Despite our best efforts, we often succumb to the allure of consumerism. The latest decor trends and fashion fixations can be overwhelming, especially when browsing through local stores and boutiques. This year, my focus is on investing in relationships rather than material possessions. It’s about consciously allocating our time (and money) to loved ones and experiences, rather than acquiring goods.
5. Establish a cleaning routine: As someone who finds this task rather daunting, I understand the challenges of maintaining a clean home in today’s fast-paced world. The pressures of modern life often leave little time or energy for household chores, leading us to neglect establishing a cleaning routine. Personally, I need to shift my attitude toward this responsibility. As a stay-at-home-mom, I sometimes resent that maintaining the home feels like my primary responsibility. However, I am blessed to have this beautiful home and should express my gratitude by taking better care of it. Therefore, establishing a cleaning routine is not just about tidying the physical space, but also involves a form of inner cleansing and self-reflection.