I’ve been back home for 5 weeks now. Most of that time has been spent unpacking boxes of trinkets that are old and familiar and feel like home to my soul. It has stirred a mixture of nostalgia and overwhelm within me, and in James. This move made me realize just what a hoarder I am. The things I tend to cling to once belonged to someone I love, or they have a one of a kind feel to them, or were handmade or have a certain color or texture to them… They feel like treasures, not just stuff. Or, they have a purpose, which may not fit into my immediate present, but things I’m so grateful to have on hand when certain times arise, like doing an art show, getting crafty with upcycling clothing, or painting on a canvas. As an artist, I have supplies for just about every medium you can think of, and you never know when you need to bust them out and flow with the muse. Oh, and books… all the books. And handmade earthy mugs. And wicker baskets, for storage obviously.
Throughout this move I actually let go of so much. It’s hard to tell by looking around at the piles still needing to find the right nook to live. But we packed car loads for donation and I filled up my entryway with trinkets to give to my friends, who so lovingly took a ton of it! It felt so freeing to release those things. But now I am finding myself in the space after bringing home a few more car loads from my Nanna’s, of needing to let go of more. I understand the concept of creating space and a feeling of lightness from letting go. The less stuff around, the more space you have in your energy and mind to create. I’m at an impasse with my stuff. I think the joy that releasing all the items I did let go of will continue to inspire me to keep decluttering. It really did feel good. But I’m down to the good stuff, if you know what I mean.
It has been so fun to rediscover my things though. I had so much of it packed away for 3+ years, and I got to see it all in a new light. I didn’t put things back where they used to reside. I was very intentional about creating fresh spaces energetically. I didn’t want things to feel like they did before. I believe the way we choose to decorate our spaces creates the energy that surrounds us.
All this to say… I’m loving the way my bathtub sanctuary is set up now. It feels so warm and magical and pared down to my favorite objects for this space. I’m so unbelievably grateful to be able to take baths again!!! It is my evening ritual, and my space to ponder, to read, to write, to draw cards, to soothe, to cry, to wash away any stress of the day.
