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Spring cleaning and all its cathartic ways bring a sense of renewal to heart and home. This time around though it has brought with it an unwelcome feeling of wanting. Those too small, too worn, too old garments have made ample room for new lovelies and the bookshelf now rid of unread volumes yearns for new sumptuous texts. Even the kitchen in all her simplicity has fallen into the trap of only feeling completely overhauled if new linen tea towels in colours of jute and stone hung just so from their hook. Thick, hand blown French glassware gracing the table would complete the Spring cleanse.
All about me there are images vying for my consumerist attention. Meticulously styled magazine editorials lure me with crisp bed linens and home wares in muted shades while Etsy never fails to fuel my desire for edgy artworks, artisan jewelry and vintage oddments that satiate the "wanting". I quite simply have fallen from grace with my make do and mend philosophy and have been bookmarking all things new and shiny.
Deep in the sludge of "wanting but not being able to have" I have huffed and puffed about all we were lacking. And how everything would be better with this pair of shoes and that absolutely essential new rug. A serendipitous card from our World Vision sponsor child gave me the sharp slap I needed as I took in the enormity of our abundant existence. At its most basic level we turn on a tap and fresh, clear water flows freely and a bounty of nourishing and delicious food is at our fingertips. We have not only clean and warm shelter but a personal space peppered with treasures and luxuries unfathomable by many people of this globe.
My eyes are still inevitably drawn to pages of pretties and the desire to hold them close will most likely never completely wane but I view my world a little differently today. As I move through my home I look upon each possession, each facet of my daily life and I am overwhelmed by the abundance. We want for nothing of any importance. And for this I am incredibly grateful.
Steph x
so true, we just need to see our 'things' through new eyes rather than buy new things x
ReplyDeleteYou know I think we all feel a little like this from time to time (I know do I have few things in my favourites folder I would like) and then we get a jolt and remember that really we have everything we need and more. Beautiful photos as always lovely. x
ReplyDeleteit is such a constant struggle to be content, be grateful, to really enjoy and appreciate what one has... and yes, simplifying leaves a lot of space that seems empty at times. i love that you shared this, and how you shared it. i wrestle with issue often...
ReplyDeleteI happen to feel this way at times too, but always such a pleasant reminder when you can snap yourself back to reality. Wishing a wonderful weekend ahead for you and your lovelies x
ReplyDeleteHi Steph, I'm doing the exact same thing at the moment. I get the same twang of want but reward it with the peaceful satisfaction of giving all of my 'unwanteds' to some beautiful people who need it. Then I get to go through others 'unwanteds' and find something I love. It's a wonderful cycle and has made my spring cleaning experiences a lot better :) xx
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this too. I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one! Attitude of gratitude, right! x
ReplyDeleteMy spring cleaning came in the form of moving house. Which created a desire for new things to 'fit' the new home. My slap in the face came in the trip we organised for Justin. He is in Cambodia doing volunteer relief work help build a school in a remote village. Such a reminder to be grateful for what we have and how lucky we are to have it.
ReplyDeleteSuch wisdom as always lovely lady. I am quite an 'under buyer' and very simple when it comes to my lifestyle and purchases (I too am an Etsy fan). However, lately, I've been adding more and more to my wishlist and have to remind myself that many of these items are 'wants' which I can make do without... at least for now :) You are so true though... we are so very blessed with all that we already have xx
ReplyDeleteSuch abundance - and such a lovely grateful post
ReplyDeletex
I read a book recently which talked about 'radical exclusion' - be it of things or events or even people. The idea was to commit to removing x number of things a day or week that don't serve a great purpose. I haven't been so structured with it but I did start with the wardrobe and move on to my calendar. One way I've found to curb the purchasing is to Pin the things I want and tell myself they'll be in the mail to me soon. I soon forget about them and move on to the next want!
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