At Home: we do what we can

I’ll admit; there are times to buy aprons! There are times when we move house and we can organise things in new or better ways. We may have more space for linen, an extra bedroom, or a laundry with a sink. These are good things, and they can be a relief and joy to us when we receive and use them.

But I’ve been thinking about how most of the time, we do what we can, where we are, with what we already have. That doesn’t mean we can’t have dreams or goals, only that usually, what is already around us works well enough.

If you read my last post, you know I’ve been struggling to feel at home in my environment. While there are many things I would change, I have found that by doing what I can, where I am, with what I have, has made discontentment more manageable.

Organising my space definitely comes with challenges, as most of what I own has to be kept in my bedroom (linen, cleaning products, plants), and what is in the kitchen is in a shared space, which means a very full pantry shelf and an overflow into an awkwardly low cupboard. While this isn’t what I would choose for myself, keeping it tidy and rearranging when something no longer works allows it to be the best it can be, and helps keep the wishful thinking to a minimum. (It is far easier to appreciate a clean, well-organised space than a chaotic one!)

I have also been reminded of the aspects of this house that do bring joy.

I love sitting on the lounge after vacuuming and tidying up the furniture and seeing my tall healthy plant growing amongst the neutral colours of the room. In the afternoon, the sun comes in through the window, right behind the plant, completing the look. While the loungeroom is not in this idyllic state all the time, I was able to linger there yesterday and appreciate it with fresh eyes and a relaxed spirit.

Similarly, when I woke this morning and opened my bedroom blinds, the tree outside my window (that is bursting with purple flowers in winter but is bare in summer) had one fully bloomed flower right at the centre of the window. I don’t know what it’s doing there or how it grew in the warm weather, but it’s an image of beauty and contentment amongst all that is not quite right here.

I also have numerous potted plants sitting in front of the window in the dining room, and I take great delight in watering them. I love walking past the dining room and seeing the vibrant leaves and flowers. I love hanging out my washing in the sun and seeing the garden grow around me.

Again, I long for a place of my own where I can be fully settled and have a say in what things look like. But while I am here, I am learning to do what I can with what I have, and letting the rest go.

Sarah xx