The best way to get out of a rut is to get a place of your own. Some people want to downsize into a smaller house or an apartment, while others prefer to stay in their family home. Whatever your choice, now is the time to make your place your own. Few of us have had the time, the money, or the energy to create the home of our dreams. Life happened and it was hard enough just keeping the house reasonably clean and tidy. The decorating schemes featured in glossy magazines and on movie sets were never going to happen anyway. I can think of a hundred different things that I would do differently if I were starting over again, but do I have the courage to make it happen?
Perhaps it doesn’t matter. Some folks are “house proud” and want their homes to reflect something more than just being a place to sleep and eat. The rest of us might be happy to just have a roof over our heads. How about you? Do you want a home that is a showplace or one that looks “lived in”? You are on your own now and this may be your last chance.
If you want your home to reflect who you are, now is the time. Sharon B. Siepel (Essential Survival Guide to Living on Your Own) asks you to decide what is most important to you? Think in terms of modern, old fashioned, accessible, clean, convenient, comfortable, practical, or light and airy. Assess what you have and what you want to have, and go from there.
If you are retired you will be spending more time at home, which means it should be something that makes you happy. If you have always wanted white cabinets, cheery yellow walls, more windows, or French doors that open to the patio, you should go for it. Make your home just right for you.
Ideally your home should be a reflection of who you are and what you value. Treat yourself well. Your home should be your sanctuary. I read somewhere about using your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste) as your guideline. Sounds rather peaceful and Zen doesn’t it? A welcoming color, a decorative mat or flowering plants all say “welcome home” when you walk through the door. Start with your foyer and move through your home. It should be restful and inviting. Favorite pieces or artwork, mirrors, comfortable furniture and a lot of light can make it that way for you.
The article went on to discuss how sound, smell, and tactile sensations can delight your senses. There is no right or wrong. Your home should be a place that pleases you, but you don’t want to be such a slave to fashion that you lose your sense of adventure. Doesn’t the thought of birds at a feeder, comfortable furniture, flowers, soft carpets, and silky bed sheets tempt you just a little? That isn’t to say that being surrounded by your own projects isn’t good too. It is your place after all, go for it!
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