It’s April in Boston. Flowers are blooming, birds are returning. Weather is warming up…or so we thought! Then, it snowed! Yup, a Nor’Easter that dumped inches of snow. Yet at this point of the year, it’s one last gift from Mother Nature. To see colorful tulips and daffodils drenched in white is a sight to marvel. While another snow delay could easily be a nuisance, I rethink this morning as one to be cherished. I slow down to enjoy the view from my window, bundle up as I go take pictures of images too beautiful to ignore. I am filled with gratitude for this unintentional moment, breathing a little deeper, fully treasuring where I am. ❤︎
I can’t help but appreciate my children getting older and passing on wisdom to me. Recently, I was reminding my son to switch his clothes from the washer to the dryer. More accurately, I reminded him 4 times over an hour. Later that night, I commented that it was frustrating when he didn’t complete laundry in a timely manner. He paused, looked at me and asked, “Is this really complaint worthy?” Hmmmm. Did it annoy me to have wet clothes sitting in the washing machine? Absolutely, I’m a Type-A personality and like to promptly finish tasks. Did my 17 year old son take responsibility for cleaning his own clothes without a reminder? Yes. Did this extended chore negatively affect any other part of our day? No. Hence, he was right! One friendly reminder would have been sufficient if I needed to do laundry. But nagging him didn’t foster positive communication or build up our relationship. I thanked him for phrasing his feelings in a way that made me reflect on my own behavior. Now, I contemplate if something is complaint worthy before I make a parental suggestion, valuing our connection over insignificant criticizing. Thank you, son, for making me a better person.❤︎
The vernal equinox…The clock springs ahead, crocuses bloom, and spring cleaning begins! In my home, I begin to reimagine the spaces my family lives in the most. After spending a lot of time indoors over the winter months, I reflect on how we used our spaces. What worked well? Where do we spend the most time? How can I make the rooms more functional? Do we really use that piece of furniture or can I donate it? The burst of energy I get from longer days is invigorating! And I put it to good use in rethinking my home. My family may say otherwise…it most likely drives them crazy!! However, I have found that little changes can make big differences in our daily lives. Remember my post about moving our piano into our foyer (https://wordpress.com/post/theessentialistfamily.com/885)? Well, there’s no doubt my children are pretty good pianists because of that simple move! This year, I realized that no matter how hard I try to move bodies into our dining room, people always congregate in our kitchen, which I love but I have a casual dining room with a much bigger table and unusable space! Instead of fighting this constant scenario, I decided to move our large farmhouse dining room table into our kitchen. Now the space is smaller and the table is large but it totally works! Everyone loves it and gathers around this table, which makes my heart happy. As we prepare meals, have a snack, or entertain friends, we are all together more comfortably. Instead of standing around the kitchen, eight people can easily sit around the table and linger. A minor moving project, although my husband and son may disagree, has turned into a huge win for our family and friends…one big table to sit around sharing stories, laughing, enjoying meals, and simply being together.❤︎ Side thought….what do I do with the dining room?!
Happy 2024! How many New Year’s Resolutions have you broken or better yet, never started? Well, I have too many to count! This year I’m changing the habit and instead, will find inspiring quotes to guide my family each week.
What is an authentic self?
Who makes you feel happy when you are being real?
How can you shine in your own light?
Follow along each week as I share quotes that I post in my own home to encourage conversation, inspire action, and simply show love.❤︎
I boarded the Island Queen Ferry from Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard. A friend from home was renting there so we decided to have a Girl’s Day of wandering the quaint streets, visiting Edgartown Books and then eating at Behind the Books cafe (so cute and delicious), and simply catching up on life. The 9am ferry was crowded on this bluebird morning and a pair of older couples were sitting in front of me, chatting excitedly about their first visit to the island, reminiscent of kids in a candy store. There is something magical about the journey across Vineyard Sound instantly transporting you to another world of calm, tranquility, and natural beauty. Upon departure, this group of friends unsuccessfully tried to take a selfie. Overhearing their frustration, I offered to capture the moment. I then realized one of the women was blind, her white cane propped on the empty seat next to her. The travelers graciously thanked me as I teetered back to my seat. The wind picked up, blowing my hair recklessly and I turned my face toward to warm sun. The shore was dotted with grey-washed clapboard cottages shrinking out of sight. The water was glistening so ferociously that I had to squint. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I wondered if this blind woman was able to feel what I was feeling even though she wasn’t seeing the same view. A feeling of sadness swept through me as I thought she was missing out on my experience. Who was I to judge that my eyes gave me more in this world? As I glanced over, her head was raised toward the rays of light, eyes closed yet turned up on the edges hinting at the serene smile dressing her face. The beauty of this moment was felt and savored by both of us with our whole bodies, a wordless understanding of the majesty and adventures lying ahead.
the Essentialist Family 