forty2

Say what you mean; mean what you say.

No idea where I heard or read it, but preteen me internalized it and it’s become part of my creed to this day

This brand of positivity you’re embodying is the most infectious one, and if I can feel it in your writing I imagine hearing it spoken from you would be some next level inspiration.

I’ve lost some people close to me over the years and what saddens me most is how I’ve forgotten so much about them beyond what they looked like. All of them except one…Gordon left behind audio recordings as his last messages to each of us in the group of friends.

Every time I hear his voice, it brings back so much about him that just can’t be said. His cadence, intonation, and overall manner of speaking have helped keep an entire person in my memory.

I wonder if that’s an option for you. I can say from experience that the lasting impact of audio is…powerful. Being able to actually hear my friend…i can imagine him speaking to me, and it’s in his voice because his voice is not forgotten.

Your family hearing your thoughts, in your voice…and being able to hear you speak long after your time…man, I can’t think of a better way to highlight your true personality and make it a lasting one.

Something I read online ages ago that kind of struck a chord with me…it was something to the effect of “treat your home like a playground and not a museum”. And you know what, it’s true! I enjoy it when people in my home feel comfortable picking up a knick-knack that looks interesting to them, especially so if I see a kid eyeing something and the look on their face when I hand it to them! Within reason of course :)

Happy to share a few pictures of what I’ve got going on over here, especially if it’ll help inspire you to put that first nail in the wall!

The very first thing I do whenever I move into a new place is get things on the wall. Floating shelves and framed pictures especially. I usually just buy cheap frames that I think look good.

Without exception, people normally comment that the place looks lived in despite there being boxes all over the place. The trick, as I’ve found, is to make your home look the way you want. It’s your space, and if it’s your space you can decorate it how you like and it can’t be “wrong”. The decorating style speaks to your style and your own flairs and personality will come through. Do what’s pleasing to your eye.

Personally, knick-knacks and some books, old DVDs of favorite movies, travel (or other) mementos, and small plants on the shelves seal the deal for me. For pictures and other framed pieces, my aesthetic leans towards semi-chaos looking. No neat rows and columns on the wall. I just throw things up and move them around as I see fit.

Don’t sweat the details, there is no “wrong” when it comes to personal preference for your living space. Make some tiny holes in the wall for your “pieces of flair” and don’t worry, they can be fixed or filled in as needed.

If that’s all still too much, get some houseplants and spread them around your home.