Before you say it was—I was a fan of Life magazine—I am referring to real life. Many homeowners aspire to have their homes look like those you might see in Better Homes & Garden, This Old House, and even the old Life Magazine. Why? Largely because the people pictured in those homes appeared to be happy.
Not to single out those magazines. Look at any ad, billboard or television show and you will see a very similar scene. Immaculately decorated homes with bountiful tables of food and smiling faces at each place setting. What you won’t see are the pictures of what actually happens at those gatherings.
Each place on the table might not have an occupant. Certainly, not everybody at the table is happy at the same time. If you have ever tried to get a family photo at a holiday table, you know how difficult it can be to get everybody to smile at the same time—even if they are happy. And let’s be honest, no matter what the occasion, somebody always spills the gravy—or something else that messes up the picture perfect table.
So, why do we strive and, in some cases, obsess about creating the perfect home?
Certainly, all the advertisements and magazines don’t help. Yet it really requires you to take a look inward and ask what really makes you happy. Would it be the picture perfect dinner table that can be spoiled by one person’s bad day or knocking a drink over? Or would it be spending time with your family where you could share your day—good or bad—and leave a few crumbs on the table?
The two words we often use to describe our domicile are house and home. House implies a structure. Whereas home goes beyond just the physical space but a place of comfort. That comfort comes not from the quality of the furniture but the feeling you get when you come in after a long day, kick off your shoes and unwind. You can do that in a home, not always in a house.
This pandemic has taught us quite a bit about ourselves and what’s really important. Most would agree that our health far outweighs any material possessions. But what else?
Is it new furniture, updated counter tops or a 60-inch screen TV?
Or does home mean to you: family, thankfulness, acceptance, love and strength?
As we enter the fourth month of the pandemic and celebrate our nation’s 244th birthday, it’s not a bad question to ponder.
If you’re looking to simplify your life and remove the clutter that’s accumulated in trying to have the perfect house, give me a call. We can discuss your options in removing the clutter and creating the home that welcomes family and guests alike. Just drop me a line by clicking the button below or call me at 508-246-6120.
