Want To Change Your World? Try Redecorating.
Want To Change Your World?
Try Redecorating.
I know. It doesn’t sound right (except to readers who are fans of Katherine North or Martha Beck who probably already KNOW the power of this tool!)
Decorating is so superficial. So materialistic. So unimportant compared to racism, sexism, and Montgomery, Alabama’s first homicide of 2019 – of a black transgender woman.
Agreed.
Rearranging furniture, clearing out clutter and bringing in some beauty don’t quite carry the weight of these issues.
Except maybe these things aren’t as disconnected as you think.
At least if part of what you need to make a difference in the world is to get yourself unstuck.
That’s what I’ve learned over the past couple of years as I’ve experimented with the relationship between my outsides and my insides, my space and my work. I’ve learned that appearance — my own appearance and that of the spaces I regularly inhabit — has this inexplicably significant relationship to the work I want to do in the world. My outsides can fuel my interior resources to do what I feel called to do – give me energy, help me to dream bigger and act braver. Or they can drain my energy and feed my tendency toward pessimism and despair.
So when I woke up on Sunday inspired to rearrange the part of my bedroom that is my office, I knew it was a good sign - a sign that things are shifting. Plus, I’ve learned that going with whatever inspires me at the moment works remarkably well – and NOT going with it often doesn’t usually help me get the other “shoulds” done anyway.
Sometimes someone changes their life in some big way and then you see them changing their home or their wardrobe or getting a new haircut. It’s as if the change just worked its way from the inside to the outside.
But sometimes, we can help to welcome in a change we’re hoping for just by clearing out our closets or re-arranging our living spaces.
Are you a white person working actively to challenge your unconscious biases or to raise your kids to be anti-racist? If so, you could start with a review of the images in your home – any people of color represented in a positive light – or at all? If not, be intentional about bringing something in that does.
Are you letting go of a relationship with someone who, as it turns out, wasn’t a partner who could support you on your journey to the amazingness you’re meant for? You might turn your bed around and buy some new sheets. Or go reclaim one of the special items you left at that former partner’s house and bring them back to your own where it is honored and treasured as it deserves to be.
Have you suffered a significant loss or disappointment? Perhaps you’re ready to let go of something in your space that tends to send your mind toward wishing for something that isn’t instead of accepting what is. You don’t have to FEEL amazing yet, in this reality that isn’t what you wanted, just make space for the possibility that the next chapter might be beautiful too.
Do you want to change your job but can’t do it just yet? You could bring in (or uncover) one item that you will see every day that reminds you of the job you want – the one you’re heading for.
In a time of transition when you don’t know what’s next? Try removing a few things that served you well but are connected to the chapter of your life that’s closing and don’t fill the space just yet. Leave an empty shelf or drawer or a blank wall that invites what’s coming to show up.
You see, this redecorating process doesn’t require approval by a designer. It’s not about impressing anyone else. It’s about making space for who you are becoming. Giving her some encouragement to come out of hiding.
And by the way…This thing you want with all your heart? This new way you want to be in the world?
I believe there’s incredible wisdom in the wanting. Are you ready to follow that wisdom, to let it guide you toward the life you are meant to live?
If you are, then I invite you to make a commitment and take action.
What tiny – or big – change could you make to your living space (or workspace) this coming weekend that would remind you that you’re on a path to something amazing—even if you don’t know exactly what it is? Or don’t quite believe it.
What tiny—or big—change to your living space (or workspace) could you make to support you in letting go of a chapter of your life that has closed or is closing?
Want some accountability? Send me a picture or description of the spot you are going to redecorate. I’ll check in to see how it’s going and celebrate with you when you’re done.
And remember as you consider doing one of these experiments - that even if you live alone, you’re not alone. Remember David Whyte’s poem (and last week's post)? Everything is waiting for you!
I look forward to hearing about the step you take next! Here’s to thriving – and equity!
Deb
*SAVE THE DATES*
Virtual Events
Financial Thriving Series
pay what you desire - free or $15; all take place on Zoom
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6:00 PM ET
What Do You Really Want? First Steps to Creating a New Financial Reality (with Larissa Parson, FBDB Ch. 1)
Thursday, Feb. 2, 7:00 PM ET
Feel Better Now. You’re Already Good Enough Regardless of Your Past Financial Decisions (and feeling better will help you heal them too!)
Sunday, Feb. 3, 3:00 PM ET
Take Inspired Action. Your Financial Thriving Action Plan
In-Person Event
Feb. 12, 4:00-6:00 PM
Baltimore City at the beautiful Full Moon Acupuncture and Apothecary Space.
Want to cultivate more love and pleasure in your life regardless of your relationship status (or your partners' choices)? Are you a woman, gender non-conforming, trans or woman-identifying person in any way shape or form? Can you get to Baltimore on Feb. 12?
Then save the date to join me and Tamara Robinson (FBDB Ch. 5) for a spacious nourishing time of connection and fun.
