Empty Frame

My partner and I went through an exercise of hanging stuff on his office wall the other day. He didn’t want it to look too contrived, which works well for me as I do like things a little “off-centre”. It makes me yawn when I think of a  long straight line of frames, it doesn’t matter how pretty the subject material.

The wall we were filling is to document the growth of his learning. It includes a decades old degree in a seen-better-days frame, a photo of fellow recruits from a time spent with the Air Force, and more recent accomplishments and testimonials. Black frames, documents splattered with red (as if by planning) highlighting the passage of time. One this way, the other in the opposite direction. Small ones fitting among the more official parchment paper ones. Filling the wall.

And one empty frame.

We like to hang things on our walls, don’t we, it doesn’t matter who we are? From the university cheap poster variety to perhaps the numbered print and signed art as our tastes and budgets allow.

My question to you is this: What do we display in our lives and what does it say about us?

• Do we like the minimalist look? Perhaps revolving our favourite pieces from one spot to another? Enjoying each one for a short time. Or do you just not sit still long enough to enjoy more than a few?

• Are we likely to hang/display a sentimental photograph or drawing from a loved one? Do you do it because it was important to someone else? Does it have meaning to you? Do you think that your loved ones will keep these treasures after you’re gone?

• Does an emerging artist catch our eye? Or do you shop at the Thrift Store on discount days? Does the satisfaction of discovering something new give you a satisfying pleasure? Or are you just whiling away your time?

• Are you a collector? Does everything find a place in your space? Do you have a hard time knowing when to stop? Sometimes, it’s called Eclectic, sometimes it’s just Junk. Does it make you feel safe? Abundant? Why?

• Why do certain items hold more appeal in our lives? So I ask you this, take a walk through your spaces. See it with fresh eyes. Is it time to put emphasis on the more current you, and enable you to celebrate who you are, who you’ve become?

• Take the time to examine the old favourites which still hold their charm. How did they help you become You? Why?  

And once you have viewed your new space, leave some room for the Empty Frame. For what is to come. And keep watching in your Everyday for what you will fill it with.

What we "display" tells us who we've become. (Tweet This)

Let's never discount the value of an Empty Frame. (Tweet This) 
 

Holiday Reading - Most Loved Blog Posts for 2017

My seven most loved blog posts are here for your holiday reading. Each one sharing a little bit of my life, of my year of Simplify and hopefully touching you in some way.

Thank you for your comments over the year, I am so glad to know that my words reached you wherever you are in the world. I hope that you feel more inspired, have had a chuckle or two, and feel less alone knowing that we are all connected.

Let's not hesitate to reflect on and to celebrate the journey we've travelled. (Tweet This)

If you just recently happened to find this post, I welcome you to join this tribe of folks who continue to search and share the Everyday moments that can give us the most profound lessons. Let us continue to grow together!

Wanting it All

...I needed to recognize that there are a number of ways to get Freedom and it doesn't necessarily need to be about Wanting it All, it just needs to be what each of us want our lives to look like.

(read full post)


 
Overindulgence – do you or don’t  you speak up? 

We are usually governed by politeness and not stepping on toes with our opinions or worries. But is there a point when we are compelled to speak up?

(read full post)



 Don't Lose the Spell 



You don't often get to eavesdrop on a conversation when you're out on the running path. The timing has to be perfect, the wind quiet, and no other distractions taking place.

Last Sunday, I heard a fellow say "I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did." (read full post)

Karaoke Tourist

She was an accomplished singer, in a church group. She played the piano with skill and feeling. But what she wanted to do is sing Karaoke. Something different. An Elvis fan, that's whose song she'd choose.

She just didn't know when or where. Surely not with her prim choir friends. Certainly not where if she was terrible, she'd have to wear her humiliation. (read full post)

Letter to My Future Self at 82

Tell me Future Self...

I don’t know if you will be a Dearie or a Hot Mama but I am curious as to what else you know now.

Did you decide to eat chocolate every day, because you are certainly headed that way

Is brandy a regular part of your evening or still used specifically for “medicinal” purposes?

Is red wine enjoyed from Friday to Sunday…only?

Did you ever get to Stonehenge? Run your finger down the ancient stones of century old castles?

Have you ever been in a car stopped by a sheep crossing the road (just like in that movie whatever it’s called)

Did you ever tell someone “You Can’t Be SERIOUS?” because they are just plain stupid?

Do you still enjoy seeing cute young men that walk with an obvious swagger, because life has not disappointed them yet

Have you ever winked at one (or more) or them?

Do overly animated “look-at-me” people still make you bonkers?

Or have you grown more still, but say “idiot” in your mind

Or are you just too deaf to hear them?

Does the sweetness of a sunrise, make you think of heaven, whatever that might be to you

And the fresh smell of a baby make you close your eyes with wonder

Do you still love to read, do you have a waitlist at the library

Do you discard and return the book someone recommended because it is just trash in your eyes

Oh, please tell me that you are no longer THAT polite to struggle through

I don't have to be what you want me to be. 
I'm free to be who I want. 
Muhammad Ali

Ah, thank you for this time together my 20 years down the road self

I hear your voice telling me, poking me, to be More

I’ve decided, you are definitely a hot mama.