Something We Create: Stephanie on Home

I’m with B and Patty, but I need to add a little something. I think a dream house is something we create. Unhappy people live in glorious homes just as perfectly happy people live in very humble estates. For the very first time in my life, I feel as though I’ve struck a balance. I live in my dream home…or rather a home that will continue to evolve into a dream home…so, I guess I’m trying to say that I think it deserves that title even though we have a lot of work to do (and some growing of our family to do, as well).

Sometimes it helps to see your home through someone else’s eyes…someone who can’t see the cobwebs and doesn’t know the sheets haven’t been changed in three weeks…someone who walks into your home and sees the beautiful color, the delicious family memories on your walls, the mounds of lovely books…someone who can see how well you love and teach your children. You might see toys and mess and endless clutter while I see a mother who surrounds her children with endless opportunities to imagine and create.

We say that our home is a reflection of ourselves. Maybe the conflict, the love/hate, and the criticism we’re experiencing about our home is also a refection of how we feel inwardly. Maybe you see someone who will never be good enough, some who is infinitely flawed while I see someone who is one of the most beautiful people I know.

This piece originally appeared as a comment on Housekeeping.