Simple: Easy to do
Real: Existing
In my home I like to display things that reflect my beliefs and values. I like to have visual reminders and tangible things to evoke memories, instill motivation, and bring peace to my hectic life. These “things” can catch my eye each day or become just items in the background that I barely notice.

This time of year most of us have added to or changed some of our home decor to reflect the significance of Advent and the upcoming Christmas season. We may have even ventured outside to add lights and decorations to our lawns and porches.  Initially, they catch our eye and we pause to enjoy them.  As the days pass, they can blend in and become part of the background as we rush around to the next activity.

In my 9-6-16 post I encouraged you to take 10 minutes to be still.  On 10-16-16 I reported on my own 10 min and vowed to make that 10 minutes of being still a regular part of my day.

This week in my home we are celebrating the 3rd week of the Advent season (between rushing around to work and basketball practices and games) and I have added rose colored decorations to my porch to replace the previous purple ones, as a reminder that this week I should focus on the joy of the season.

Whatever your beliefs or traditions, I am guessing your home is also reflecting this by the “things” that you have on display.

You took the time to put them there but are you taking the time to enjoy them and to notice them a little bit each day?

These “things” might have a story or a memory that is worth remembering or they may be there to remind you of something important about this time of year.

Take the time to notice them this week, I mean really notice them. Take a few minutes and really enjoy the simple things in your home that bring you joy.

They may be things you have out throughout the year and they have faded into the background or they might be those special things that get brought out this time every year.  They don’t have to be fancy or expensive, in fact, the simple and real decorations and memories probably bring the most joy.

Here’s one of mine from my dad’s house since he is the “simple” and “real” inspiration.

It was Christmas and we were gathered at his house to celebrate and open gifts.  My sister-in-law, Lisa, was cold and my dad gave her a blanket.  She commented on what a nice blanket it was and how soft it felt.  Without hesitation, my dad agreed and, in his matter of fact tone, said that he found it in the dumpster next to the grocery store! He couldn’t imagine why someone would have thrown it out.  He brought it home, washed it, and put it in his closet. Simple. Real.

The “dumpster blanket” is now in her house and may be one of those “things” that evokes a fond memory.

Here are a few “things” around my house that I can notice and allow to bring joy to my week.

The angel that my late grandma Whitehurst used to hang in her home that I have now passed by for weeks as it hangs on my pantry door, barely noticing it, until now. I will pause to remember the times I spent at her house making cookies with that angel hanging in the background.

The Christmas books I used to read my boys when they were young that are sitting in my family room becoming a blur in the background, until now, when I can look at them and remember good times with my sons.

The Christmas tree filled with ornaments of our life together over the years.  Have I even sat down for 10 min and really looked at the tree? Have you?

I am sure you have the same “things” around your home with memories and stories or simple reminders of the joy in your life.

Take away from today’s post. Your gentle nudge..Take a few minutes and find 2 or 3 things in your home and spend some quiet time (yes, turn everything off for a minute) and really notice them and pause for the joy that they bring to you.

Keep it Simple, Keep it Real