Environment is very important! My daughter-in-law is expecting a baby and part of the process is creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for her newborn. She has spent time researching products, bidding on Ebay, and visiting BabiesRUs in order to make the best choices. Society calls this nesting. It is an important part of the motherhood experience. I also have a friend who is moving into a new apartment. She will be selling her house and starting a new job; so this marks a change in direction in her life. She looked at a lot of places before making a final decision and is now in the process of buying new furniture and disposing of old items that no longer fit her new lifestyle. As she moves in, she is organizing her clothes and envisioning how to make this a home. I think that both of these women are experiencing the nesting process, and I understand it.
My environment has always been important to me, too. When I was a teacher, I always had to make sure that my classroom was attractive, appealing, and comfortable for both me and my students. My desk was my personal space and had to be just so.
I made sure that my students all had a place to display their artistic products so that the classroom belonged to them, too. When I was an HR professional, I always decorated my office. Since I often spent 10+ hours a day in it, I wanted it to be efficient and appealing. Over the years, I collected artwork, and employees would bring me different cultural items for display. I greatly appreciated all of their gifts and added to the cultural art and artifacts when I traveled. I always liked my offices. Now that I'm retired, I wish that I had taken pictures. After all, I spent years in those spaces. I recently did some consulting for my old employer and saw my old office. The walls were bare, it was a cold environment, and lacked character. I realized that it was really nice when I decorated it.
When I retired, I brought home all of my artwork and artifacts. Since I share my home with my husband and son, I didn't have any space that was really mine; so I decided to take one of the rooms as my office. I spent a lot of time unpacking, getting my desk set up, and buying things to make it more efficient like lighting and containers. In my office, I had an etagere that used to belong to my parents. This is where I put all of the cultural artifacts. It is now in my office with these artifacts on display. I bought a TV for the bottom shelf so that I can watch programs if I want. My office also has a futon where my son often sits while visiting me. However, my office never felt complete, because it didn't have my art on the walls.
This weekend, my husband was kind enough to finally put up all of my art. I now feel like my "nest" is ready! I have my cultural art, some memorabilia about my dad, and the plaques/certificates I have received over the years and at my retirement. I feel like my office now displays my character. It is warm and inviting!
I am so excited that I have a comfortable area to call my own. I know that I will be writing even more in the future. I am happy and feel joy when I can post a blog. I don't know if anyone is reading them, but I still enjoy putting my musings in writing. This is truly joyful! So, do you have a "nest" that reflects who you are and makes you comfortable and lends joy to your life? Even more important...
Have you found your joy today?
I like reading your posts a lot! I don't have much of a nest right now, just a little bit of space at my computer desk in my apartment. It's hard with a toddler, since every space becomes hers.
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