To feel a sense of belonging is a priceless gift of comfort. To feel comfort is to release the mind, to release the body, to relieve the unconscious built-up tension the moment you step into or within the company of where you feel said belonging.
Over
the past seven weeks, I have gradually had the opportunity to meet and converse casually with my neighbors. Neighbors of all ages and varying households. The boys have struck up first-name relationships with some of the young children, and regularly Norman is sought out by a young toddler who is well versed in how to pronounce his name – “Norman! Norman, where are you?” Sometimes he comes running, sometimes he doesn’t, but there is kindness extended and familiarity expressed. While we each
keep to ourselves, the sincere neighborly bond is being built, and a sense of belonging is certainly present.
As
well, feeling as though you belong in your own home, no matter how long you have lived in it, no matter whether you rent or own, when you feel as though your home is truly your sanctuary, you feel a sense of belonging. Comfort cascades over your being when you cross the threshold no matter what you were doing outside of the four walls, and the serenity it brings is great and profound.
We
will each find our own belonging in our own way, and it will look unlike anyone else’s path to and exact design of a true feeling of belonging. The key is to cultivate it, to consciously invest in building a community, seeking out, thoughtfully engaging, patiently getting to know others as well as yourself, because in the case of your home becoming your sanctuary, when you know yourself, you can design, decorate, designate spaces which elevate you, strengthen you and enable you to focus on
the priorities you love. And when you know yourself and how to create a sanctuary of your own, you are well practiced in knowing how to proceed outside your sanctuary to become part of a community you truly feel you belong.
Speaking of priorities, as of this spring, gardening (as you may have intuited from my IG account) has become a priority high on my list. I am bringing more trays of plants and seedlings and tender herbs into my house at night than I have chairs in my home (I do not know why I chose chairs, but in essence, I have a ton of plants to bring in each night :)). And I am loving every minute of
it.
I
hope you are unearthing (yep, pun intended ;)) passions and pastimes that fully engage you, enthrall you, delight you and reawaken you to something you may not have known about or perhaps had let go for one reason or another, but are happy to return to partake in. Since most of us have more time at the moment, we have a golden gift in many ways to really check in with ourselves, really explore and be honest, and perhaps what we find will elevate our lives going forward even more than we could
have ever imagined.
In
today’s newsletter, a new recipe, one that is perfect for spring desserts, as well as the detailed tour and reveal of the second room in TSLL’s home – the foyer. There is much more to explore from a full This & That, an outfit for spring casual outings, and be sure to check the list of exclusive news just below as there is information about the giveaways that will be part of TSLL’s 2nd annual British Week which will be arriving
soon.
To
all of the mothers who are celebrating Mother's Day this Sunday, wishing you an extra special day (this includes pet mothers as well!), and to everyone, may this weekend be a weekend of restoration and one of discovering a calm place to rest your mind. Until next week, stay well, and I will see you on the blog.
