Full disclosure up front. The title of today’s blog is stolen, because today’s blog is inspired by a guest blog featured on someone else’s blog. (How’s that for degrees of separation?!) And the title, well, it’s just too good not to copy. Martha Graham always said, “If you’re gonna steal, steal from the best.”
My friend, Lisa Adams, featured a guest writer on her blog, All Good Things. I could relate to so much of what Christopher Windom was saying in his feature. He spoke about a new mantra he adopted as he came to terms with his Depression and broke free of some weight in his life. His new mantra became Save The Best For First.
I do not relate to Depression, per se. But I do relate to the idea of organizing, curating, and holding onto only those things you truly love in order to simplify and gain control over the paralyzing burdens in your mind. The act of purging all extraneous items from your life can aid you in feeling more focused, more intention based, and more in line with what you really want and need.
When I purge my closet every few months (yes, I do that), I always feel lighter, more in touch with my true self, and more in line with what I really believe, because I hold onto only that which I really love. It has a much greater effect on my life and spirit than just a clean closet. Like Christopher says, everyday becomes a day I wear something I love, not just something I have. And everyday feels a little more awesome because of it.
I applaud how Christopher takes this philosophy and even applies it to making a grilled cheese sandwich. He selects and uses only the ingredients that will make an amazing, jump up and slap yo mama, perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Even the simplest task is made more special when done with care and joy.
Now, instead of a grilled cheese sandwich being just melted cheese and bread, it’s turned into an experience that nurtures his spirit and makes it seem more worthwhile. And let’s be honest, the recipe he shares in the blog doesn’t take any longer to make than the bourgeois example he compares it to. And I bet he’s sure to serve it on a favorite plate too, maybe even with a napkin that is a pretty color or has a cool pattern. See, little details all go into the planning to produce an amazing meal or day or week or year, essentially an amazing life.
I relate to Christopher’s story with the philosophy that life is in the details. The little things do make a difference. I gain peace over emotional demons through practicing and cherishing the little things that make up my daily experience. This includes my surroundings, the décor of my home, the clothes in my closet, the utensils and tools in my kitchen, all of it. People think I’m persnickety, but I think I’m selective and cherishing of every detail.
For me it’s an ongoing circle of influence. The big things (like fear or sadness or worry) make me appreciate the little things that bring me solace. And the little things (like a favorite pillow or dress or kitchen knife) help center and balance my spirit in order to handle the big things.
Start thinking about things in this way. It will have a huge affect on your outlook, I promise. And share your favorite things here. I’d love to know which items in your life really make your heart sing!
Such a wonderful topic! Being rather OCD, I have to fight the “persnickety” sometimes, and sometimes go too far the other way, when I just give up and let things go.
One thing I’ve started doing that really seems to help, is to pack away most of my seasonal clothes when they don’t match the season. Just have a big box and dump them in! When it starts to get colder, or warmer, do a quick exchange of a few things, and it’s almost like having a new wardrobe. 🙂
Oh yeah, totally! If you got space to do that it can be real lifesaver.
i use Space Bags for seasonal clothes, blankets, etc, they really help with space! ☺️
My service dog, Tank, makes me smile every time I see him. He’s an English Bulldog, and he is my baby. I haven’t had a lot to sing about lately, but he is my reason to go on. He was trained for trauma. When he senses anxiety or sadness, he comes to me and lays down, ready to be petted and loved. He is the most amazing baby and I love him more than my own life.
That is beautiful. Though I certainly wouldn’t consider a service dog an extraneous item. LOL!
Paige! This is Christopher, and I’m so moved by your blog today! I suppose this is a mutual inspiration moment and I hope we both, in some way, make the world a better place with our written words. Lisa told me the effort you took to make today’s blog possible; thank you for showing such care. You mentioned in your blog the power of cherishing the little things. Cherish is one of my favorite words and I cherish this very moment, here in your blogosphere, and all of your efforts today.
Here’s to more awesome, love filled days ahead!
xoxoxtopher
When I see my Lil brother’s name I instantly perk up, (even at 1am as it is now) because I’m always thrilled to see what people think of my brother. This time, I enjoyed reading that someone cherished the thoughts that he put out. When I get to talk to Christopher I feel like I could just greadibly gobble up each and every word he says.I even take a phrase of his and tuck it into my pocket for later. I feel that passionate about what he has to say. Or just thankful that he took the time to share what he was thinking with me. In my opinion each thought is fresh and delivered just right.#@lovehimtolife
You’re so right about it all being in the details. I live in a house of men and they laugh at me but the little things make me so happy. Good linens. A special candle. Extra pillows on my bed. A Big Gulp of Diet Pepsi when I least expect it. The sun shining through my bedroom windows on the wall that I painted the perfect shad of periwinkle. All of those things can just make me sigh and say, “Ahhh…life is good.”
I also purge. I grew up in apartments and there wasn’t room to be a packrat so purging was a necessity…twice a year. I still do it even though we have plenty of room to store things. Recently my oldest at home saw me packing a box for Goodwill and said, “Should I mark what I would like to take when I move out so that you don’t give it away?” I told him that would be a very good idea. 😉
Great post Paige. Thanks.
Sherry
Oh my gosh, Sherry. That is too funny. If I had kids they’d have to be on the look out for me too.
But yeah, the purging thing really helps me. I totally get the apartment thing. I live in Manhattan, so space is a premium.
That purging started for me in college . . . dorm room . . . talk about limited space! LOL.
…and this is why I love creating meals with you, Paige…you appreciate the fact that I can’t cook worth a damn, but I love to make it look pretty! Arrange the cheese and crackers on a plate? Done to perfection. Create Bloody Mary’s with perfect garnishes? Oh, please–child’s play. But you APPRECIATE it, and love it, and it is definitely the details that make something extra special…not any more difficult, but more fun, and more fabulous…just like YOU, Paige Davis!!!