Our homes are our refuge, now more than ever. As we shelter in place, we are given the unique opportunity to slow down and focus on what’s truly important in our lives, to assess our values, and to live with greater intention. Although our world has become restricted in ways that most of us have never experienced before, we can embrace this challenging time and view it as a chance to enjoy our homes in new ways, connect with our families and friends, and support our greater community. We must find the beauty in everyday life and recognize the sacred in it all. 

Family is the heart of the home, and for so many of us, we commune in the kitchen or around the table to eat, talk, or play games. We are fueled and uplifted by connection with our family and friends. In this time of isolation, it is imperative that we continue to nurture our need for togetherness and create lasting memories within our homes. One way to do this is to plan a Skype or Facetime dinner date with friends or family members who are far away. Set a beautiful table, grab a bottle of wine, and enjoy an evening together. 

Your dining table may be known for its lively dinner conversations, but during isolation, it can also serve as the perfect place to have a seat and meaningfully bridge the distance with those you love. In this time of electronic connectivity, we often neglect to take the slow approach to communicating with our loved ones. Write letters. Send cards. Encourage your kids to draw pictures or write to your extended family and friends. When our worlds are confined to our homes, the mailbox can bring us unexpected joy and connection.  

Spending a lot of time at home can really bring things into focus. Over time, our homes become a repository for our lives, and before we know it, we are burdened by things that no longer serve us. Take this time to evaluate the things you are holding onto and why. Sometimes less is more. Clearing out unused things not only helps declutter your home, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the things you do value and relive cherished memories in the process. 

Although we may be confined to our homes, the world is at our fingertips. Take this opportunity to learn and grow. Feed your soul. Take a virtual tour of a museum or learn a new language. Enlist your friends and family to join you in this process of discovery. We may be physically apart, but we are better and stronger when we do things together.  

Please join us next week to peruse our couch chronicles and our favorite items to have on hand during a lockdown.