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Balancing Act: Finding A Beautiful Life

by | Jan 9, 2009 | Authentic Living

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Balancing Act: Finding A Beautiful Life

As I am sitting down in my new family room getting ready to put together this post, I am looking around laughing.

A beautiful life?

We have boxes everywhere. Nothing is set where it belongs. We have black garbage bags hanging from blue painters tape at some of the windows. Beautiful?

Today it really hit me, moving is a ton of work. Messy work. Expensive work. While I’d love to spend the whole day unpacking boxes of pretty things to set out, the reality is that I spend most of my day dumping random things out of boxes that have no home yet (thus, the look of our kitchen tonight), or I spend hours on the phone trying to set up garbage service or mail service. Or writing big checks for things like a washer and dryer or little checks for things as glamorous as a plunger.

Balancing Act: Finding A Beautiful Life

Life right now is just not pretty to look at. It is messy. But that is OK. Because living a beautiful life isn’t about everything being all perfect or pretty. It is about embracing where I am right now.

This month is all about balance. Am I making progress towards my goals?

Here is my plan for the next week. I am going to print out my list of goal words and tape them up in my bathroom. Every morning as I am getting ready I will see it and remind myself what is important to me. I will post another list somewhere in my kitchen that I will see later in the day.

It is helpful to me to see those 12 words during the day, so I can’t wait to see them posted. Seeing my list gives me permission to be authentic and to be happy with where I am in life. It relieves the pressure to do it all, to be awesome, or do more than is possible at this time. And it gives me some focus and direction on what to strive for.

Balancing Act: Finding A Beautiful Life

Here are the kinds of things I think about when I look at my goals:

  • Ambience is a goal because I enjoy finding beauty in living, so having a candle lit or a lamp glowing, or turning the fireplace on can make me happy and I can focus on that, rather than being stressed by the mess everywhere. If I start stressing about all the work to be done, I can go start the fireplace and focus on the ambience I CAN create (amidst the chaos). I can be thankful for the fireplace.
  • Hospitality is important to me so I need to start planning to invite new friends over in the next few weeks, in spite of the disarray. It will make me feel more balanced to invite people over than it will putting it off until things are perfectly set up. It also motivates me to unpack faster!
  • Financial freedom is important to me so if I have to live with garbage bag curtains for the time being, that is OK — I take my eyes off the garbage bags and remind myself that they are the financially responsible choice right now so who cares if I’m tacky. I’m KLASSY! Yeah. I won’t keep them up for long, I promise. I’ll find SOMETHING prettier.
  • Healthy living is important to me so even getting on my exercise bike for 10 minutes can make me feel better about my life. Little bits of progress on my goal to reduce glaring evidence of blogging butt makes me feel more balanced. I put my bike where it is easy for me to use it and near a TV so I can watch the Today show while I ride. I set it up so I can be more successful.
  • Family is important to me so if I am spending too much time fixing up the house or working and feel I have no time to play a game with my son, I feel rotten. Seeing the word FAMILY reminds me to do something special for my family. Even something small like setting a table instead of sitting around in various places of the house will make me feel like I am a good mom.

Balancing Act: Finding A Beautiful Life

As I make little attempts to cover the goals I have, I really start to feel like I am more on top of things life is good. Beautiful even. Because I have defined a beautiful life to be something I can achieve and feel good about.

Yes, these photos are of my new kitchen and family room…just as they look right now as I am blogging. Not staged, not fluffed, just real!

How about you? Have you set any goals or made any progress this week towards the life YOU want? Feel free to share how things are going in the comments, or link up a post. I’d love to see how you are doing and I know others would be encouraged and inspired to be a part of your journey!

Balancing Act: Finding A Beautiful Life

Mr. Linky rules:

  • You may link up any post specifically about how you are finding a beautiful authentic life and how you are working your goals into every day living at home.
  • Please link back from your post to The Inspired Room so others can find out what we are doing and join in. Feel free to use the A Beautiful Life image (above) to link back, if you want to (not required!).
  • Please do not put links on Mr. Linky to your home page, unrelated posts or sales websites. Those links will be removed.
  • You may share a posts on this topic each week, so jump in any time or participate every week!

1. Kimba – A Soft Place to Land
2. Arleen @ Seasons for All {Setting Intentions}
3. Emily@remodelingthislife
4. Jinx
5. We are THAT family
6. Julia @ Hooked on Houses
7. Sarah-A Year of Simplicity
8. teresa-Grandparent-love
9. Suzanne
10. teresa-goals
11. Jill – I\’m starting with naming my goals!
12. v and co {getting ready to have husband back after a year}
13. Pretty Organizer@ PrettyOrganizedPalace
14. Katie @ Making This Home
15. Brandie-The Delights Of Anticipation
16. BailiwickDesigns
17. Deb@ribbonwood
18. Songbirdtiff-3 goals
19. Sandy @ Quill Cottage
20. Deborah Milne
21. LuLu & Co
22. Melissa
23. Nicky
24. Maureen
25. Maureen
26. One Nutty Girl
27. A Little More Crazy Than Cool!
28. Becky
29. Tamara
30. “Peace” by ALVN of WhisperWood Cottage
31. Michelle
32. Connie @ Young and Relentless
33. Rita Finn
34. Christy – Lazy Perfection
35. Meredith @ Count it all joy
36. Suzy@WildRoseCottge
37. Our Family Attic
38. House Favorites
39. Carolina Mama (Life Plan Balance)
40. Rita
41. Shawn Stratmann
42. Sheryl @ My Joyful Home
43. Ally (A Walk in the Garden)
44. Savory
45. The Kreative Life
46. Amy@3Cheers4Mom
47. Susan J Smith
48. REPURPOSED (a more balanced life…)
49. gina- I became a Spirit Jumper
50. eziag

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78 Comments

  1. CatHerder

    Wow, the new place looks beautiful, I just love the kitchen…Moving is stressful, but when you finish and it all comes together and feels like “home”, the feeling is so gratifying. Good luck in your new home!

    Reply
  2. Kimba

    Hey friend! I’ve been thinking about you and praying for you. I’m so glad that the movers finally arrived with your stuff.

    If I lived nearby, I would be showing up at your door with coffee and pastries and a helping hand with some of those boxes. Instead, I’ll give you this…

    Countdown to Blissdom!!!!!!!!!!! 27 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!

    Kimbas inspiring blog post..Limited Edition!

    Reply
  3. Emily

    Melissa your new home is beautiful and real. Good luck unpacking! I hope my post I linked to counts. I promise to be better next week and write one specifically for this. It’s been a weird blogging week for me :)

    Emily@remodelingthislifes inspiring blog post..Shopping at TJMaxx

    Reply
  4. Kim

    Your doing great! It will all get done in no time at all. I know when I feel good about what I’m doing everything seems easier! I’m sure your notes will help you feel like you’re making progress…in life, not just unpacking!

    Kim@ForeverWherevers inspiring blog post..Flippin’ for Flip Flops!

    Reply
  5. Liz

    Your new home is lovely, and when you have put your own stamp on it I’m sure it’ll look amazing!

    Good Luck in your new home
    Liz x

    Liz@VioletPosys inspiring blog post..Emma Bridgewater New Goodies!

    Reply
  6. Julia

    Hey, it looks like you’re really coming along as you get settled in! And your new place looks lovely, even before it’s been decorated or “staged” for photos. Can’t wait to see more! :-)

    Reply
  7. Vee

    Thank you for the little glimpses into your new home. The good news is that you’ll have a lot of fun doing the fluffing and decorating once everything is unpacked. It all takes time and you have so many other things cooking.

    I’ll be back to follow some of the links that show up. It’s always interesting to read how gals with a method do it. In all honesty, the only method I have is turning on a lamp or the heater. ;>

    Vees inspiring blog post..Little Ideas

    Reply
  8. Jinx

    Oh, the new home will look settled in NO time! I remember when we moved into our new build. No carpeting, only plywood, for 4 months! But it was worth it!

    One of my goals was to seek out friends, new & old. I have already re-connected with 3 High School (& they were actually Grade School now that I think of it) friends. We are planning a cocktail evening to catch up on life soon.

    Jinxs inspiring blog post..Twinkle, twinkle, little light…

    Reply
  9. Amanda

    Thanks for sharing this and keeping it real. It is hard to pack up your “life” into brown boxes and try to re-assemble it. It times time, love and patience. And hey as for the black trash bag curtains- black is sooo “in” right now.

    Reply
  10. martha

    Lovely glimpses into a loving home. Your post reminds me of a party we once held. My pastor husband and I had just moved to town. I was pregnant and overwhelmed. We had the church leaders over for lunch – on the driveway – eating atop moving boxes. It was one of the best community-building things we did!

    Reply
  11. Kim Swales

    Congratulations on your move. We recently moved too from a house that I loving built and designed. I faced exactly what ou talk about here and it really got me down. being surrounded by beauty and friends is so important and for a few months I was surrounded by chaos and boxes and I did not invite people over . You are so smart to keep your self motivated and positive because it is very messy. We ended up having a major gas leak that also made me feel very sic and tired as I tried to unpack and beautify. it was horrible. I have a feeling your will go much smoother because of your inspiration words. Best wishes.

    Kim

    Kim Swaless inspiring blog post..The painting

    Reply
  12. Sarah

    Thank you for posting unstaged photos…those are the best…and great idea with the bathroom mirror inspirational words.

    Sarahs inspiring blog post..You Must Be 18

    Reply
  13. Pretty Organizer

    Oh my sweet friend you hit the nail right on the head. I’ve thought a lot about your balanced life post and the theme of your blog… living authentically. I’ve asked myself, “What does that mean to me?” I love beautiful homes, clean homes, organized homes and here I sit amid piles and daily grime and ask myself the second question, “How in the WORLD does a mother of 6 live authentically!” What is authentic to me and how do I keep my desire for a beautiful home in balance with the reality of my enormous family and their daily living…. and my daily exhaustion in trying to care for everyone and everything? Authentic is looking at those beautiful entry lockers or a hall tree and realizing that you need an ENTIRE WALL of 8 hooks to organized the family. Authentic living brings on a whole new meaning when you’re managing so many.

    I’m trying to focus on ambiance as well. I light those yummy smelling candles and imagine that my house is clean. I turn on extra lights, open blinds to brighten things up and try to make my bed every day and ignore the messes that haven’t cleaned from the day before. I also am focusing on a few projects that I’ve had my heart set on. With hubby ending school in Feb… I see light at the end of the tunnel and a little extra time to spruce up my home.

    Thanks so much for the inspiration!

    Pretty Organizers inspiring blog post..Planning the Kitchen

    Reply
  14. jen

    Healthy Living…..day three of working out at the YMCA. Two days in a row it was the 6 AM class. No post because I am so sore that I can’t even hold my arms up to the computer long enough. :)

    jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams inspiring blog post..May I never make church "work"

    Reply
  15. Jill

    Loved your post… it’s so real and practical! The house looks great and will be settled before you know it!

    Jills inspiring blog post..I’m Hooked on…

    Reply
  16. Misti

    My goals are not so much about “words” but more just being able to help my husband more. While I will never have the income that he provides us, he would be forever grateful if I could somehow pay our mortgage every month. It would make him feel better, “if something were to happen to him” like he says. So my goal for this year is to pay our mortgage, as much as I can anyway. I will be decorating up a storm, making tons of flower arrangements, and painting like a crazy woman to get it done!
    ~Misti

    Misti @ Studio M Designss inspiring blog post..Step Inside my Kitchen: My favorite place in the house

    Reply
  17. teresa

    Hi Melissa-
    I have a love/hate feeling about moving- I totally understand the state that you are in right now- have so been there! Hugs
    Having us join you in goal setting has been a real eye opener for me- I thought long and hard about what goals to set, I pray that I will have the “stick with it” to make a difference in my life.- It’s been great to hear what others are doing- I draw encouragement from them all-
    Thanks again for an uplifting idea.
    Happy Day :}

    Reply
  18. Rhoda

    Hi, Melissa, glad you are making some progress! It looks like a beautiful place & I’m sure you’ll get it whipped into shape in no time. Enjoy the process and take your time. Blissdom will be here before we know it!

    Rhodas inspiring blog post..Beachy Guestroom in the Birmingham News

    Reply
  19. Penny

    I think I might be a little jealous of you Melissa! I love moving…new home, new experiece, new places to visit and new people to meet. It sounds like you are very grounded and doing it all the right way.

    My goals this year are to be fit, reduce my debt and to be joyful and present in every moment. So far…so good :-)

    Reply
  20. Pretty Organizer

    Melissa love, if you get a chance, I just realized that I copied my link wrong on my first entry… duh.. it’s broken… or I’M broken. Anyway, could you delete the first entry for me? Sorry for the trouble. If not, no worries.

    Pretty Organizers inspiring blog post..Planning the Kitchen

    Reply
  21. Pat

    Your new home is beautiful already, Melissa.
    You have a good head on your shoulders.
    It isn’t about making everything picture perfect, when striving for authentic living. In my humble opinion, a home is always 100% a feeling of the family who lives there, whether it looks like a magazine shoot or not. You can look at a room in whatever state and see the happiness or not see it. I see happiness in your photos.

    We are continually striving for authentic living, even in our senior years. I don’t believe we ever stop “growing”.

    Hoping and wishing for the very best in your new home!

    Pats inspiring blog post..~Condo Kitchen Finish & Tablescape~

    Reply
  22. anne

    You are doing really well Melissa, considering we have had the Holiday period as well. I am sure that your house will look the way you want it too very soon. I love the kitchen, just my type.

    Look into my blog, have something for you :-)

    annes inspiring blog post..This Friends Award

    Reply
  23. Katie at makingthishome.com

    Your new home looks like it is coming along well, and I love that you have stopped to reflect on your new life. Good luck with the packing. Our biggest problem has become figuring out how we can get as much stuff into our suitcases without getting luggage fees from the airlines as we move.
    Katie

    Katie at makingthishome.coms inspiring blog post..I Want to Be Bubble Bath Soap – A Relaxing Children’s Poem

    Reply
  24. Brandie pahl

    I am soo excited to participate in this. I just blogged my goals and look forward to sharing my journey throughout the year. Thank you for always being so inspiring!

    Brandie pahls inspiring blog post..Blogging For A Cause

    Reply
  25. Erin

    For having been there only a few days, I think your place looks great! No doubt it will come together quickly and will look awesome!

    Love your 5 goals by the way!

    Reply
  26. Jill

    Hi Melissa! Your home looks like it has great bones! And who cares about messes – my house often looks like that and I didn’t just move here!

    *Oh, I put the wrong link in Mr Linky (forgot to go to the actual post). #17 – if you want to remove it I’ll add it again later.*

    Jills inspiring blog post..A New Year, A New Word

    Reply
  27. Debbie

    Hi Melissa, great post. So glad you are on your way! I will pray that every box is put away without any disasterous results! You will be more organized than any of us when you finish this massive project…label, label, label! Remember to get your public places (kitchen and living room) unpacked first. You will be so glad to have a place to go to that seems done (ok semi done?) and then tackle everything else next. Any ideas you have we love to read, and we are loving the picture process…you do a great job on that! Blessings,
    Debbie

    Debbie @ ribbonwoods inspiring blog post..Peaceful life

    Reply
  28. Miss Sandy

    Melissa,

    Thank you for hosting and for the opportunity to really think through what would make my life more beautiful!

    Reply
  29. jennykate

    Moving is quite the challenge! Looks like you are taking it in stride. Lists are what always help me put things into perspective too. Great post, as always!

    ♥jenny
    ~beauty is living a life you love

    jennykates inspiring blog post..Friday Confessions

    Reply
  30. Deb Milne

    I love your goals. Really gave me more to think about. I get so wrapped up in things that are not as important as family, & exercise.
    I don’t even have to say “best of luck”, because you have it under control.
    We have moved in 7 years to four different States. I feel your pain!!

    Happy New Year to You & I look forward to following your progress.
    (: deb

    Deb Milnes inspiring blog post..Right On Target – For Your Home

    Reply
  31. LuLu

    I was so excited to see the first photo’s of your home… wonderful even in all the unpacking!!! Wow what you just posted is what I have been doing all week… getting what I have and love in my home ORGANIZED to a better system. So my whole family life will run more smoothly!!!
    LuLu

    LuLus inspiring blog post..Inspiring Muffin Tin

    Reply
  32. Amara

    Do you know what we found (when we moved) at home depot are these little adhesive paper blinds. It seems like they were only 3 or 4 bucks apiece, and we just put them in the bedrooms until we could afford blinds. If you squint they look like cellular shades. But hey, garbage bags are even cheaper -and functional! I applaud you for being fiscally responsible.

    Amaras inspiring blog post..Everything is hurty.

    Reply
  33. Mrs. Q

    Melissa,
    You are so courageous and inspiring! I love the architecture of your new home…gorgeous!

    My focus word for this year is PURPOSE…for this month my focus word is ORGANIZED (and I don’t even have an excuse like moving for the disarray that is my home…lol…well, maybe three little excuses…).

    You will soon be able to enjoy your new home to its fullest…and who knows, you may just start a new decorating trend with the curtains! :)

    Blessings!

    Mrs. Qs inspiring blog post..Even Mondays…

    Reply
  34. Melissa

    I’ve got a lot of goals this year – the first of which is to get our new home painted – the second is to finish a crocheted afghan project I’ve been working on for 10 years – yes that’s correct TEN!

    Melissas inspiring blog post..We’re Painting!

    Reply
  35. Dee

    I think your house looks good as is. However, I can hardly wait to see your style added.

    Keep your eyes on Him : )

    Dee

    Reply
  36. a-m

    Oh Melissa, this post couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m not moving for at least another 4 months but I am living amongst mess at my rental while I build. I have sinks and tap fittings in my lounge – waiting for my plumbers, new furniture still wrapped leaning up against walls. I did do the Christmas tree thing just to restore a bit of normality to our lives. I will take on board what you have said in order to find a beautiful life on the journey as the time that is most precious is now. Your new home is beautiful. A-Mxx

    a-ms inspiring blog post..They’re Comin’

    Reply
  37. Pretty Organizer

    Thanks for the edit lady:) Like you need one more thing to do while unpacking boxes. Hopefully todays comments will feed you with the pick ups you need to keep unpacking! Love you girl.

    Pretty Organizers inspiring blog post..Planning the Kitchen

    Reply
  38. Maureen

    I’m making a start at Relaxing in my own life, and finding the humor in it.

    Maureens inspiring blog post..what shall I do

    Reply
  39. Maureen

    Thank you for this post… it was just what I needed to read. As always, I leave your blog feeling inspired and happy.

    Good luck unpacking the boxes!

    Maureens inspiring blog post..Balance

    Reply
  40. Becky

    Thanks for inspiring me to think about beauty in my life and how I plan to pursue it.

    Reply
  41. Jaime

    I love your kitchen counter tops!!!!!

    Jaimes inspiring blog post..I LOVE…Fridays

    Reply
  42. Mrs.Limestone

    Just reading the word “moving” fills me with a certain sense of dread. I think of that stack of unpacked boxes I never quite got around to when I moved nearly a year ago. Must.get.to.it!

    So Im sending you best wishes in not being like me. Get those boxes done now.

    Reply
  43. lola

    I’m loving your beautiful new home; looking forward to seeing how you make it really your own.

    When we first moved into our home, I had no drapes, etc. that fit our windows and needed something for a quick stand-in. I bought a huge, heavy painter’s cloth at Home Depot—-it sort of looked like rough linen. I cut pieces to fit each window neatly and hung them with straight pins (made only tiny holes). It didn’t even look terrible, so I kept them in place until I found what I wanted for window coverings. I pinned some of them up into sort of a rough Roman shade during the day to let light in. If it will be a while before you can get permanent window treatments, this is at least a step up from the handy-dandy black garbage bags. I’ve used those too! Have fun!

    Reply
  44. Connie

    Thanks so much for hosting this weekly party! I just know this is going to help me reach my goals!

    Reply
  45. Tara

    Melissa

    I haven’t been around in a bit–trying to live that authentic life! I think I needed to hit the 40s to realize it is OK for everything not to be perfect adn OK…because it really never ever is! Enjoy your new home and the memories you create there!

    Taras inspiring blog post..Winter Sleepy

    Reply
  46. Pam

    I love your idea of these Friday links. My home is also in massive disarray as my son moved back home before he planned to. So we are redoing his kid bedroom for a 21 year old college student who decided it is more prudent to save money than spend it on rent. (Hurray for life lessons) Your home looks beautiful even in transition and I know that it will become a dream home for your family. I don’t know how you find time to post. Oh well, slow and easy wins the race, right? (Hard words to live by but what are ya gonna do?) Hang in there, Pam

    Pams inspiring blog post..Just Checking In, Mindy’s Giveaway

    Reply
  47. Miss Sandy

    Melissa,

    Thank you for showing us that we can find a bit of beauty even in the midst of chaos. The sneak peeks of your new home show some pretty rooms. I am anxious to see how you incorporate them into your beautiful life!

    Miss Sandys inspiring blog post..A Beautiful Life…..

    Reply
  48. bobbie

    Moving IS hard work. and it is is long time of hard work. I’ve been in my new house for one year and just got curtainsin bedroom- but rest of house still has naked windows! It takes a while…. but you have a good attitude and its exciting to isocver new places you love in your new home.

    bobbies inspiring blog post..What I been doing in the kitchen lately

    Reply
  49. Meredith

    Thanks for fixing up my Mr Linky entry – like you had nothing better to do?! I hope your energy and enthusiasm levels remain high during this very demanding stage of your move. Wishing you all the best.

    Merediths inspiring blog post..Kids in the Kitchen

    Reply
  50. carmen

    Hi Melissa!
    I’m Italian and I love your blog that I read every day. Thank you for your very inspiriting posts. My focus word for January is not very important as yours. It’s NAILS: I eat my nails from when I was child. And I start the new year with this goal. I hope so!
    Your new house is very beautiful, also in the chaos.
    Have fun!

    carmens inspiring blog post..Anno nuovo…

    Reply
  51. Things That Inspire

    I have been scouting out the real estate listings for years, looking for a house on the other side of town. I tend to glamorize the idea of moving, thinking of it as a great opportunity to clear out and declutter. Then I read a post like this! It is such hard work. I think the end results are wonderful; a fresh start, a new perspective (literally, since you are in a new place), but the amount of work to get from point A to point B (not to mention the amount of money) is quite overwhelming.

    Hope you have a productive weekend!

    Things That Inspires inspiring blog post..French Inspired Houses (aka, My Dream Home 2009)

    Reply
  52. Suzy

    Thanks for hosting A Beautiful Life I find it to be a great idea. This way your are helping me to stay focused and motivated to fulfill all my goals. I think this year will be so much fun and filled with so much beauty.

    Suzys inspiring blog post..A Beutiful Life Friday

    Reply
  53. Mimi

    Honey, having a beautiful life can be had even if you live in a box with no address for mail. From what I see of your blog, you have a beautiful life right now, right where you sit. You have a home. You have a family. You are not hungry. You love and you are loved. Our economy what it is at this moment in time is reminding me that I have a beautiful life without lifting a finger. I have healthy children, beautiful grandchildren, a warm home, food to eat and your blog, to inspire me!

    Good luck the the unpacking. If you are anything like me, you’ll think you’re finished and then you’ll be in bed, lights off and something will pop into your head that you just “know” you need to do.

    Mimis inspiring blog post..HOOKED ON HOUSES and HOOKED ON BLOGS!

    Reply
  54. Kristen

    I’m so glad that you are getting settled in. I’ve been thinking of you and your family this past week! I love the pictures of your home. It looks just beautiful–even with all the evidence of the move in progress. Thanks for the reminder of what it means to truly have a beautiful life! I look forward to glancing through the links.

    Kristens inspiring blog post..Perfect Timing

    Reply
  55. Commentluv

    We are just curious about your site that’s been always in the top 10 of active sites on CommentLuv. We are impressed with the kind of community you have here. Great discussion on each article and a great blog too.

    Yan

    Reply
  56. Rita

    I need to join you in this process — to keep me from losing interest along about April! Thank you.
    Rita

    Ritas inspiring blog post..I bet you didn’t know . . .

    Reply
  57. Shawn Stratmann

    Living a beautiful life for me is trying to strike a balance with the areas of life that are important to me. If I focus to much on one area, such as “kids/family”, and skip over “health”, I don’t feel like I am living my best life. In the midst of your very busy situation, try to keep a balance in all areas of your life…don’t skip the important stuff.

    Shawn Stratmanns inspiring blog post..Gramma’s Quilting

    Reply
  58. Sheryl

    Melissa, thank you so much for being very real in your posts. I love how you’ve included us as you’ve moved to a new state, showing us how it’s really going. I’m looking foward to working on my beautiful life this year, remembering what’s truly important.

    Reply
  59. Anita

    I love the redefining and keeeping it real attitude- that is my mantra this year. So I am starting with a comfy bedroom…and we are working on that room now. I also am finishing my master’s- 9 credits to go- I stopped 6 years ago when I got separated from my husband. Well, since the self help books keep stacking up, my business partner pushed me on, saying it’s time for ACTION! And I think that is the most imprtnat part of the process.

    Thank YOU for sharing your journey. I’m walking right beside you!

    Anita

    Anitas inspiring blog post..Master bedroom work

    Reply
  60. Maven

    Your new home is beautiful.

    I love your list and will work on a blog with this theme tomorrow.

    Mavens inspiring blog post..Thoughts on a Saturday Morning

    Reply
  61. Amanda

    I am praying for you as you settle into your home. We have moved so much that I am close to getting it down to a science. I wish you were close to Chicagoland so I could come over with some coffee and Belgian chocolates to help.
    I love that as you are showing balance in your life, you are willing to be real and let the rest of us remember what our homes look like during a move. Yes, you could have everything decorated, hung and sparkling. But, would you also be able to give your children the time they need, fix meals for your family, be available for God to bring friends into your life?
    Praying for God to bless your family and multiply your joy.
    Amanda

    Reply
  62. Savory

    What a wonderful way to include your readers. Best of luck in your new home.

    Savorys inspiring blog post..A Beautiful Life

    Reply
  63. kyla

    I was doing a little blog surfing and came across your wonderful site!

    I DO feel your pain! We’re very close to finishing a major home addition, and the transition between the old and new part is taking a little longer than we’d anticipated. (I’m beginning to think that “painter’s tape blue” is a pretty color. Or maybe I’m just getting a little too comfortable with it hanging around the window trim. )

    There’s nothing like setting a few goals to give you some direction and encouragement! There is indeed some light at the end of the tunnel!

    I’ll be praying for you and I wish you good luck in your unpacking. Try to keep it FUN!

    Reply
  64. Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall

    Melissa, your new home looks wonderful. I cannot wait to see what it looks like after you have put your authentic spin on it. Thanks for sharing these photo’s, just as they were! This was a very inspiring post. I agree that a balanced life doesn’t have to be perfect or pretty. Thank goodness too, or I would be in so much trouble:)

    Reply
  65. Closets

    Congratulations Melissa. Your new home looks great, especially the color combinations. Good interior design. Thanks for sharing.

    -Mini

    Reply
  66. Jennifer

    Hi Melissa,

    I don’t know if anybody mentioned it yet, I haven’t read the whole post yet and I have to get the kids up now. But when I read the part about your trash bags, I had to tell you about the paper blinds at Home Depot and Lowes. Hubby and I used those when we moved in at the front of the house and sheets where nobody could see. The paper blinds are dirt cheap and from the street they look just fine. Does that help any? Well, I had to mention it. Be back later to read more. School doesn’t wait for my blog fixes.

    Jennifer@Southern Charms inspiring blog post..New Year Inspiration

    Reply
  67. Jennifer

    Thanks for the inspiration on balance and beauty! I’ve been posting some thoughts and plans along those lines this past week…and hopefully by Friday I’ll have my “monthly goal words” selected so I can link up. :) I’m really enjoying perusing your blog!

    Jennifers inspiring blog post..Simple Woman’s Daybook~Vacation Day :)

    Reply
  68. Susan J Smith

    Lovely inspiration…thanks for sharing! As for moving…I actually enjoy it (have moved 3 times in the past 11 years). Nothing like a whole new floor plan to inspire creative design! Enjoy, despite the incoveniences! And be sure to take lots of B&A shots!

    Susan J Smiths inspiring blog post..I’m Hooked!

    Reply
  69. Emiy

    Your home is beautiful. Moving is exhausting. Remember to take breaks!

    Reply

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