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Why Dwelling is the Most Important Book I’ve Ever Written

by | Feb 7, 2019 | Decorating Inspiration, Dwelling, My Books

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Why Dwelling is the Most Important Book I've Ever Written

This week we had a few unexpected snow days! We rarely have snow here in Seattle, but when we do I love curling up on the couch with my fuzzy blanket and slippers to look at it through the window. :)

I’ve always loved being at home on snow days. Well, as a homebody I love to experience the comforts of home in all seasons, ha! I’m sure fellow homebodies know what I mean. :) 

But I find that being “stuck” at home on a snowy day (perhaps especially because of how rare the snow is here!) reminds me all over again how much our home matters to our well-being.

Have we created an environment that uplifts our spirits, even in the storms of life?

Do our rooms make us feel warm and safe, no matter what we experience outside our door?

Is our home a place we can’t wait to come home to, or are we often prone to be unhappy, discontent or stressed out there?

What are the things we do everyday to create a more positive emotional state of mind (even if or when we aren’t feeling our best)?

Do we make choices in our home that support our own physical health and well-being?

Do we offer ourselves what we need to thrive and feel our very best every day?

Why Dwelling is the Most Important Book I've Ever Written

The message I have shared for the past twelve years on The Inspired Room, and through all of my books, has always been about so much more than how to find your current design style or how to organize your stuff. 

Of course, I always love talking about design and all the things we can do to improve our surroundings. But it’s the why and results of putting our heart into our home that motivates and inspires me to persevere in creating a haven, a true sanctuary from the world.

A couple of years ago when I was putting together the concept for my new book, Dwelling, thoughts of what it takes to really feel well where we dwell filled my heart and mind. I knew beyond a doubt, that Dwelling was the next book I was called to write. It is the message that has resonated so deeply with me for thirty years. 

I truly believe when we learn how to feel well where we dwell, everything changes. Our “dwellings,” our home and body (including our mind and spirit), are connected in so many ways. What we invite across our threshold and into our home matters to every aspect of our lives.

Why Dwelling is the Most Important Book I've Ever Written

While I do share some personal stories throughout the pages of Dwelling, this book isn’t about me. It’s about discovering for ourselves the many ways we can make a difference in how we feel in our own body, life and home.

My wellness-story, my ups or downs with anxiety or thyroid issues or other life experiences may not be just like yours. I likely have not have gone through all of the same hard things you have. Yet, we have crossed paths through a common love of home. 

And that’s where this journey of dwelling well begins. At home. 

The more I’ve opened up my own home and shared my journey of well-being over the years, the more I’ve realized that we are all more alike than we are different. 

I certainly do not have all of the answers for you (let alone for myself!), but I’ve found there’s always something we can do to make ourselves (and those around us) feel a little better. 

That’s what my new book, Dwelling, is all about. It’s about feeling more hopeful. It’s about being more mindful of what we invite into our home. It’s about finding the joy in transforming our home into a more nurturing, healing and sacred place. It’s about recognizing the impact our daily decisions have on the whole of our well-being. It’s about feeling empowered to change the world around us for the better.

Thank you all for your kindness and support through the years and so many book launches! It means the world to me to know you’re out there reading and that our paths can cross in so many ways.

I can’t wait to share more about Dwelling over the upcoming weeks!

Click here to order my new book, Dwelling, on Amazon!

Read more of my posts about Dwelling:

A Homebody Manifesto

Dwelling: The Heart of a Home-Maker

33 Comments

  1. Kerry Fountain

    So excited for the new book! I absolutely love how you define dwelling as our Body and our Home!
    Blessings

  2. Carmen

    Just ordered it! April can’t come soon enough!!

  3. Shawn Bartz

    I agree! Can’t wait for the new book and so appreciate the free journal as well!!

  4. Mary Lou I Rich

    So enjoy your sharing of your ideas and decor and life philosophy. And that Jack is something else. Thanks for bringing beauty and serenity to the world.

  5. Sue Davies

    Melissa,
    I have been a loyal reader since I discovered your blog about 6 years or so ago. You are the one who first sparked my interest in essential oils and they have become part of my daily life. I have several of your books and have enjoyed each one. I am especially interested in this one because of your line that says “the joy in transforming our home into a more healing and sacred place.” I want to create more healing in our home and to make use of more natural products through out home. I too have dealt with anxiety issues so I know you will have some good ideas on how to reduce that in our homes. I am probably one of your older readers but I am still constantly refining my decorating style and continue to work to make our home a haven. I’ve practiced Hygee before I even knew what it was! It would be an honor to be part of your launch team.
    Sue Davies

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      I’m so very grateful, Sue! It’s an honor to have such wonderful readers who become like friends. I can’t wait for you to read Dwelling! XO

  6. Chistine Keene

    Ordered book and cant’ wait to see it arrive! I love your website. It is so uplifting even when I am having a not-so-good day, it cheers me up always.

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Aww I’m so glad, thank you for your encouragement and for ordering the book too!!!

  7. Melinda

    Congrats on your next book! Super excited to read it. I can tell it’s going to speak to my heart. ❤️

  8. Francesca gunn

    I ordered my book before Christmas and it will be my birthday gift to myself when I finally get it in April. Your message about home and wellness( books, FB, blog) are calming and reading your words is like having a conversation with a friend.

  9. Charleen Mcgrath

    Just ordered! Looking forward to receiving

  10. Nancy

    Hi Melissa!! I have preordered your book and cannot wait for it’s release:). I wish more blogs were as down to earth as yours. I love your lifestyle. I have a beautiful home made specifically for me and my family. It’s not to impress anyone else. I also have health issues and deal with generalized anxiety disorder so having a peaceful home means so much to me. I keep my home free of clutter and only own things that I find beautiful and that have meaning. This is your third home that I have followed you and I have enjoyed it immensely. Good day:)

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Thank you Nancy! Your comment means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy reading Dwelling!

  11. Catherine Parsons

    Congratulations on the new book. Looking forward to reading it. The above writing reminds me of Alexandra Stoddard.

  12. Adrienne

    I have read your blog for quite a few years and always love what you share. You truly inspire me! I’ve been enjoying the daily 7 Steps To Well Being and I can’t wait to read the book. I only wish you could come south to Oregon and help me remake my home!
    ~Adrienne~

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Thank you, Adrienne! So appreciate you following along for so long and for your encouragement. that means a lot. I’m glad you’re enjoying the emails and I can’t wait for you to have the book in hand!

  13. Anne Riddick

    Can’t wait to read your book and enjoy the benefits. As I believe it is a very important message.

  14. Madonna McCollough

    I’m enjoying the 7 Steps To Well Being and I’m looking forward to receiving your book.

  15. Sue Davies

    I reordered as soon as I saw it on your website. I’m anxious to read it and know it will be as inspirational as your other books are.
    Sue

  16. Paige Sledge

    I have just ordered all of your books. I appreciate the free journal as well!! Thank you so much. Can’t to get started on your books when they get here!!!

  17. Tamara

    Hi Melissa,

    I ordered your book when you first announced it. I am looking forward to reading it. I have purchased all your books as you’ve released them, I feel I know you through your words. You inspire me to make my home the sancutary my heart desires. G-d bless you my friend and thank you for sharing your heart.

    ~tamara

  18. Pamela Martin

    I had to order on Amazon.ca as I live in Canada. I hope you will still get the commission.
    *Smiles*

  19. Rebecca Pendley

    In the midst of wedding chaos for our oldest daughter next month – can’t wait to rebalance & recharge when this book arrives!

  20. Rachelle Rodriguez

    Looking forward to dwelling! Thank you for the journal.

  21. Tina

    Thank you, Melissa! Enjoy your day!

  22. Laura Fisher

    Thank you so much for writing this book. I need this insight now, because, for several years, I have suspected my home and wellness issues are related. I am ready to experiment with that possibility and am eager to journal about the experience. I appreciate the knowledge, tools, and community for support, because I am already certain this will be an important transformation for me.

  23. Connie Blair

    Hi Melissa,
    I ordered your books, Dwelling and Simple Decorating, this week. I already have Love the Home you Have. I can’t wait to get Dwelling! I believe that your well-being and your home are very connected. You are so inspiring and have such good ideas! I love looking at your website. Thanks for sharing all you do!

    Connie

  24. Karen Matson

    Hi, I ordered Dwelling on Amazon, but cannot find the link for my free journal.
    Can you help?
    Thanks, Karen

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Hi Karen! The free journal was actually a limited time gift for anyone who preordered Dwelling before it was released last year! <3 I have since released a journal called Dwelling Well that is a great companion to Dwelling if you're interested! >> http://bit.ly/2MLJT8A … I hope you enjoy the book!

 

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