From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch sweet friends, we’re excited to spend time with you today. Thanks so much for being here!
If you had a chance to read our Word of the Month post, you know February has been about connecting and encouragement.
What I didn’t expect about either of those two themes is that they also require being intentional about communicating well.
And communication is a word that has popped up in all areas of our lives this month.
Recently, I overheard what was quickly becoming a heated conversation.
I think any time you’re dealing with millions of dollars and big time projects it’s not always easy to keep your emotions in check.
After all, the stakes are extraordinarily high, and everyone is working at peak performance.
At least that’s the hope anyway.
I shifted in my seat eagerly trying to distract myself from being uncomfortable when a brief moment later I heard someone say, “I don’t think your skills are being utilized at the level they could be. I mean this issue is low-hanging fruit and you’re wasting your time and talent.”
So, there it was.
The truth bomb everyone on the call seemed to know already but none had been willing to say up to that point.
Earlier in the day, I had read Susan’s weekly Life Applications from the Bible post. One of her notes was about how love can become a legacy we still talk about nearly 2,000 years later.
And even after the call had ended it reminded me we’re creating our legacy every single day whether we realize it or not.
We build it with the way we communicate, the decisions we make, and the actions we take.
While very few of us will ever have the chance to leave a legacy people are still talking about 2,000 years later, we will still leave a legacy behind.
Have you thought about what you want yours to be?
Are you the person everyone comes to for advice?
The one who knows how to cheer people up?
The one that’s always on time?
The one with a purse contents that could rival Mary Poppins?
The organized one?
The fun one?
The creative?
The flake?
Perhaps you’re the one who feels the need to point out mistakes.
The one who’s an expert problem solver?
A critical thinker who saves people time and money.
Maybe you’re passionate about art.
A gardener who has a heart for helping people plant beautiful things.
Are you the cynic?
The challenger?
The complainer?
The bully?
The boss?
The preacher?
The teacher?
The innovator?
The writer?
The speaker?
The dreamer?
The doer?
It’s probably safe to say, we all have someone in our contact list where the minute their name hits the screen we feel a range of emotions from excitement to stress.
Are the seeds you’re sewing now something you can be proud of in 20 years? 200 years?
We all have a role to play and a legacy to leave behind.
What will yours say about you?
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web…
This Teton Valley Residence looks like the perfect place to winter.
Everything in this kitchen designer’s portfolio is amazing.
The gorgeous portfolio of Kate Jackson Interior Design.
Can you even with this beautiful home from Mindy Gayer Design Co.
If farmhouse style is still your jam, you’ll love this inspiration.
Every detail in this home is stunning.
Currently working on a closet makeover and loved that Rachel has been working on hers too. This post is great if you also need budget-friendly ideas.
This closet editing video was so helpful I sent it to my cousin and my Mom!
Speaking of which, how amazing is this dinner party?
These bird feeders are really creative.
How to Make Your Showers Feel Extra Relaxing and Luxurious
21 Smart Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Clean Forever
27 Rom-Coms We Can’t Wait to Watch This Year
30 Greatest Life-Hacks of All Time
50 Self-Care Ideas for Mental Health and Well-Being
How to Create an Abundance Mindset
The Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen Application
Have you listened to this podcast yet?
Words to Live By…
On My Nightstand…
Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Live Your Ideal Life (This book is all about honoring and organizing the things you love most so you can create a life that serves you well. Despite all the controversy surrounding it lately – I still learned a lot!)
You can find a complete list of the self-discovery books we’ve read here.
February Menu Ideas…
Wardrobe Basics We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Coat * Blazer * Jean Jacket * Sunnies * Necklace
Ribbed Sweater * Button Down * Striped Tee * Hoops * Studs
Black Pants * Jeans * Khaki Pants * Belt Set * Purse
Dress * Navy Dress * Skirt * Loafers * Quilted Flats
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
The Easiest Way to Organize Your Pantry and Refrigerator
How to Create a Dog Feeding Station
How to Stencil Textured Walls Like a Pro
How to Create Herb Topiaries in Minutes
February Bucket List…
- Celebrate February Birthdays
- Mail Valentine’s Day Cards
- Celebrate Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day
- Watch the Super Bowl
- Continue AM Green Juice and Water Before Coffee
- Wake Up at The Same Time Each Morning
- Walk or Bike 30-45 Mins Each Day
- Continue Quarter Challenge
- Stretch or Yoga Before Bed
- Get an Eye Exam
- Reclaim Afternoon Teatime
- Plan Spring Home Décor and Porch Projects
- Replenish Undergarments
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
February Words of the Month: Connect & Encourage
Activities to Enjoy:
- Send a Card or Flowers to an Old Friend, Loved One, or Someone Special
- Take an Elderly Neighbor or Friend to Lunch
- Have Dinner by Candlelight
- Pay for the Groceries of the Person Behind You in the Express Lane
- Listen With Intention
You can find our complete list of Word of the Month Ideas here.
February Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Kitchen
- 01/29 Organize Pantry
- 02/05 Declutter/Organize Refrigerator & Freezer
- 02/12 Declutter/Organize Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers
- 02/19 Declutter Kitchen Counters/Coffee Bar Area
- 02/26 Simplify/Refresh Breakfast Nook
**You can find the entire 52 Weeks to a Simplified and Organized Home Challenge Plan here.
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 02/17 National Random Acts of Kindness Day
- 02/20 Love Your Pet Day
- 02/20 President’s Day (US)
- 02/21 Fat Tuesday
- 02/22 Ash Wednesday
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
This is a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing my post – I love the way you expounded on the legacy! It is really thought provoking when you think about it. Have a blessed day!
CoCo I look forward to your curated Front Porch list every Friday! I get so many ideas from the designer portfolios for my home.
The Lazy Genius podcasts is also one of my favorites! I also love Sorta Awesome; if you haven’t listed to that one, I think you’ll enjoy it!
GOSH your Ironstone collection!! My goodness, CoCo!! It’s just stunning. Beautiful words today, friend! Happy weekend!
CoCo,
I loved reading your post today. Very thought-provoking. Thank you for always inspiring me. I also appreciate you for sharing my closet makeover. It’s amazing what a few changes can make. Have the best weekend.
Great post my friend. You always inspire me with your words.
First – I am love with your brown transferware collection and the ironstone collection. Holy Smokes. The Ashley Montgomery house is stunning. That laundry room is to die for! Definitely checking out your post on herbed topiaries. Finally, and most importantly, regarding a legacy. The last several years have resulted in a pretty big shift in my thinking. I want my professional legacy to be one where people will remember me as someone who encouraged them to: feel accepted for who they are, encouraged to take risks, supported for their thoughts/feelings and empowered to make changes. My “tag line” is “I believe in you”. Also, my hope, is that by my own example, I am leaving a legacy that inspires people to do “what’s right” rather than to do what’s easy, politically expedient, solely cost effective, or what avoids conflict. That’s a lot – I know. Thanks for sharing your words – as always.
No playing, the words “I believe in you” will appear on tomorrow’s From the Front Porch post. I JUST wrote them before answering comments – how cool is that! I love that you’re mindful of leaving both a professional legacy and a personal one. Mindset shifts are vital for growth and it warms my heart that you are working on them too. Change is never easy even under the best circumstances but it’s so important to living a full life. Cheering you on as you live an extraordinary legacy that impacts people around the world. Hugs, CoCo