Book Review: Love The Home You Have
A few weeks ago, I was so tired I couldn’t even get it together. After spending multiple weeks of blogging, painting, hauling, cleaning and searching for treasures I found myself feeling creatively empty. I also found myself in tears over seemingly small things and really short tempered.
I was on the phone with my accountability partner when I said, “I spend so much time doing the things I don’t want to do that I never seem to have the energy to do things that I actually want to do.” Through my tears, I heard my voice crack and then betray me, “I am so tired.”
We as women seem to have an unrivaled stamina. We go and go and go. We push and push and push. We hold so fast and strong for so long we near the point of exhaustion. And we do it over and over again. I don’t know about you guys but I’m ready to get off the hamster wheel.
I gathered my clumps of tissues and my coffee mug from the back porch and padded inside to start my day. But instead of heading to my office, I grabbed another cup of coffee, my favorite magazines, a pen and loose-leaf paper. It wasn’t easy to blow my schedule off for a day of relaxation. I thought about my to do list probably a million times. I chided myself for “not having it together” even though I knew I had reached my limit.
I can’t say for sure when it happened. Maybe it was with the turn of each magazine page. Maybe it was sipping on raspberry lemonade. Maybe it was giving myself permission to nap. Maybe it was taking the time to prepare a healthy lunch and quiet my mind outside. Somewhere along the line, I felt myself let go and I started writing an honest list of things that were truly working for me. I also wrote a list of things that were not working at all. Parts of it were really raw but very necessary. Although I had napped throughout the day, that night, I slept at perfect peace.
A few days later, I received the book Love the Home You Have in the mail. Melissa Michaels is the author of the book and is also the creator of the popular blog The Inspired Room. Melissa reaches nearly a half a million women each month with creative and simple ideas. She’s a contributor for top publications, web communities, at (in)courage.me and was named the 2014 Better Homes and Gardens Readers’ Choice Decorating Blog Winner.
I gave myself grace, a full 48 hours and dove heart first into the book. It only took a few paragraphs and I was hooked. Then I got to page 62:
“Yet even a life we love comes with responsibilities, stress and work. No matter what kind of life we live or what burdens we carry, we all crave a refuge from the outside world where we can inhaled deeply, exhale slowly, and let the cares and expectations fall away. Our home is that safe place.” – Melissa Michaels
There they were, those undeniable words on the pages in black and white. It felt like she was in my head as I continued reading. She spoke about writing down goals that point to your purpose, living with a beautiful mess, creating a haven and the rewards of a daily routine. All things I needed encouragement in. The best part is that Melissa offers action-oriented steps, easy to achieve ideas and suggestions you can implement right now.
For example, I’ve recommitted myself to a morning routine and a nightly routine. It’s something I’ve practiced in the past but found myself compromising on more and more lately. There’s a load of laundry in the wash, my entire house smells like an Anthropologie store and later tonight I’ll treat myself to a new magazine and a long hot bath. I know it’s going to take consistently making these things a priority in order to make a lasting change. This is one reason I’m excited about taking the Love Your Home 31-Day Challenge found at the end of the book. Feel free to email me if you’re also doing the challenge so we can encourage each other.
Love The Home You Have is sold at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks & Dayspring if you want to get your own copy. I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. My honest opinion is that it’s awesome.
Many blessings,
CoCo
Such a good review! I’m still working my way through this wonderful book. And, you’re right, it’s like Melissa is in our heads! Keep up those routines and making time for yourself! You deserve it 🙂
Thank you bunches, Angie! The book was an easy read. It read like a novel. I swear it was hard not to highlight every page because she was so spot on. I’m glad you’re reading this book too. It’s like our own little book club. Hugs, CoCo
CoCo – WOW..this is amazing! And you sound like you’ve got renewed energy and focus as to what is important to you. I love that you share your heart freely with us…and I see a bit of me in your story. Can’t wait to get my very own copy of the book – it sounds like it can get me back on track as well. Thank you so much!
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I really appreciate it girls, you know sometimes spilling the heart stuff is the hardest part of writing a raw post like this. I’m so glad we have each other to continuously be able to love, support and encourage each other not only through our blogs but our lives too. Big hugs for a relaxing weekend, CoCo
Coco, thank you for sharing your feelings. I think we all go through these times of taking on more than we need and becoming overwhelmed. I have struggled with this many times. I end up the same as you in tears. Sometimes we pour ourselves out into other things and for other people that we become empty. I am so glad that you are taking time for yourself and making new routines. I look forward to reading this book and hope that I too, can get into some new routines and enjoy some “me” time. Have a blessed day my friend.
Thank you for you sweet words, Renee. The sections in the book about being organized and making your morning and nightly routines a priority was a big game changer for me. I know that each day will bring new mercies and grace and for that I am so grateful. I you will love this book. Sending you love and hugs, CoCo
As I have been following your blog, I thought ‘wow, that girl has a lot going on’ and I thought to myself ‘I couldn’t keep up’… Happy to hear that you took some time for yourself. I agree, as women, that’s hard to do sometimes…
Have a happy and peaceful weekend CoCo!
Lori
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Oh Lori, there are times when I feel like I can’t keep up too. I’m learning to listen when it’s time to take a break and to follow my passions with abandon when it’s time to move. Thank you so much for your kind and gentle words. Hugs, CoCo
I love how open and honest you are CoCo. I always feel like I can see your heart in the words you write. I’m glad you’re slowing down and taking time for you. I too need to work on this! Thank you for introducing me to this book. I just ordered it. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend, sweet friend!
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I appreciate that so much, Amy, thank you. It’s really hard to put yourself out there sometimes but I know that we girls need to stick together and encourage each other. I really think you’ll like the book. Thank you so much for your sweet email this weekend 🙂 Sending you lots of hugs, Coco
Coco, you write so beautifully and it’s as if you’re reading my mind (and probably many others lol). I think we all do that where we go so much that we get burned out and then there’s no creativity. I’m guilty for sure. Now I want to read that book. Thanks for sharing xo Lisa
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It’s hard sometimes to make it all happen, that’s why I’m so glad we all have each other. I need you guys something fierce 🙂 Hugs, Coco