Create peace in your home when the outside feels overwhelming

Who knew a couple hooks could bring me so much joy?

Sometimes when the larger world feels overwhelming we find comfort in the minutiae of daily life and on the little things we can control.

I’m starting today with a quote from a book by fellow Portland writer, Emily Grosvenor. The whole book is about grounding yourself in your home and using your space to anchor aspects of yourself and your life you want to enhance.

This line comes towards the end and it’s really stayed with me:

“Only now do I fully understand that homes are for shaping the self, not presenting a self to the world.”

When so many of us consume and share on social media, it can start to feel like our homes are something we create for the benefit of others. But really, a home is for its inhabitants, not for projecting an image.

This chaotic week I thought it’d be nice to share some vignettes and solutions in my home that make me feel peaceful. Maybe you have some favorite spots to reflect on, or perhaps you can take this as an opportunity to spending an hour creating a spot of beauty or function to bring you daily joy.

As my kids grow larger, so do their clothes. My house lacks a real coat closet or even space for a freestanding coat rack, so I’ve had to get creative. I recently discovered a tiny overhang where I could drill in hooks without damaging the visible surface of the cabinets. Perfect for little girl coats!

Read on for more small joys: