Tag Archives: Life

A Stack of Books

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A Stack of Books

A stack of books. It’s a simple enough idea.

When we were kids, back in the olden days before computers, textbooks would often be stacked on our desks reminding us of the homework we have to complete. For some reason, as we become adults, there are often books around.

Books that then become stacks of books. The stacks then are put on to shelves and then there can be so many books that people have rooms lined with shelves holding all the books — a personal library of sorts.

I have had shelves and I have had stacks of books and I actually prefer the latter. Why? Well, when I feel that I have shelves of books my thought is I have way too many and they should be donated. So, I go through and cull my books — no more need for shelves.

But my stacks of books — now that I cannot give up. First off my stacks of books are not regular reading books of fiction and non-fiction, but rather oversized books about art, geography, interests, and other varied topics. These large, hard bound books have beautiful covers in all sorts of colors. Now, I can use my stacks for home decor purposes.

A stack of books neatly arranged and placed together on a tabletop feels satisfying to me. It is organized, interesting, and the books often remind me of something important in my life — an art exhibit I took in and really enjoyed or a topic of interest that I want to know more about. It’s satisfying.

Of course, people come in and look at my stacks of books. It’s home decor, but it’s also interesting, full of topics waiting to be explored amongst one another. Definitely can be a conversation starter. They can be grouped by similar topics or in an eclectic way that includes a variety of topics. However you arrange your stacks, make it interesting.

I also stack my collection of children’s books. Oh such whimsy in that stack. I still love to collect children’s books and to read them through again and again. So much wisdom in there. So, stacks can be bright and fanciful and appeal to the children who visit your home.

Stacks of books are organizing, a home decor tool, and inspiration for topics of conversation — also if you have stacks and not shelves you probably have just enough. Although it is always difficult to part with books it is an easy thing to donate and pass on to others without crowding your home — unless shelves of books is your vibe!

Here’s to a stack of books!

Book Review: Living a Beautiful Life

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Living a Beautiful Life Book

Living a Beautiful Life – who doesn’t want to embrace beauty in their lives and create a beautiful way to live?

Alexandra Stoddard’s book Living a Beautiful Life is an old fashioned book that embraces this concept. She is sort of dated back to the 1990s, but when I pick up this book — again and again there are kernels of beauty that are easy to bring to our own lives. Basically, the 500 suggestions in this book are about bringing joy and beauty to our everyday.

This book has always sat on my bookshelf, as have so many others she has written. They all are written in an easily accessible manner, weaving the interpersonal with the design tips, the musings on partners, time, parenting, and more. Life seems to slow down when I pull these books to read. These are not the types of books to read from end to end, but rather as something to peruse for inspiration on any given day.

What makes your life beautiful? Can you find it in your everyday? Do you infuse your days with things that bring you pleasure? It doesn’t have to be anything big or extraordinary. It can simply be a favorite flower to look upon and care for, a beautiful piece of chocolate, a bubbly salt bath, writing a postcard to a friend far away, planting a vegetable garden, even picking weeds. Whatever you do in a day, engage it with beauty.

Although it feels like Stoddard’s day has almost past, I think there is a place for looking to the old ways of being happy, feeling beautiful, and taking time in the world to create joy that never goes out of style. I recommend her books to you and hope today — and always — you are living a beautiful life.

Who Are You Living For Anyway?

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Life Your Way

I often hear people say they are living life for others. It’s so common that people say it without even giving it a second thought. It’s also something people say in plain, clear language:

  • It’s the kids I live for.
  • It’s work that gives my whole life meaning.
  • My spouse/partner makes my life worthwhile.
  • My parents need me.

It’s so common in American society — and actually this is true in most parts of the world – to live for anyone but yourself.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I live life for me.”

If you have, what was your first thought? I can think of many first thoughts in response to this little phrase, including:

  • Gee, that’s selfish.
  • How does he do that?
  • What’s wrong with him?
  • How shallow – no wonder he is alone.

Somewhere along the way living life for ourselves in our unique way became a problem for most people. Perhaps it was our parents who taught us and modeled for us being responsible and adjusting ourselves to please others? Perhaps it is easier to give one’s life over to some outside force, such as work, to not have to make decisions about one’s life? Perhaps we have experience with handing our power over to our partners and living for them rather than ourselves?

There are any number of reasons we live for everyone else and thing rather than ourselves. To put ourselves first is risky as we may be seen as selfish and unable to handle the responsibility called life.

So, how do we live for ourselves while also not being seen as “bad” or a “lone wolf?” Well, it’s all about you. We can never control how another will think of us, but we can control how we think of ourselves. Living life for you doesn’t mean you are selfish, but rather that you are embracing the highest form of you to contribute to the world, your community, and relationships. By being true to yourself, you aid the world in moving one step closer to authenticity. You also serve as a role model for others who are striving to do the same, i.e. to live an authentic life.

It is all in how we frame it for ourselves. Next time we are asked what or who we are living for, pause for a moment before you reply.

Who are you living for today?