We looked through stacks of framed photos and art. I could tell that she was feeling overwhelmed. She had spent a few months without all of these things cluttering up her walls. I said, "If you had only five minutes to pick your favorite ones, which would you choose?" Immediately she grabbed the ones she wanted. We took the newly reduced pile and used only those to decorate.
She was very happy with our choices and then said, "So you've given me permission to get rid of all the others?" (Of course I didn't have to give her my permission, she needed to give it to herself.) I told her she had my permission--- she didn't have to bring everything back, she had matured, her style had changed and it was okay to leave the old style behind. She could give away some of the portraits to her daughters, and donate the rest. She was thrilled!
I've had similar experiences with other clients. I gave one "permission" to give her piano away to one of her children. My client was happy to have more space and the family members who received the piano were thrilled too.
And so now I say to you, "I give you permission!" Go, look around your house. Are there decorations hanging on the walls that have hung there longer than the clothes in your closet? If so maybe it's time to update. Do you have items in your home that no longer make you smile? Are you holding on to things just because someone gave them to you? Has your style changed, but you're accessories are stuck in the 90's?

Now go! Look around your home and get rid of the things that you no longer love. Use your old items to bless others by giving them away, selling them or donating them. It's better to live with just a few things that you love, than to live with a lot of things you don't. So get moving and removing! YOU HAVE PERMISSION!
11 comments:
I have permission! But do I have the will power?? That's a whole other ball game! *Ü*
I like this post. I recently started living by that philosophy and am loving it. When we built our new house 3 years ago, I tried decorating it in a style that wasn't me and failed miserably. So, now I am strating over and am loving the results. If you get a chance, stop by my blog, I have something for you, JoAnne
You're very welcome!!
Hello! I'm a fellow lurker and I have to say I love your blog and your decorating style.
I also have to confess that I just shamelessly blog lifted your cute pear urns and now have a set for myself.
I posted a link to your blog from mine in the post, I hope that you don't mind.
Anyway off I go to purge my home. I've been meaning to do this for awhile.
Thanks for the inspiration. Can't wait to see more of your decorating tips.
Rachel B.
You are so right! We attach such value - either monetary or emotional - to our things that it can be hard to let them go when they no longer work for us.
Hi Joy, my name is Eva and I am visiting your blog via JoAnne's Sunflower Meadows. I have enjoyed reading many of your posts and your pictures are very inspiring. I'm looking forward to visiting again!
Take care,
Eva
Awesome post! I sometimes box things up when Im getting bored with them. I place them in the attic and I go back from time to time and reuse them. Somtimes with a whole new purpose or place them a different room. It is so nice to donate things that we no longer want or need. Susie H
Hi, Joy, I just found you through Susie's blog & it looks like we have a lot in common...our own decorating business, love of thrifting & all things home. I'll look forward to looking at more of your home. Come on over & visit me when you get a chance.
Rhoda
Hi Joy! What a great post! You're right- sometimes we do need to give ourself permission to let things go. Thanks for the reminder!
Okay, took me a while but i'm finally digging back into your blog. Soo happy that you're a designer..
Gosh, I think I need permission to take back an awful framed print my in laws gave me. thanks! i needed it.
I really appreciated this post! I am just discovering your blog and find everything so helpful :)
Post a Comment