Do you set aside time and space for yourself? Even a small corner dedicated to your passions or hobbies can inspire you to do what you love.
Although this blog is part of my business, the home itself is one of my greatest passions. This space is where I share the things I enjoy and where my personal interests come alive.
Many bloggers treat their blog strictly as a job, but for me it feels more like a passion. Sometimes it’s hard to tell where passion ends and work begins — except at tax time, when the difference becomes very clear. A home is my playground: a place to express creativity and nurture both myself and my family. Even when passion, purpose and profession overlap, I try to remember that these creative pursuits are what I love outside of business obligations. My daughter and I joke that when I try to take a night off, I’ll inevitably refresh a mantel or rearrange something, because those activities are what truly feed me whether or not they’re work.
Finding time and space for what you love matters. While I enjoy writing books and blog posts, writing itself isn’t my first love—creating a home is. I told my editor recently that I needed to step away from my computer and actually do the things I was writing about. Writing from a place of authenticity and passion keeps me grounded; without it I feel disjointed and tired. To refill my energy, I close the laptop and spend time puttering around the house. That’s where I find joy.
Sometimes a little inspiration is all you need to remember who you are. It’s easy to lose sight of yourself in daily demands. I recently set up inspiration boards above my desk to remind me of the things I love. That spot is my happy place—even though it’s in my office and I work there. Being intentional about carving out time and space to be myself has given me more personal time than ever. My work is woven into what I love, and best of all, I get to share it with this community.
That said, I sometimes lose perspective—just like everyone else. It’s not only about the house. If I spend too much time focused on decorating or projects, I can lose track of what truly matters. Taking breaks from home tasks and responsibilities, making time to relax and connect with others, and stepping away from the routine are essential to staying balanced and refreshed.
I’ve been reading a thoughtful book by my friend Jessica Turner called The Fringe Hours, Making Time for You. If you often reach the end of the day and realize you haven’t done anything for yourself, this book offers encouragement and practical ideas to reclaim small pockets of time. It includes useful tips to inspire you to make time for what matters.
If you struggle to find time and space for yourself, try this project from the book: create a real-life inspiration board. Skip the endless scrolling on Pinterest for a while and make something tangible. A physical board, hung where you’ll see it, will remind you to take time to be yourself. Use an existing bulletin board, buy one, or designate a blank wall space. The goal is to create a visible, personal collection of images and items that spark joy and remind you who you are.
- If you need a bulletin board, you can find one at many home stores.
- If you need push pins, choose ones that feel cheerful and fit your board’s style.
- Create watercolor letters or pick up handmade pieces that resonate with you.
- Look at photos of inspiration boards for ideas to get started.
Once you’re ready, shut down the computer, silence your phone, and play music you love. If possible, arrange for someone to watch the kids so you have an hour or two of uninterrupted time. Then gather items from around your home that resonate: magazine clippings, cards, mementos, scrapbook paper, fabric swatches, yarn, ribbon, old photos or small keepsakes. You can draw or paint something small if that inspires you.
Pin up pieces that remind you to be yourself. Be creative and make the board reflect what makes your heart sing.
Step back and look at your board. Do you see yourself in it? You are unique and worth making time for. Let the board be a regular reminder to nourish the person you were created to be.
The photo at the top is a peek at my in-progress inspiration board.