Do you ever feel stuck or in a slump at home? Maybe there’s no current project to spark your creativity, you’re distracted or busy, or you’re in a life transition and not investing much energy into your space.
It’s easy to feel inspired when you’re moving into a new house, planning an improvement, or fresh off a remodel. A clear budget and the ability to buy something new also bring a burst of energy. But in the quiet in-between times—when nothing big is happening and creativity feels stalled—that’s when the real challenge appears.
Can you find joy in the small, everyday moments where you are? Or do you only feel satisfied when a major change or highlight moment arrives? If you dwell on the highlight reel, you may miss the little, ordinary sources of joy around you.
Sigh. Raise your hand if you sometimes find yourself in a slump at home. {quietly raises hand}
I love the season of moving into a new place. Home improvements perk me up. Having money to buy something new gives me a lift. But when nothing is happening, I have to take small, manageable steps to cultivate joy with what I already own. Starting is the key to finding fresh inspiration right where you are.
Do I always feel like taking that first step without a big, motivating project?
Nope. I’m energized by new and creatively inspiring things. The routine sameness of daily life can make home feel dull. Sometimes perfectionism holds me back—I want all the ducks in a row before I act (and when does that ever happen?).
When a slump settles in, days or months can pass where I feel uninspired and disconnected from my home. I have to remind myself to get moving: “Self, you know what to do. Do it!” I talk to myself a lot—I sometimes even argue with myself—which is when things get awkward.
When my oldest was little and I asked her to put toys away, she’d say, “I can’t, Mama. It’s too heaby.” I catch myself using similar excuses when I procrastinate. Slumps make me feel like my legs are rubber, my arms are weak, and my brain is foggy. I tell myself I’ll be more inspired tomorrow and delay simple actions.
Reality check: Pinterest-worthy moments or big excitement don’t always arrive on cue. Some people might live in a constant stream of inspiring moments, but for most of us, ordinary life is the norm.
When I recognize I’m stuck waiting for a highlight, I decide to shake things up myself instead of waiting. The everyday can be more beautiful and inspiring if you choose to make it so. It’s a decision to look for ways to improve and appreciate what you already have.
I know this works because I’ve pulled myself out of slumps many times the same way: I take a step, follow routines, putter around the house, and show my home some love. Small actions build momentum and restore enjoyment in ordinary days.
Need a little nudge to get started? In my book Love the Home You Have, I share a 31-day Love Your Home Challenge full of simple, practical ideas to help you rediscover joy at home.
Thank you for the warm responses to the book. Your comments and updates mean so much. I love seeing photos from people doing the 31-day challenge—share your progress on Instagram with the hashtag #loveyourhomechallenge and #lovethehomeyouhave. It’s inspiring to see how small changes make a big difference in daily life.