If you’ve ever struggled to create the atmosphere you want at home, I understand completely.
I’m going to share the one essential truth no one tells you.
Years ago I began my home-creating journey with big hopes: a warm, welcoming home for everyday life and for the people we invited in.
Maybe you have similar dreams.
Even with good intentions and plenty of effort, I often felt like I was failing to achieve the atmosphere I wanted.
I frequently felt inadequate as a homemaker.
I loved decorating, but discovered quickly that decorating alone wasn’t enough.
There were always new messes to manage, meals to prepare, laundry to do, needs to tend to, updates to plan, clutter to sort, and endless projects demanding attention.
Although I wanted to be a capable homekeeper, I didn’t naturally know how to balance everything while caring for myself and my family. I often felt frazzled and frustrated.
One mess after another seemed to block the calm atmosphere I longed for.
When my home felt chaotic, anxiety crept in and I perceived myself as failing in every part of life.
I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted for myself or my family.
But I couldn’t figure out how to keep things in balance without creating even more stress.
I read every book on decluttering, organizing, cleaning, and decorating, but none offered the simple, holistic, sustainable solution I needed. It all felt overwhelming. I wanted daily peace in my home, not a perfect, show-ready space.
I didn’t need a perfect house. Real family life naturally brings ongoing mess. I wanted to savor people and moments, but constantly trying and failing to keep up with the resulting clutter was the opposite of the calm I hoped for.
How do you find balance so you can create the home you want without feeling overwhelmed?
After three homes, three kids, one dog, and a lot of trial and error, I had an epiphany that changed everything.
I always wanted my home to be peaceful and welcoming, but I realized the feeling I wanted had to begin with me.
I needed to feel peaceful in my home for my own wellbeing so I could extend that to my family.
My home needed to welcome me day to day, not just guests.
I couldn’t just “bless the mess.” For me, mess equals stress.
And yet the methods I tried often created new kinds of stress.
It’s no wonder people give up. No one tells you the real secret.
Most of us want a sanctuary, not a showplace.
That’s what I wanted all along: a home where I felt at peace.
No wonder I felt stressed and floundered—it all began to make sense.
I had been heading toward something worthwhile, but approaching it the wrong way produced the opposite results.
I worked hard to meet perceived expectations without considering how a sanctuary should actually feel.
A nurturing home shouldn’t feel burdensome to live in or to care for.
Gradually I discovered what creating a sanctuary truly meant.
My approach to homekeeping shifted.
I began to make steady progress, and my family noticed the difference.
Knowing what to do and what not to do, when to do it, and why it mattered for my wellbeing made all the difference. Everything improved.
My anxiety and daily struggles diminished, and caring for our home became more manageable, enjoyable, and fulfilling—even with a busy household.
My home became a true sanctuary.
Once I started viewing daily efforts as an investment in our health and well-being, creating a sanctuary transformed every area of my life.
And the best part:
- It didn’t require a large budget or hiring help.
- I didn’t need a perfect house or a flawless plan.
- I didn’t need ideal circumstances.
- I didn’t become a slave to housework.
- I gained more freedom and creative energy to do what I love.
- I felt better than I ever had in my own surroundings.
If creating a sanctuary appeals to you, I’d love for you to join us in HomeBody Gathering Place.
Over the past 17 years I’ve shared my homekeeping and decorating experiences—struggles and successes—on my blog and in eleven books.
Now I’m excited to offer these strategies and personal support in HomeBody Gathering Place, where I bring decorating and homekeeping concepts together in a simple, easy-to-follow format with practical guidance.
I’m thrilled to walk alongside you in real time through HomeBody Gathering Place.
If you’re not a member yet, consider registering before we close enrollment for the upcoming session.
What is a Year of Sanctuary? What is HomeBody Gathering Place?
A Year of Sanctuary is our theme this year inside HomeBody Gathering Place, a private member community focused on realistic methods for creating a sanctuary that brings joy and steady progress.
I’ve organized these ideas into a seasonal format so we can live a Year of Sanctuary together. We explore four essential sanctuary principles and learn how to savor small, weekly practices that add up season by season.
All members enjoy A Year of Sanctuary at no extra cost; the content is included with membership.
How does a Year of Sanctuary work?
We move through weekly lessons in real time—either in the optional Facebook community or through the private dashboard and weekly emails. You can also progress at your own pace with archived lessons and resources available anytime.
You’ll receive fresh ideas and tips each week and can choose simple action steps through optional weekly challenges for immediate results.
Building rhythms and experiencing the full benefits of a sanctuary takes time, but we make it enjoyable every step of the way. Members get access to HomeBody Notebook pages, printables, prizes, and more.
The decorating and homemaking principles are adaptable to your home and each season, making this a gentle, sustainable way to bring more peace and joy into your daily life.
You’ll find the experience rewarding—something to look forward to week after week and season after season.
Do I have to be new to homemaking to benefit?
Not at all. Whether you’re a seasoned homekeeper or just starting, you’ll find inspiration and practical support. Members come from many stages of life, and it’s a joy to encourage one another.
One step at a time, season by season, I’ll help you make your home not only look great but feel great, too.
Join us in HomeBody Gathering Place for a Year of Sanctuary. We begin January 5th with our Winter Session on Simplicity.
After this session closes, enrollment won’t open again until the spring session.
Tip: I recommend joining in January as a yearly member for the best value and access to yearly perks and resources. We hope you’ll stay for the full year of transformative lessons and activities.
