We’ve got a fun annual tradition each year on June 2nd! To celebrate my birthday and completely ignore the fact that I’m aging, I give stuff away. 🙂 It’s also a big THANK YOU for reading and helping make my dreams come true for another year
Before we get to that fun, I thought I’d share a couple of the things I’ve learned this year.
The first HUGE one has been giving up some control and asking for help. As much as I love a tidy, organized space, I’m a horrible housekeeper. I told myself that there was no excuse for not having a clean house most of the time because I work from home. I should be able to do it all, right?
WRONG! No one can do everything on their own.
But, I noticed I could stay more focused and get more work done (and make more money) when the house was clean.
It wasn’t just inside the house that was a struggle. The front landscaping has turned into weed central every summer.
When a friend from church mentioned being on a quest to pay off old medical debt, I thought about how much she liked working in flower beds AND liked to stay busy on her days off. BINGO!
Now she comes over about one day a week for just a couple hours and maintains the flower bed, then cleans the downstairs. It’s the best decision I’ve made this year! I pay less than I would a traditional cleaning service and she makes more per hour than she would if she added a part-time job. It’s been the perfect win-win scenario!
Because I’m also helping someone, it helped counter the totally unnecessary guilt I had about not doing everything myself.
My advice to you is to think about your most dreaded activities, and then think about creative solutions to off-load them to someone else’s plate OR think of ways to make them more fun!
The second one is annoying and embarrassing, but hopefully, will help someone else. Or at least help me remember to not go down this path again.
For several months in the past year, I kinda sorta forgot that generosity includes more than money and time. Being generous with knowledge is right up there.
That’s never been a problem in the past, I love teaching people and helping them succeed. And I never stopped doing what I could to help friends and alert them to opportunities, even if it meant them getting a spot instead of me.
But….
I found myself, more than once, saying things to my friend Angela (Bluei Style ) like “that trick can be our little secret” or “yeah, but we don’t want everyone to know that”.
Yikes.
Not only was I going down a path outside of my character, I was dragging her down with me!
When I put together that being stingy can mean many different things, I became much more aware of my words, thoughts, and actions. Hopefully, I’m back to being knowledge-generous for good!
Speaking of that, I’m doing an Intro to Blogging panel in Tulsa at 36 Degrees North on June 8th, 2017. So if you’re local and interested in blogging, come see me!
Now for the giveaway! To pick the prize, I thought about the best additions to our house from the past year.
For Christmas, Corey surprised me with an Amazon Echo, and I LOVE it. I have a full post planned to tell you why, but the short version is that music now fills the house every day, I no longer forget things at the store because we tell Alexa as soon as we run out of something, and verbally setting the timer is awesome for everything from cooking to doing planks!
So that is option A if you win.
Option B is a $150 gift card to Cost Plus World Market!
I know you haven’t seen it yet, but the back patio is finished and it’s my absolute favorite spot to be now.
I’m sharing the photos on Monday, but I got REALLY lucky and World Market was looking for two people to use their patio furniture in a makeover at the same time we were already working on the backyard. It’s probably the most work I’ve ever put into a pitch, because I knew if they selected me, I could save the money we planned to spend on the patio furniture and put it toward the deck and dining furniture. All those prior One Room Challenge examples of makeovers must have paid off, because I was selected!
Since I ended up getting most of the patio decor you’ll see Monday at World Market, I thought it would be fun to give someone the chance to win a gift card and buy several of the items for their own house. This giveaway is NOT sponsored in any way, I just thought the timing would be fun to give back in a way that coincidences with my new favorite spot!
I’m only leaving the giveaway open until Monday night, so enter now!
Thank you so much for reading and your kind comments and emails this year. I appreciate you more than you could ever know!
Tonya Johnson-Hunter says
I love a clean, well organized home but the panic I felt over seeing something out of place or leaving my home to travel for work knowing that there was a piece laundry in the clothes hamper left me mortified. After many tears and much prayer, God revealed to me that I had been trying to live up to a standard of perfection rather than walking in His grace. I shared my frustration with my husband who informed me that I don’t ask for help and in fact, when he offers to pitch in, I tell him “don’t worry, I’ve got it.” How foolish was I! I have learned to accept that no-one is perfect and that no-one in our home is bothered by the slightest movement of a picture frame or phantom dust that is visible only to me.
As a wife, I am called to create a home that is a sanctuary for those who enter across the threshold and dwell within- that includes the atmosphere. In an effort to do so, I have purposed to ask for my husband for his permanent partnership in maintaining the cleanliness and order of our home and I am sure to thank him each time. I don’t get upset when it doesn’t quite look like how I would do it because I truly appreciate his help. Many times, we clean and do home improvement and design projects together. We learned that we have similar design styles. In turn, we have found more time to enjoy our home and each other. I am thankful for the lesson because it has helped us to create home that we can both enjoy and has brought joy to our relationship.
Melissa George says
What a amazing lesson Tonya! Thank you so much for sharing it, I think MANY people will be able to relate.
Jill says
Happy Birthday!! Cheers to another year!
Melissa George says
Thank you Jill!
Jennifer V. says
I’ve been teaching myself to watercolor. I count it as professional development, but it’s really the most relaxing thing. I have also been learning about business finance and trying to be more organized with my invoices and keeping track of incoming/outgoing money. Now I just need to follow your example and hire some help!!
Melissa George says
Watercolor does sound relaxing and definitely counts! Taking charge if your business finances is another great one too. And really, hiring help is something I should have done years ago!
Jodi Traister says
Melissa, Happy Birthday! I love your website and receiving your email updates. Especially, learning how to re-purpose and implementing my new knowledge has become my obsession. So, off to sand an old dresser I found at a garage sale, then paint and stencil with mandalas and elephant stencils I found at Michaels!
Again, happy birthday! ~ Jodi
Melissa George says
Thank you Jodi! Send me a picture when you are done, that sounds awesome!
donna says
I’ve learned to stress less and to really be in the moment. Time is one of those things that you can never get back so I’m all about making the most of every moment and being present for it.
Melissa George says
Such a great lesson, Donna!
Kenya F says
I learned to take chances and know your worth! My goal this year was to take chances and create your own opportunities. I’ve been working hard on that every day and little by little it’s finally paying off! 🙂
Melissa George says
Yeah!!! That is so exciting Kenya!
Kenya F says
Thank you! 🙂
Stephanie R says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! What I’ve learned is that all the unfinished projects around my house stress me out more than I realize. I’m trying to work a little bit every day instead of waiting for the “perfect” block of time. It’s amazing how much I can get done in 15 minutes if I really focus.
Melissa George says
So true on both counts Stephanie!
Karenann says
the one thing I have learned this year is to think before I speak. I have a bad, no, very bad, habit of just blurting things out before I even have time to think about what I’m saying. I really have been learning to think about what I’m saying, and how I am saying it, so that no one misunderstands or misconstrues something I say.
Melissa George says
What a huge thing to realize about your personality and work on! That is awesome Karenann!
Carol Elkins says
Happy Birthday!!! One thing that I’ve learned this year is that it’s okay if my house is not perfect all the time. I would freak out if someone showed up unannounced & my house wasn’t as clean as it should be, etc. I’ve learned to sort of let go of that and just enjoy the day & the time I get to spend with friends.
Melissa George says
Yes! Being in the moment with family and friends is so much better than worrying about dust!
Angela says
I’ve learned that I’m not responsible for the emotions of those around me. Happy birthday!
Melissa George says
Wow, another great one! I’m not 100% there yet, but definitely making progress that direction!
Meagan says
This year I have learned that I don’t have to do things just because I think I should and that it is ok to accept help if I need it.
Melissa George says
YES!!! To go along with the first part of yours, I also learned that I do things because I’m CHOOSING to do them. Whether I’m on auto-pilot or doing something that feels like an obligation, I remember that it’s still a choice. Once I reframe it in my mind and remember WHY I choose to commit to the obligation, my mood instantly improves. And choosing to say NO or STOP doing something is equally freeing!
Nancy Loring says
I learned to appreciate my family and friends more. I lost both of my parents in the last year and I wished that I had seen them more and told them how much I loved them. well now I don’t let that happen anymore. I let everyone important to me know how important they are.
Melissa George says
Oh goodness, Nancy, I’m so sorry it’s been such a hard year for you. I can’t even imagine. I bet you have brought an extreme amount of joy to people since then by sharing your love for them. You are going to end up blessing so many people with your words to them!
Phyllis says
I have learned, although very slowly, to accept love and support from others who are family as well as good friends. Having been a very independent person, I always prided myself on getting things done and helping others where and when I could. Now I have reached a time in my life where a difficult medical diagnosis for my husband has left me feeling hopeless and stressed and unable to accomplish what I should be able to do. I am starting to share our problems with others and am overwhelmed by the support and love coming back. I know we have a difficult path in front of us, but I am praying for a good outcome and for continued support for both of us when needed.
Melissa George says
Oh goodness Phyllis, I’m sorry your lesson started from such a difficult time. I commend you for taking that hard step of sharing, and encourage you to continue leaning on others as much as you can. In most cases, those around you desperately want to do something, anything, to help relieve some of your struggle, just as you would for them. Things as simple as having someone go to the grocery store for you, OR if necessary, have someone hang out with your husband while you escape to the store are no burden on the helper, and can be a huge relief to you. Maybe you could even start a list of things that are overwhelming you right now and see how many of them can be eased by family & friends? You and your husband are both in my prayers for healing and continued support through the process.
Ashley Perez says
I have learned to seize the moment and it is unnecessary to share and post events on Facebook. I put the phone down and instead focus on the people in my presence. (:
Melissa George says
So true! It’s crazy how much more enjoyable events and people are when you aren’t preoccupied thinking about taking photos and what to share! I went a little too far and keep forgetting to take any photos, but am working to find that balance of bringing the phone out for a couple minutes to capture a couple memories, but having it tucked away the rest of the time.
Anna Pry says
I’ve learned some new gardening methods this year and improved my garden soil 🙂 I learned to take care of slugs BEFORE your seedlings pop up and get devoured and you have to replant everything! haha
Melissa George says
Oh that is a good one! I’m terrified of slugs coming after my squash and cucumbers. That happened the last year I had a garden at our old house (5 years ago). I’ve been way more vigilant checking on things this year, but wish I had learned about Neem Oil a few weeks ago. I haven’t lost any whole plants yet, but had to cut back one of the tomato plants that something was going wrong with. It seems to be okay now, fingers crossed. I have a feeling that won’t be my only gardening lesson this year! 🙂
Clara Schroeder says
Last December, I retired after forty years at the same job; sold my house and moved to another state! The home that I bought is in need of a lot of TLC. I’ve learned, very slowly, that I can take the time I need and plan out how I want to organize and decorate this new space.
Melissa George says
Wow! That is a BUNCH of huge changes, Clara! Congratulations on your retirement! What a joy to be saving a house that needs some TLC and having the opportunity to slowly make it into your perfect home. It take a lot of time, but it’s amazing what you can accomplish one project at a time!
Lindsay Bade says
This year I learned to let my daughter grow up a little. I have a hard time with her getting older but she is a good kid!
Melissa George says
Oh gosh, that is a hard one! I’d be perfectly content with all our nieces and nephews staying their current ages forever. When I think that, I always have to tell myself that I (and the world) would be missing so much if they didn’t get to grow into their full potential! But they’re all so darn cute and sweet right now.
Lenore says
I try to do everything myself. When I ask someone to help me, it usually causes an argument so I decided to pay someone to help me when I am feeling overwhelmed. I now have someone help me with mowing the yard. It saves me a lot of time and the yard looks great. Going to also get some help with my pool next week. Enjoy your emails. Thanks.
Melissa George says
That is a great fix! You’re the 2nd person to mention having someone take care of the yard, and I’m going to see if I can make that work in the budget this year. Especially now that I’m sitting out on the patio ALL the time, I’m not going to be as patient when it needs to be mowed, which isn’t really fair to my husband.
Colleen says
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years now and I’ve felt, since the beginning that you speak my ‘language’. We don’t necessarily have the same design style, but that’s ok because the way you write is informative and entertaining and I have learned so much about my own style by paying attention to what you write. And I love that you present the bad with the good. We are all human after all and you make it real. Thanks so much for doing what you do.
Cost Plus is my go-to for so many household items. I’d love to win the gift card. My son gave us an Echo for Christmas and we do like it. And I ask for and get a joke every day. How great is that?
Melissa George says
Thank you so much, Colleen! I always love seeing you comment and realizing you are still reading! It totally makes my morning that you’ve been able to learn and adapt things I’ve said to your own style. That’s definitely my goal! I don’t want everyone to have a house that looks just like mine, I want them to create a home that makes them feel like mine makes me feel. I spend a lot of time thinking about how to present things so that I’m teaching versus just showing our spaces, and I’m thrilled that you are getting that! Oh, and have you played 20 questions with the Echo yet? If you like the jokes, I think you’ll love it. Just say “Alexa, Open Akinator” and think of a celebrity or character and she’ll ask you questions to figure out who it is. It’s fascinating!
Nicole says
I’ve learned that making improvements or organizing your home takes time. When I first moved in at the end of 2014, I had so many ideas of what I wanted to do. Well almost three years later and most of it hasn’t happened yet. At the end of the day, I realized it’s okay. My house doesn’t need to look like all the pictures I see on Pinterest. I can admire their work without being consumed with envy. On another note “I absolutely love your blog”
~Nicole
Melissa George says
Yes!!! Even with rooms from our house on Pinterest, we have an equal number of spaces that aren’t at all attractive. It takes years to pull a house together, and there is magic in appreciating inspiration and having goals, but being content along the journey!