“A World With a View” . That's the name of my mission - the one to make the world a more beautiful place. I hope I've already been doing this, at least in a metaphorical sense. But now I'm gaining some clarity and some grandiosity.
Until recently, I wasn’t sure such a goal was worth pursuing. “Something nice to look at. Does it really matter? Does providing people with a moment of visual pleasure or a lovely space in which to live or work, really have a positive impact on the world?” I wondered this even as I continued to follow my bliss and make art these past four years.
I’ve never had a deep appreciation for the ornate, material items or spaces associated with wealth, but I have found great solace and inspiration in nature, certain buildings, man made spaces and functional art.
As I’ve thought about the importance of our visual spaces, I've remembered many of the places -now 22 - which I have called home. I think about the ones I’ve loved and the few I hated. I visualize the rooms that reflected my struggles and the rooms that reflected my joy. Or should I say, the ones that inspired me and the ones that held me back. I’ve wondered if I could go back and change how some of these homes looked and felt, could I have prompted changes in my life more quickly? I think I could have. I think I can now.
So as I set out to make the world a more beautiful place, I think about my current visual surroundings and ask:
- When I imagine my home as it is now, what do I see?
- Is this home “me” or the me I want to be? Is this home my family? Does it reflect us?
- Do I look forward to coming home or inviting others?
- Does the space connect me to myself, my family, friends and community?
- How much light would it have?
- What color would the walls be?
- What would be on the shelves and other surfaces?
- How would I feel in this perfected space?
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Teddy Roosevelt
So as I start my journey, what are my steps? I’ve recently read that I should take my goal and determine the steps backwards. <<I want to make the world a more beautiful place << I'll start with my own world << I'll make my home a more beautiful place << I'll have to start with decluttering my home. This doesn’t solve the challenging natural light issue, but I can’t let that stop me from getting started.
To start on a journey, we often have to clear out the obstacles in our homes, our minds and our daily lives. Fortunately they all works together. Decluttering our spaces starts to brings clarity to everything. If you don't believe me, start and you'll see.