Make it New, Make it You

Have Fun Starting Anew

Making Change Work for You

I wish my apartment looked like this right now-

My topic today has been inspired by a big change occurring for me. I am finally moving into my own apartment, a single studio, an empty space, physical proof of my gradual independence! At first walking into the bare room was very overwhelming. How was I going to decorate and fill this apartment but more importantly how was I going to make sure it was the essence of me? I want this space to be a safe haven that reflects my creativity, taste, and personality! Clearly this endeavor was going to be a large task- I'm expecting a lot from a little room. I have ideas in my head about exactly how I want it to look and feel and I discovered that making this image a reality is not as easy as I thought. Things I like are expensive, not always easy to find, and don't always work together they way I pictured. But the more I search and uncover hidden treasures the more fun I begin to have. I feel as if I have been online browsing and shopping for days with my online history now including, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Teens, Urban Outfitters, Target, Ikea, Kate Spade, Jonathan Adler, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, AllPosters.com and the list goes on...obviously my taste is very eclectic. But it seems as if finally things are beginning to come together! I'm awaiting the arrival of all my boxes and I am anxiously and excitedly anticipating their arrival. This is a big change in my life but it is a wonderful opportunity and I am fully embracing it! The lesson I am pulling from this experience is that change can be fabulous and thrilling. Not all change has to be daunting. And when we have the opportunity to start anew, no matter what it is, we can make it our own! Even simple, daily things like shopping or getting dressed in the morning is a chance for us to express ourselves and show the world and ourselves what we like and what we are all about. This is my first time truly choosing what the space I live in looks and feels like and I am optimistic that it is going to reflect me and all my eccentricity. It will be a space where I feel comfortable and safe. I am truly going to be able to call this tiny little apartment home. I relate home to a feeling- it's not just where you live, where you originate from, or you address- it is a place where you feel completely at ease, a sense of belonging, and love. I haven't felt at home in a long time and this change, this ability to create home for myself is inspiring! As usual I have a few quotes for you that will hopefully help speak to these concepts of newness, personality, change, and home- actually, correction,  I am providing and perhaps overwhelming you with an abundance of quotes today but I feel it is necessary in order to encompass the vast range of thoughts I presented-

The first quote speaks specifically to the idea of home, searching for and finding that place where you finally feel that sense of calm and safety. It confirms my previous notion that home is not a location but instead an emotion and pleasurable feeling that you achieve when you have found and created your place, your home.

"I don't want to own anything until I know I've found the place where me and things belong together. I'm not quite sure where that is just yet. But I know what it's like." She smiled, and let the cat drop to the floor. 'It's like Tiffany's,' she said."

-Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany's

I love this quote from Breakfast at Tiffany's that appears in both Capote's novel and the movie itself. Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn of course, fully believes in the concept that home is not simply a place. She takes it to the extreme but exclaiming that she refuses to settle in, own anything, or even name her cat until she finds the place where she belongs, that gives her the wonderful feeling she experiences at Tiffany's, her home. I don't think any quote out there better supports my belief that finding that space or place that feels right and then truly settling in and allowing it to reflect you is when you finally have your home. The next quote is from another one of my favorites, Coco Chanel, and simply talks about the importance of being unique and living in the essence of yourself.

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” 

-Coco Chanel


Although Chanel doesn't talk about home or change I just wanted to bring this thought in because it reflects the importance of being you, not matter who that is or how different you are from others. In my new apartment I am letting my differences shine even the variations within myself that don't necessarily mesh perfectly together. It is so important to pay homage to all parts of you because it is diverse dynamic that makes us, our personalities and taste truly aren't replicable. The final quote I have incorporated speaks to how crucial it can be to start over, accept, and seek change in our lives.

“Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.”

-Maya Angelou


This is the first time I have turned to the famous Maya Angelou for words of wisdom but I am so happy that I did. I am so often resistant of change for fear that the unknown will hurt or be worse than the present but the truth is if our current situation is hindering us we must try something new. We must move on and give change a chance. Change cannot only be fun, good, and exciting it can be vital to our lives, our being, our soul! My new beginning in my new apartment has already proved to rewarding although the project is far from complete. I have spent the past few nights in my new, personal space and it is already beginning to feel like home despite its emptiness. Change, making a new space or a new start, can be thrilling and my advice is when starting anew make it you. Make the most of a new situation by allowing it to reflect you and work for you. Whether it's a new apartment, a new job, a new relationship, a new outfit- anything- make it new, make it you. Don't sit back and just let things happen, actively engage in whatever is going on in your life, and make the most of these situations and events by participating in molding them rather than allowing them to mold you.


No matter what stay true to you,
xo

Who Says You Can't Go Home, Bon Jovi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abzbVFuxigg