Yes. To all those that commented after yesterday’s post on Rust-Oleum. I agree that you get what you pay for and I agree that this paint is not the same quality as Annie Sloan. It is sadly and unfortunately just not as good (I have other thoughts about the Rust-Oleum Topcoat so stay tuned). BUT, I also get so many emails about how expensive Chalk Paint is and I do think it is often out of people’s budget at almost $40 a pint. I don’t want money holding anyone back from painting over that drab furniture and not transforming your space and ultimately your mood. This is most important to me.

Painting furniture is all well in good, but I want to deepen it with you. I really do believe that you deserve a beautiful environment. We work so very hard out there in the world and are constantly battling other personalities and events that push and pull us and every once in a while knock us down. I want you to rest in a place that is pleasing and calm. I think a space can really change our mood. I have been know to leave a restaurant if I do not feel comfortable in the environment…or I just hate the color of the linens. Let me explain. As a mom of three active kids, I do not get out to dinner much with Dear Husband so when I do I want it to be worth putting on make-up and paying for a babysitter. What is around me is how I FEEEEEEL inside.Yes, it’s slightly embarrassing to DH, but I want to sit in Lovely. I realize that I am a sensory person, but I got to believe that if we are surround with beauty then we will feel special and, maybe, beautiful ourselves.

This is the feeling I want for all my sweet readers. I want you to know that you deserve beauty in your life and I think your space can lift you up and prepare you for what the world holds outside it’s walls. So, if money is going to hold you back from changing your space, don’t let it. Get it where you can. If it’s a spray can or a half open can of wall paint that’s been sitting on your garage, let’s move forward creating beauty and creating new lives.

Okay, that sounds a bit lofty, I know. But as someone that is trying to live wholeheartedly (as defined by the beloved Brene Brown) I think finding rest in our space is a good first step to self care. And guess what, self care and compassion is the most important thing that you can do for yourself and for your family. If you put off finding peace in your body and your mind, you may lose the opportunity for contentment in your daily life.

DS (Dear Sister) sent me this amazing reminder via Deepak Chopra this very morning.

How good is that?! To me, this means that thinking I can just plow through my life doing and doing more and it’s not going to take a toll on my body is so misguided. It all works together. My stressed out thoughts will have an effect on how my body works and runs. I am naive to not remember this always. But, before I shame myself, I will have compassion and remind myself that this is a practice. Every day is another opportunity to practice rest and creating beauty because we all deserve it.