I just returned from a week in Bermuda. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the beautiful island, I highly recommend it. The locals are friendly, the island is pristine, and the beaches are beautiful. However, what really caught my eye were the homes. The range of architecture varies as do the colors, some display beautiful white coats while others sport pastels in every shade. I felt myself wanting to curl up in the blanket of color all over the island, and wishing I was house hunting in Bermuda so I could see if the inside of these homes was as attractive as their shells.
Shopping for a new home is an exhausting and draining experience filled with anxiety. It is also an exciting time filled with a sense of adventure, not to mention a chance to see so many different houses and how those homeowners have chosen to decorate, which happens to be my favorite part. It has been my experience during this process that each house I walk into has its own unique little something or other to offer. There have been times when I have walked in and immediately seen that special something, whether it was a light filled living room or high ceilings or a fabulous kitchen. Other times, it takes a little more to see past the surface. For example, the hardwood floors patiently waiting to shine underneath the shaggy green wall to wall carpet takes a little more visualization. I have always tried to approach our house hunting expeditions with a sense of adventure. You never know what shining jewel lies in wait, so I approach with an open mind and realize that not every house will be perfect and not every homeowner will have the same decorating tastes as I do, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a great house!
Why not approach people the same way? Not everyone has the same beliefs we do or the same sense of fashion. Not everyone makes the same choices in life or even the same choice for lunch. We don’t all fall into a predetermined set of rules to live by. That’s what makes us each unique. Why not look at those around us with an open mind and look past our differences in search of the shining jewel that may take us a little longer to see? It may very well surprise us in the end. People may not have the exact features we think we need at the time, but it doesn’t mean those same features aren’t something we were looking for unbeknownst to us. And, we may never completely understand those particular features but they are a part of someone we treasure and that makes them wonderful and vital and the very essence of that person. Instead of viewing others as different than us, the whole time saying we’re not judging while thinking “the foundation is surely cracked on this one,” instead let’s embrace those traits we’re not accustomed to seeing. And, just as with every house hunting experience I’ve ever had and we all know I’ve had a few, there’s nothing like the feeling you get when you realize you are finally home.
If you’re interested in spreading A TON OF HOPE, here’s what you need to do:
- Write about something that makes you feel optimistic.
- Post MONDAYS. Start the week off with a positive outlook.
- Grab a badge by going to your dashboard and clicking the IMAGE widget. Adjust pic size 200h x 200w. The image URL: (http://keepingitrealmom.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/project-optimism.jpg)
- Link over here and invite blogger friends to join in.
- Encourage the person who linked up before you. Kindness is contagious!
I’m glad that you had a good time in Bermuda those are very nice beautiful pictures of the houses! you had an awesome view!Q 🙂
This sounds great, but I already have a project that I have going on Mondays and Tuesdays. My time is running short….
There’s always Big Ass Photo Fridays! 😉
Big ass, you say? I’m intrigued.
I went to Bermuda a couple of years ago, and I still remember the beautiful rainbow coloured houses. It reminds me of a children’s programme called ‘Balamory’! 🙂
I absolutely loved Bermuda! For some reason that children’s program sounds familiar. I’m going to have to look it up! 😉
Check it out and let me know if you remember it!
I couldn’t agree more with you about embracing the differences. Even if things do appeared “cracked” on the outside, we shouldn’t overlook someone or something for a visible flaw. Besides that, I am soooooo HAPPY your back. Blogging is now business as usual. My partner is crime is back! 🙂
Shall we call ourselves the Thelma and Louise of the Bloggerhood? It was a great time in Bermuda, but it’s always nice to come home. 🙂
I’m shopping for a convertible as we speak! 🙂
Great post as always! Love the pictures of the houses! That would be so great to wake up looking at that every morning! I couldn’t help but be optimistic!
Thank you. I took a lot of those pics from our hotel balcony and you are absolutely right about being able to face the day with optimism. Of course, it may also have had a little to do with the fact that I was kid free! 😉
Always love a good metaphor~ This was genius. I love this approach! Thank you!
Loved your illustration too! Teeeehhheee!
Thank you! 🙂 I try…since I would like others to also look past my cracked foundation! ha ha!
Awesome! I love house hunting and I’m going to apply your attitude toward home decor to people, too 😉 I can’t participate in P.O. today because of the switch to self-hosting, but I’m sending rays of sunshine to you and everyone on this icy Monday!!
Self-hosting! Sounds impressive! 🙂 Happy Monday to you my friend!
Not as impressive as it is confusing. I’ll be back. Hopefully 🙂