What rooms are in your House of Life? I read an article in Reader's Digest recently. It is actually a reprinted article from 1922, but holds true today I think. So, I am going to share a little with you and my thoughts on my House of Life.
The article was written by Dr. Frank Crane. He was a Presbyterian minister who wrote inspirational books as well. He certainly has some sage advice in my opinion. This particular article he wrote about 10 rooms that he thought you should have in your House of Life. He talks about how people think more money equals more happiness. He points out that that is almost never true. He says "if you're unsatisfied, the issue is not a lack of means to gratify your desires but a lack of desires". His point is that it is not that you can't satisfy your "tastes" but that you don't have enough tastes.
He talks about "rich" people who have huge mansions. Many rooms filled with nothing and nobody. He feels you should have many "rooms" in your House of Life, rather than many rooms in your physical house. He says everyone should have these 10 "rooms" in their Houses of Life. I agree for the most part and will inject my own thoughts.
1. Room of Art. I agree wholeheartedly. Art meaning things that are beautiful and created. It can be whatever you consider art. So many people, in my opinion and his, don't know how to appreciate the beauty of the art in their lives. Whether that be paintings, children, or some other art form.
2. Letters. Again, I agree wholeheartedly! Letters meaning literature. Literature of all kinds, be it from an author or a close friend. He says "a rich person is not someone who HAS a library, but who LIKES a library."
3. Music. Well you all know how I feel about music, and it is probably the biggest 'room' in MY House.
4. Outdoors. Again, this goes without saying for me. But I challenge YOU to enjoy the outdoors more. You can enjoy and explore the outdoors ANYWHERE. You don't have to have a forest nearby. The wonder of the sky can fascinate me for hours on end. Floating clouds and the different shapes, rain or snow that fall from it, stars that twinkle in the night and so on.
5. Sentiment. This means FEELING something in your heart. Good, bad, love, pain, it all counts and it should be in your House. I believe you can't truly appreciate happiness without the feelings of pain, despair, etc. Feel it ALL!
6. Children. Amen!
7. Sports. I found this a fascinating room for him to suggest. He wrote this before the time of high paid athletes of course. But I still agree with it on the simplest level. Sports can enhance the life of anyone in so many ways. It can teach you teamwork, how to deal with adversity, to challenge yourself, to be healthier, to just have fun!
8. Food. He does not mean to fill a room with actual food. But FOOD for life. All the things, places, people that fuel you to live and live happier.
9. Religion. Now, I believe religion is an organized way of trying to persuade people to believe what you believe. With that being said, I think it is a good thing too. I would generalize it more into Faith, Belief, etc. Religion can teach us a lot about what we truly believe in, and life without belief or faith is boring to me. Listen to religious folks and take from it what you will or want. If you believe the same things they do, then great! You have kindred spirits to play and explore with. If you don't believe the same, you can still learn from it, respect it and be friends with whomever you want.
10. Work. Work is one of those things most of us would say we would love to do without. It is true, I long for retirement. But I won't retire from "work"... rather from the routine of my work and the idea I HAVE to rely on work to live. I probably could do that now, but it is a scary proposition. I am not that big of a gambler :0). So, work on whatever you want to work on and enjoy that work! It will enrich your life.
OK, that is a summary of it all. What are YOUR rooms filled with? Do you want to change your rooms? You can renovate YOUR rooms any way you want!! Any other ideas or thoughts are always welcome!
Now Go Out and Hug Someone Today!!
