Sorry to be absent for a couple of days, but my headache--tummyache combo got the better of me! I am beginning to feel a little better now though. Being ill, though, has given me some time to think and what I've been thinking about is the need for simplicity. This has been a particular realisation for me when it became apparent that my headaches were 1 part to what I was eating to about 3 parts stress.
I know that a lot of what stresses me is about how I process stress, how I respond to it. But I think part of it is also about what is around me. I work largely from home and loving thrifting as I do, I now find myself with a large amount of stuff in a small house--trying to get some work done. So, what to do? Well, part of my answer which I am gradually putting in place this week is to follow (what I believe to be) a Japanese aesthetic. Minimise. Put things away. Don't have everything out on surfaces. Give space. Have the room to just be. I realise that I will never have a totally minimalist house. It would in fact just be an additional stress to aim for something which is impractical for someone who does still like stuff! But I think a little bit of streamlining is in order. Just little things to start. So, my tea chest which was gathering dust (the tea is in jars instead), is now housing my cardmaking stuff instead. That way, my crafty goods are off the study desktop and into draws. The design of the tea-chest is even a little Japanese, though it is from Ikea. Anyway, it's a start. If you're of a similar mindset, try to get hold of Japan Style by Taschen Books. So. Very. Beautiful.
