“Self and world, inner and outer, are not entirely separate, and the question of what the future will be intimately involves ourselves.”—Charles Eisenstein
I have a friend who is obsessed with home makeover shows. Switching up décor, lighting, even floor plans can make a big difference in a living space. There’s even a profession now where stagers come in and wave their magic wands to transform the inside (and probably even the outside) of a home to make it more appealing to buyers.
I, on the other hand, haven’t updated my house in years. For one thing, I travel, but mostly it’s because I believe all important redecorating happens “inside my head.” I’m the only one who lives there so my priority is to make it nice in there.
Sometimes, my mind isn’t a fun place to be. It gets dark and fearful and I forget to open the windows.
But when I’m on top of my game (and regular practice sure helps), my decorating scheme involves the following pillars:
Generosity. And while, yes, this means being charitable to others, mostly it means being generous to myself, letting myself off the hook, giving myself a break and realizing I’m doing the best I can.
Gratitude. Yesterday, like we always do at my possibility posse, we talked about the wonders of the world. We laughed (maybe even less than charitably) at an unknown person who, my friend noticed, was bitching about the fact the cruise line only had six sugar-free deserts. Our chuckling mostly had to do with recognizing ourselves, those times when we ourselves forget to see the incredible gifts always available to us. Stars, my gosh. Full moons, tiny seeds that grow into kale leaves. I mean, the beauty out there is almost too much to take in. We live on a spinning rock in the middle of a ginormous cosmos, for heaven’s sakes.
Open windows. This is my number one redecorating tip. When things get stuffy and stale inside my head, when I start believing any number of OMG’s, I simply remind myself that there’s a heck of a lot of reality that I don’t know or see or understand. How can I possibly judge or be less then generous and grateful towards anything when I only see a teensy part of its truth.
I find whenever I follow these design techniques, my head is a more pleasant place to be and life outside my head tends to follow suit.
Have a stupendous week, my friends. #222 Forever!
Pam Grout is the author of 20 books including E-Squared, E-Cubed, Thank & Grow Rich and her latest book, The Course in Miracles Experiment: A Starter Kit for Rewiring Your Mind (And Therefore Your World) that has just been turned into an app. Badass ACIM (badass-acim.com)
49 Responses
I always have to do a reboot every once in a while! We just went on a hike yesterday and the trees surrounding us were pine and eucalyptus! Now that was definitely the natural gratitude that I needed!
Nature is the big kahuna for a reset!
It’s funny that you said Big Kahuna!! We were hiking on Maui
Hi Pam
You make working at being joyful real. I love that you have a posse. With real folks. I at times hear my children whining about some trivial thing, I cringe.
I know I takes daily, moment by moment awareness to remain in a state of joy, in spite of what is happening.
I am very good(most of the times) at this.
Is there anyone in Toronto, Ontario Canada, that wishes to be part of a possibility posse.
Please email me at mariannefunny@hotmail.com.
I know we can all use some support.
I am 70 with three children two girls one boy, 6 grandchildren under the age of. 5.ch
Regards,
Marianne
Nothing like a possibility posse to keep those windows open.
You rock Pam! I love your reminders!!!!
Hey, thanks! I just write what I need to hear. Funny that!
As always, dear Pam, your remarks are spot on. As it happens, I am in the midst of selling my small mobile home, where I’ve lived for ten years. It has been beautifully staged by my realtors. It’s kinda like living in a museum, where I can walk around and look, but not TOUCH anything!
My goal, at age 72. is to sell everything I own, except for some clothing and personal items, rent an RV and go traveling. I have never seen the Grand Canyon, or Yellowstone Park, or San Antonio, TX…. there are SO many places to see and people to meet out there. I’m making my long held dream a reality. Thanks for your words of encouragement- they mean the world to me!
Warm hugs, Shoshana
Warm hugs right back!
way cool Shoshana …..
I love this post! Thank you, Pam!!
I “opened the windows” and drove down to the beach last week.
I was only out of the car for ten seconds when I saw a monarch
butterfly fly straight into a young boy’s eyeball!! His dad missed
it, but the boy was totally elated, and I could not help laughing
out loud. I was like, “Yes, Universe!!!”
Yes, universe! The only two words we really need!
Pam, you’re awesome.
Thanks, man!
Thank you, thank you…. I’m sure these posts are written especially for me , I seriously need to open the windows 🦋💕
We all do!
Pam – reading your post is like opening a big old window and letting all of the wonderful cool breeze into a stuffy room! Delightful and mood altering! Thank you.
What a wonderful compliment! Thank you!
Awesome and uplifting as always, Pam! Thank you.
Also…how do I get an invite to your possibility posse?? 🙂
If you’re anywhere near Lawrence, come on down!
I live near Lawrence and would truly love to sit in on the magic ❤️. When’s the next meetup?
My email is shanaarnhold@gmail.com if you prefer.
Love U eternally and infinity🌈✨👼🏼💚💜🌈 thank you for everything you do an write etc , etc 🥰
Thank you, my friend!
Yes, yes, yes!
And yes again!
Autumn is just around the corner on Long Island and it’s when we open the windows again. I cant wait for the cool crisp breeze. Thank you for the analogy today dear Pam. Your words are always a gift to me💞
Your words are a gift to me. Thank you!
Great advice Pam. I often forget to open the windows of my mind, so thanks for the reminder! And I’ve just thought of a way I can regularly re-mind myself – every time I open an actual window in my house (which I usually do daily) I can use that physical act to prompt the metaphorical opening of the windows in my mind. Yes! Let in those lovely breezes of generosity, gratitude and joy so they blow the fears, judgments, worries and doubts far away. 💨🎈🦋💛 Have a happy and delightful week yourself dear Pam. 😁❤️🤗
Brilliant idea! I’m stealing it. I, too, will open metaphorical windows along with the real deals! Thanks!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you like the idea 😁
Your timing is impeccable! I’m currently making some necessary changes to my house for the first time in – well I’m to embarrassed to admit. I have been feeling anxious about it because I really don’t know what I want and, sad to say not sure what I even like. I keep thinking am I just lazy? You explanation sounds a lot like me. Thank you! I’m going to try to practice making the most important change I need to focus on – me! ❤️🤗
That’s where it all starts!
And to add one more redecorating tip to the list (involving a bit of demolition) …removal of the Ass Hat 🎩😁
Perfect! Ass hat, begone!
Always inspiring. Bless you
Bless us every one!
Blessings from New Zealand for the gloriousness (its a new word I think?) that is you Pam Grout!!! You’re just pretty darn cool you know that😉🙏🌱
I’m such a New Zealand fan. My daughter had just gotten her NZ passport when she decided to travel the cosmos where no passports are needed.
Thank you Queen. I was on the “poo poo the world” bandwagon this morning before I read this. I know better. I just need a nudge once in awhile. Thanks for the nudge.
We all need nudges. That’s why we’re here for each other! Love you!
Perfect as always! You are a true gift and I’m so grateful for your presence in this world.
Thank you!
Thank you SO MUCH for your true gift!
Dear Pam
There are three of us from different parts of the world who are interested in having an email possibility posse. Do you have any suggestions for us on a format? Fun, laughter inspiring, hopeful, optimistic?
Thank-you
Mariannefunny@hotmail.com
In Canada
Thanks, Pam. I need these lovely reminders while I set my life on a new path. My mother is now in Lawrence at Pioneer Ridge Assisted living.
Thank-you to three folks from the US. I now have three plus me for a posse. No one from Canada responded.
Regards
Marianne
I am very happy to begin a journey with three folks whom I do not know from our US neighbour.
Regards
Mariannefunny@hotmail.com
Thank you Pam, more than I can say. Your words are such beautiful truths and I am grateful to start this day with a much better attitude than I had before reading this.
Pam, your wit, humility and wisdom always lift my spirit. As a follower of ACIM for years, I appreciate how you simplify the message. Your strength and courage are forever an inspiration to me. Thank you for all you do Pam.
Greetings Pam,
Long time supporter from Baton Rouge, LA. l subscribed to your ACIM app. l loving it already. After my birthday in June l decided to start living life fully. A few weeks ago, l started chanting , l am
living a fun and adventurous life.. l have been acting on all of my internal downloads.. woohoo.. life is really showing me there is nothing to fear.
Hi Pam,
What an amazing read! I think the condition of the house can have a lasting impact on people’s minds. I faced a very stressful phase some time back, and after a while of living in a mess, I decided to redecorate and clean up. It really helped my mind, and I gained some sense of relief after I reduced the clutter. Thanks a lot for sharing all of this, it was a great read, and I really enjoyed reading it a lot.