I am blessed with my closest friends. One dear friend whom I have known for years but due to my surviving having kids at a later stage – had lost contact with. Recently we have been blessed to reconnect – and it’s been wonderful.
I love the type of friendship that has room and space to grow – lives to evolve but is quietly still there.
What on earth has this got to do with candles and soap?
Well, we have been meeting for coffee and having a stomp! You know those catch ups that are almost coffee and therapy for the soul. During these chats – we have been doing some life sorting. Earlier this year I wrote about my journey with my decluttering the house and how I was making my pet hate of cleaning into a more pleasurable experience. More wellbeing improving! Also recognising that a home feeling comfortable is wellbeing enhancing.
Part of this process involved lighting the candle at the start of the cleaning, putting on some mellow music vibes and having my journal close by to declutter my thoughts as I declutter or tidy the house. Making the process of cleaning and tidying pleasurable from the outset.
This has evolved further – my friend and I realised that we have so many things in our life that we keep “for good” or “for guests” – like nice candles or nice soap that we get given as gifts. One of my colleagues at work was decluttering and realised she never used her nice china cups. They are kept for good – along with our crystal glasses etc.
My home is not a hotel with heaps of people passing through! I have lots of really nice stuff that does not get used. We keep the nice things “for good” or for other people to enjoy. Soap and scented candles loose their loveliness after time I think.
My friend recently told me that she opened up and is using the nice hand soap and the hand cream she got given as a gift!
So this is where the mantra: “light the candles and use the soap” came from!
I have a very cool pair of sambas that are (in my humble opinion) very trendy. What was I doing? Keeping them “for good” – but when is this mystery time? Most of my weekends are in leggings walking with the family or doing yoga! Neither of them require fancy Sambas.
Where do I spend the majority of my time? At work. So one day I was dresssing for work and I thought “light the candle, use the soap …wear the blooming shoes what are you waiting for!”
So I wore them to work – loved my outfit. At coffee time I forgot I had them on and spontaneously caused chaos with the love to the footwear (we are essentially an all female team – which is why the shoe homage happened). What a boost!
Light the candle. Use the Soap. Wear the Shoes – what are you waiting for?
Life is to be lived, enjoyed and celebrated. I must admit I have always used my crystal glasses and enjoyed using them. Many have broken over the years – but they have, in their use created memories. Even although I no longer drink alcohol- I still use my crystal glasses with whatever I am enjoying drinking.
Every day I am at home, I use my beautiful coffee cups that are hand crafted by my talented friend.
This week, I have had cause to reflect on the fact we have only one life and this is it. Obviously it is nice to have things that are for special occasions – as this is part of the making them special.
However You, in this life, right now, are also Special. Repeat this a few times if you need to 🥰!
Sometimes our biggest memories are made in the every day moments so …….
Love You: Light the Candle. Use the Soap! Wear the goddam shoes.
Love you: Health and Well-being with Lorraine 