Hey Lovely 💕
Welcome back to the Lovely Home Blog! Have you ever felt embarrassed about your home? Maybe your living space reflects the overwhelm you feel inside — the clutter, chaos, and disorganization all adding to the stress of daily life. If this sounds familiar, know you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and it’s okay.
Today, I want to share two key tips that can help you care for your home, mind, and life in a way that feels more graceful and less guilt-driven. Let’s dive in. 👇
Tip 1: Embrace Grace, Not Perfection 🤍
It's time to stop attacking your holy temple — your home — with guilt. Whether it’s sticky countertops, piles of laundry, or toys scattered everywhere, remember that your home is a living space, not a showroom. It’s time to pour love into your home just as it is.
We’re so conditioned to aim for perfection that we forget our homes should be places of peace, not stress. God offers us grace in all areas of life, including the care of our homes. So instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, focus on creating a space that reflects grace, love, and peace. Your home is your sanctuary, and it doesn't need to be flawless to serve that purpose.
Tip 2: Find Your Why ✍️
Now let’s dig into your "why"—one of the most powerful tools you can use to stay motivated, especially when you’re overwhelmed or running on empty. Why do you want a clean, organized, and joyful home? Finding your “why” is key to moving away from guilt and frustration and toward grace and peace.
The idea of finding your "why" isn't just a motivational quote. It’s a science-backed method to get to the root of what drives you, so you can create lasting habits with a sense of purpose. And one of the best tools to do this is called the Seven Levels Deep method.
What is the Seven Levels Deep Method?
The Seven Levels Deep method is a simple but powerful exercise designed to help you drill down and uncover the real reasons behind why you do what you do. It works by asking "why" seven times—each time diving deeper into your motivations. By the seventh "why," you’ll often uncover a reason that goes beyond surface-level logic and taps into something deeply personal and meaningful.
It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion. Each "why" takes you deeper into your true motivations, revealing the emotional and personal core of your desire for a well-kept home. This core will be your ultimate “why”, the reason that will fuel your efforts when the going gets tough.
Let’s Break It Down with an Example
Let’s say your initial statement is, “I want to have a clean and organized home.” Now, we start asking "why."
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Why do you want to have a clean and organized home?
- Because I feel less stressed when my house is tidy.
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Why do you feel less stressed when your house is tidy?
- Because when things are in order, I feel like I can relax and not worry about chores.
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Why is it important for you to relax and not worry about chores?
- Because I need downtime to recharge from the day and focus on spending quality time with my family.
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Why do you need downtime to recharge and focus on family?
- Because I want to be present and give my best to my family without feeling mentally exhausted.
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Why do you want to be present and give your best to your family?
- Because I value my role as a mother and wife, and I want to create a loving, nurturing environment.
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Why do you value your role as a mother and wife?
- Because my family’s happiness and well-being are deeply connected to how I show up for them.
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Why is your family’s happiness and well-being so important to you?
- Because they are my greatest blessings, and creating a peaceful home reflects my love and care for them.
By the seventh “why,” you’ve discovered that your desire for a clean and organized home goes far beyond simply having a tidy space. It’s about creating a sanctuary of love and peace for your family—a space where they can thrive and feel cared for. That is your "why."
Why This Works
Asking "why" multiple times helps you move past the superficial answers and into the deeper emotional reasons that truly drive your actions. Instead of telling yourself, "I need a clean home because I should," your "why" becomes, "I want a peaceful home because I value the happiness and well-being of my family." This deeper understanding can help you stay motivated on days when cleaning and organizing feel like a chore. You’ll remember that it’s not just about tidying up — it’s about creating a loving, peaceful space for those you cherish most.
A Lesson in Letting Go 😅
Recently, I had a surprise visit from the exterminator. My house was a mess, and I immediately went into panic mode, rushing to tidy everything up. I was embarrassed and stressed out, thinking, “He’s going to see this disaster!”
But guess what? He didn’t even come inside! That experience reminded me that often, the stress and embarrassment we feel about our homes are built up in our own minds. Most of the time, others are far more understanding than we give them credit for. So let’s show ourselves the same kindness and grace that we would offer to others. Your home doesn’t need to be picture-perfect — it just needs to be a place of love.
Work With Your Hands, Not Your Heart 👐
Feelings are powerful, but they can often mislead us. The Bible teaches in Jeremiah 17:9-10 that the heart is deceitful above all things. When it comes to managing your home, don't rely solely on how you feel. Instead, focus on action.
When we let emotions dictate whether we complete our daily tasks, it’s easy to procrastinate and put things off. “I’ll do it tomorrow,” we say, and suddenly a week has passed, and we’re even more overwhelmed. Start small, and let your hands do the work. Establishing healthy rhythms and routines can help you keep your home in order without letting emotions take over.
Final Encouragement 🌸
Lovely, you are not defined by the mess in your home. Your home is a reflection of your life — vibrant, busy, and full of love. Lead a quiet life, focus on what matters most, and work with your hands, knowing that you are creating a space where peace and grace can flourish.
You are lovely, and so is your home, sticky countertops and all. Don't let comparison or guilt steal your joy. Live for the well-being of your family and the grace of your Savior, not the approval of others.
With grace and love,
Evelyn 💕
If this blog post encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who might need a little reminder today. 🌷
Happy homemaking! 🏡
Remember that YOU are LOVELY and so is your home. :)