It’s been over a month since we moved into our new place and we don’t have a single picture up on the walls yet! Yes, we’ve had all sorts of issues of a more pressing nature, but…. It’s not like we have to buy pictures – since we brought a few with us and my brother has offered us some as well.
Home Is Where The Heart Is?
So what’s keeping us from hanging up the pictures, besides our good old friend, procrastination? I was wondering about this when I came across an article from Laura Benko , a holistic design expert.
Laura’s article examines whether your home decor reveals your anxieties. She says that our anxieties manifest themselves in our surroundings. Interesting? I thought so.
Here’s what she has to say:
Fear of Success/Low Self-Esteem – is manifested in having artwork and mirrors hung very high. The feeling? You can never measure up.
Uncertainty – leads to surrounding yourself with loads of things, hoarding.
Fear of commitment – procrastination on buying more expensive stuff, hanging pictures etc.
Fear of change – you never update the decor – it’s been there since you first moved in.
Fear of losing control – being over-meticulous with order in your home. Anything out of place leads to anxiety.
Fear of failure – procrastinating on everything, leading to clutter.
Does this resonate with you in any way? Read the article to see what she suggests one can do to deal with these issues.
Photo credit: Free Images
Hmmm…very interesting. I believe we create in the physical realm that which we hold in our mental, emotional and spiritual realms. I’m not sure the answers are as cut and dry as “hanging artwork too high = low self esteem.” I will check out Laura Benko’s work — I’m intrigued. Do you have fear of commitment, Corinne???
Hmmmm….. That’s a new way of looking at stuff. Mine would be uncertainty / fear of failure.. Clutter is my issue. Or it could be plain laziness!!
LOL, I think my home decor reflects my laziness and prioritization. We hung the artwork given to us (politeness and to not waste it), but we don’t seek out new decorations because that money would be better spent on other endeavors (like the children), in my opinion. I don’t change it because it isn’t important to me. It’s hung high, because if it was too low, the kids might yank it off the wall and hurt themselves.
I’d have to say it’s not so much fear as it is apathy in my case.
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Does it count that instead of using picture nails, I always use command strips, and therefore might be a clear statement that I’m afraid of ruining the walls in case I change my mind and move things around? Hehehehe…I guess it’s the non-committal in me! I definitely don’t believe in hoarding as too much ‘stuff’ stresses me out. I prefer a surrounding that is calming and though I don’t always succeed, I certainly try. 😉 Thanks for sharing this Corinne!
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On the one hand, I have only lived in four houses, my entire life. Still, after reading this, I have an overwhelming urge to clean up my room.
I don’t mind clutter.. but once in a while I clean with a frenzy and get rid of all that unwanted clutter!! 😀
I can never balance it out.. heh!
The thing that stricked me was fear of success, which is so true. In our endeavour of getting secure we become so insecure .
I have never heard of our anxieties manifesting in our home decor, but I think this is very true!! I fear losing control, and most of the fights with my husband are about things being misplaced. It’s incredible that even our decor choices and fears are so connected!
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I never thought about these in the way mentioned. Needs to figure out mine. Interesting article.
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The ‘fear of losing control’ one definitely resonates with me. I am over meticulous with ordering things around the house, everything has to have it’s own place. I feel like if something goes beyond my control at least I have control over my home. I know it’s weird but I can’t help it 🙂
I think uncertainity is true in my case… I am a pakka expert hoader… don’t even leave colorful pamphlets alone.
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Really a fact, a home is the most sweet dwelling place for many. So it should reflect one’ s sense and taste.
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I agree our decor choices reflect our personality so this was an interesting read.
Since we are in the army I don’t think it applies to me……No mirrors, set up stuff in record time and keep adding stuff from all over and through a party asap.
You got those paintings up just in time 😉
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Corrine, all I can say is, my sentiments exactly!
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I know where I belong…but I am not telling you 😉