My landlord texted me this morning.
He and his wife would be in town this afternoon and asked if they could drop by. It was fine by me, but just for a moment, I felt a slight unease. It was past behavior.
I sat completely still to let the feeling pass. Glancing around the house, it wasn’t perfect, but it was in order. It wasn’t spotless, but it felt good.
I told him I had plans at 11:00, but will be home by 1:00, and got ready to leave the house. There’s an AA meeting I’ve been going to on Sunday mornings. For now, it’s like church and sober community rolled into one. I missed last Sunday and didn’t wish to miss today.
This was huge progress for me.
A few short years ago, I would’ve been scrubbing baseboards to make a good impression, but today, I placed the coffee cup in the sink and left for my meeting.
Last week, I was reading a lesson from SC Lourie’s Soul Reset about ‘People Pleasing.’ I didn’t really see where I met any of the criteria anymore. I can honestly say, I’m kind, but not on a mission to please others.
Today was proof.
When they arrived, they said the sweetest things and loved what we had done with the house. He told his wife they should take pictures, but I don’t believe what they felt would show up in a photo.
By the time they were walking out the door, he had it figured it. It was all the little touches, and the way my daughter and I choose to live that caused him to say, “Gosh Barb. It feels so calm and peaceful.”
Letitgocoach 
Reading your comments and I wonder myself who I was keeping my house clean for all those years? The kids didn’t care and too much time was spent on that instead of living life. Neat should have been good enough.
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Looking back, I had more than one person could handle. The more you have, the more there is to take care of type thing. I took more care of the houses than the souls who lived there. Really pleased that’s not the case today. Thank you for sharing. xx
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A sense of calm, serenity and sanctuary is what Ive recently discovered here on your blog. Welcomed. Like home. Nice place to be, Barb.
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Thank you Michael.
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You’re welcome, Barb
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You had already created the effect they needed your peace and calm. Scrubbing the floors would not make a difference. Pleased they could feel the calmness.
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A few years ago, that’s what I would have been doing though. I wonder if I kept a clean house for so many years for others, or myself? Who was it really for? It’s sweet to be here today. Thank you my friend. xx
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What a gift! Encouraging and positive! Thank you for sharing
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Thank you!
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What he felt in your home is what I feel when I read your blog, wonderful energy. 🙂
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You bless me immeasurably. Thank you Julie. ❤
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The nicest way to live is to create a calm and peaceful environment for ourselves and for others. 🤗
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I agree. That is my hope when people visit this site. They feel a calm and peaceful environment. Thank you lovely! ❤
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