“Please excuse the mess” is usually the first sentence out of many a woman’s mouth when inviting guests in her home.  What she forgets is that the guests are there to visit with her not to view a museum.

The best thing a woman can offer herself, her family, and her company is confidence in her home.  In order to feel this confidence several things much occur.  First, she needs to let go of the need to control every spot, nook, and cranny.  European women can sit back and let it be.  It’s culturally ingrained in them to relax and let go.  Sadly, most American women are desperately in a race or trying to prove themselves worthy of this imagined race of “perfect women”.  What it boils down to is that we have this belief that the home (among other things) is an extension of our soul---of who we truly are deep down.  It is time to disconnect ourselves from that false belief and allow the home to simply be a work of life art.

Life art is different for each person, each family.  The fragrance, for instance, is their personalities mixed with the smell of the next meal on the stove.  Is she a flower or herbal tea lover?  Is he a business man who indulges in an array of spicy colognes?  Each home’s smell depicts a different story- a form of life art.

Where did your furniture come from?  Does it really matter?  No.  Express yourself in your home according to your budget.  Be creative.  A curbside rescued end table with some sanding and painting becomes personalized and unique.  All pieces of furniture or décor that you love are reflections of your tastes and personality.  This is life art confidently displayed in your home.

Confidence can’t come until we quit comparing ourselves to others.  When we allow our home the room to have character we are giving up the pretentiousness and allow ourselves the freedom to truly enjoy living in our home.

Most importantly, allow yourself to have confidence in your home and rid yourself of any need to apologize to a visitor.  Greet them confidently and let the crumbs on the floor become a non-existent part of your thinking and conversation until the company has gone.

Women naturally love beautiful things.  Give yourself permission to surround yourself with all things that are beautiful to you.  Proceed confidently in being CEO of your home and allow your personalize life art to shine through.