Page 103 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2024

routine most of us have had for decades. After wrapping up
a career and launching the children, it is time to consider volunteering, traveling, and downsizing our homes. Our home is not only the biggest investment most of us make, but also the keeper of our memories. It is connected to some of life’s biggest moments. It can be difficult to leave the home where we loved so much. But there are a lot of upsides to moving into a smaller house. Less to take care of means less stress. Give the children some furniture and with it the responsibility to keep alive the stories of where the pieces came from. And if your children say they do not want anything, help someone else’s children set up their first home.
Think about moving to be near family or great friends to maintain a strong social network that will impact how you feel every day. Consider a move to a place you have always wanted to live but could not because circumstances took you elsewhere. Visit the places you have only dreamed about. Travel gives us experiences that open our minds to new ideas and cultures and keeps our brains engaged in learning in rich and exciting ways.
Living in a smaller home, with close neighbors perhaps, allows us to “lock it and go” more often and live more spontaneously. Downsizing encourages us to pass family traditions along to
the younger generations. With the holidays just around the corner, maybe it is time to let the children host the festivities at their house now. Do not feel like you are giving something up. Allowing your children to be the grownups in the room does not dimmish your place in the family, it quietly illuminates your wisdom in recognizing when it is their turn. Let them shine
by putting a twist on the tried-and-true experiences you have provided their whole lives.
Maybe it is time for some of the family decorations to have new homes and maybe it is time to write down some favorite recipes and share them with everyone. Welcome the role of mentor, cheerleader, and family historian. Have a more stress- free holiday season celebrating what the holidays really mean by sitting on the porch, sharing some stories with the young’uns about the good old days, and just relaxing until dinner is ready.
Sassy Bird Interiors
122 Court St., Bay St. Louis 228.344.3181 | www.sassybirdinteriors.com
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over
35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
November 2024 | 103