Daring to Be Different!

“What on earth do you do all day?!”

If I had a penny for every time I was asked that question, I could furnish my home with all those beautiful pieces of furniture and vintage accessories I have saved on Pinterest for “someday when we can afford it”.

People are often surprised that at just 28 years old, I’m a full time housewife. Yes, I am quite aware that this is the twenty-first century (though thank you for reminding me) and it’s not that we are so well off that I don’t need to work. It’s just that we choose to make do with less so I can be here.

Actually, I prefer to describe my occupation using the American term “homemaker”. Because that is what I do all day – I make our home what it is. Of course, the mundane chores have to be done – can anyone honestly say they enjoy cleaning the bathroom? – but that’s only a tiny part of what homemaking entails. The rest is much more fun! So I guess you could say my home is my career. But it is also more than that.

 My home embodies a way of life. It is a place my husband hurries home to after a tough day. It is a place where friends are always welcome and the kettle is always on. It is a place where memories are made, victories are celebrated (however small) and problems are overcome together. It is a place where we are careful to focus the things that really matter.

Of course, my home is not perfect.  There are rooms still waiting to be decorated. There are sticky finger prints on the furniture thanks to our active toddler.  The ironing basket is never empty. There is a room whose door I rush to close when unexpected visitors arrive (we all have one of those, don’t we?! Like all families, we sometimes argue - after all, home is the place there you can truly be yourself, annoying habits and all. It isn’t always tranquil and harmonious. But my home is cosy and comfortable. It is full of love and laughter. It is our sanctuary from a world that insists on getting faster all the time.

My home represents everything that makes me who I am. It is where I take care of those I love, indulge my love of pretty things and stretch my creativity to the limits, cooking, baking, gardening and sewing on a tight budget. It is a place where I can truly be myself and it doesn’t matter what the rest of the world thinks.

So when you look at me in surprise and say “You’re a housewife?” don’t be tempted to pity me.  I love being at home. There’s nowhere else I would rather be.