“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”—William Morris

Over the years, most of us collect a lot of things. Some we choose carefully, some are gifts, and some find their way into a drawer and somehow stay there for twenty years. We get so used to having them around that we don’t always stop to ask whether they still belong in the life we’re living now.

What I love about this quote is the room it leaves for beauty. Something can earn its place simply because it makes us happy to see it. A painting, a favorite piece of jewelry, a little shell picked up on a beach walk. Things that bring us a moment of joy have value, even when they serve no other practical purpose.

Usefulness can be a beautiful thing, too. The mug that fits just right in your hands. The comfortable chair where you have your morning coffee. Those ordinary things quietly contribute to how we experience our days.

I think the harder part is recognizing what we’re keeping out of habit or obligation. Something we once loved, something we might need “someday,” something we feel guilty letting go of. I’m certainly not immune to that. But I like the idea of pausing long enough to ask: Would I choose this again today?

The things we choose to keep don’t have to be expensive or impressive. Often, they’re the ones with a story. The ones we use and enjoy. The ones that feel like us.

Maybe that same question can help us look at our calendars and commitments, too. Some responsibilities will always need our attention, but we can still make room for the people, experiences, and creative pursuits that nourish us.

There’s something lovely about giving the things we treasure a little more room to be seen and enjoyed.

Happy Monday!