Renew Your Space And Learn A New Skill

Routines provide us some structure and security, and we tend to like them, but they can and often do become ruts. As we approach the turn of the new year, it might be a good time to assess whether you need to add some spice to your life and ask more of 2024.

Here are some ways to paint more excitement into your life:

Declutter your space

December and the start of the new year is hectic for most of us, but it can be an opportune time to begin the process of renewing your space for 2024. Alison Moulder, the founder of Simplicity and Style, a local professional home organizing company, suggests, “As you put up your decorations, take the opportunity to declutter the main living spaces in your home.” She recommends having a specific box for unused or unwanted items and not second-guessing a decision to let items go.

Alison begins her consultations by asking clients to envision their ideal home, describing each specific room. “We ask: How do you want to feel when you come home at the end of the day? Do you want to walk into a cluttered mess or a place that feels calming and peaceful? What do you want to see? How do you want to feel when you open up the door to your bedroom? Closet? Pantry? This is the ‘vision’ that we want them to keep coming back to as we go through the home organizing process.” As you think about the new year, it might be beneficial to borrow these questions or even seek out a professional organizer to help you through the process.

Using your hands

You are never too old to learn a new skill, so consider doing something with your hands. There are all sorts of cool and fun classes to take in which you can improve your dexterity. If you’re musically inclined, consider taking a class at the Louisville Folk School. You can select from a variety of instruments, including the mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and West African drumming.

Maybe woodworking is something you’ve always considered doing. Ted Harlan Woodworking School in the Paristown neighborhood has beginner classes that get you immediately working with your hands while learning fundamental techniques. The Intro to Woodworking course has students make a Shaker-inspired coffee table.

A way to use your hands and add some green to your house is through a gardening class. Above the Dirt garden shop in Jeffersontown offers a variety of classes that are both informative and creative.

By Carrie Vittitoe | Photo by Joshua Coleman

P.S. If you missed the first part of this series, look here for more ways to add excitement to your life in 2024!