The Art of Pruning: Nurturing Your Home and Life

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by: m.neumann

8.10.24

Owning a home with a wooded lot can be both a blessing and a challenge, especially during the summer when bushes, vines, and weeds seem to take on a life of their own. As I recently spent time outside pruning and tidying up, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this task mirrored the process of pruning my own life. What was consuming my time & energy that I could trim back to make room for growth?

When we first moved into our home, we were a bit overwhelmed by the yard. The dense woods & overgrown areas felt daunting. After a few years of trial & error, we made a deliberate choice to focus on nurturing pine trees. These trees offered, not only a beautiful green backdrop during the winter, but also required less maintenance compared to raking leaves. This simple yet intentional decision significantly simplified taking care of our yard. Whenever I spotted a tiny pine tree sprouting, I made sure it had the space & light it needed to thrive. This year, I’ve noticed more young pines than ever, and it’s incredibly satisfying to watch them flourish—a gentle reminder that growth takes time and consistency.

But just as nature has its seasons, so does life. After the birth of our second child, the yard was left largely unattended for a few summers. The once well-manicured grassy areas shrank, overtaken by unchecked growth. As my little one grew older and I finally found the time & energy to tackle the yard again, I realized just how much work was needed to reclaim that space. The pine trees, once given room to grow, were now struggling under the weight of encroaching vines. It struck me that, much like a yard, life too requires regular pruning and prioritization. This time around, restoring the yard took more effort, but with patience and persistence, it gradually became manageable again. It’s not a picture-perfect oasis I envision, but it’s maintained—and that in itself feels like an achievement.

Our homes, much like our lives, tend to accumulate things over time—possessions, commitments, habits—that we don’t necessarily need. Whether these were gifts, impulse buys, or things we simply outgrew, they can start to clutter not only our physical spaces but also our minds. Maintaining a home, refreshing our surroundings, and decluttering are not just about aesthetics or organization; they are crucial for our mental well-being. When we clear away the unnecessary, we create space for what truly matters, allowing ourselves room to grow and flourish.

If you find yourself needing help with updating, prioritizing, or renovating your space, I’m here to help. Together, we can create an environment where you can thrive, both physically and mentally. We’ll work on making a home not just a place to live, but a space to grow.

Serene woods

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mn

Art of Pruning: Nurturing