TODAY , THE FIRST DAY IN 8 YEARS
Family and Friends in Your Space Creating Peace While Sharing Your Home
Today marks the first day in eight years that it is just my immediate family living in our home.
We originally got our home to support family members through different seasons of life, offering a safe place during transitions and challenges.
While opening our doors was a blessing, we are now entering a new chapter of downsizing, simplifying, and rediscovering what it feels like to enjoy our space again.
We had 5000 sq. ft. in the shared home and we are downsizing to 2800 sq.ft. and I am so happy.
The maintanence and responsibility for caring for a large home is alot.
I remember being in Highschool saying I was going to have a mansion when I grew up.
Just speaking for childhood experiences. Now give me a condo with a beautiful view in Miami and another condo in Downtown Atlanta.
Looking back on having guests in our home, it can be rewarding, but it also requires balance, communication, and respect from everyone involved.
Whether you're hosting family, friends, or temporary guests, creating a healthy environment benefits everyone.
I would definitely do it all over again, just with stricter boundaries and quicker move out dead lines.
What I learned about being a Host
1. Set Clear Expectations
Discuss house rules, schedules, and boundaries from the beginning. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings.
2. Create a Welcoming Environment
Provide clean linens, access to essentials, and a comfortable space where guests can feel at home.
3. Respect Privacy
Even in a shared home, everyone needs personal space. Allow guests time to recharge and maintain independence.
4. Be Kind but Consistent
Helping others doesn't mean sacrificing your family's peace. Healthy boundaries create healthy relationships.
5. Lead with Grace
Life transitions can be difficult. A little patience and understanding can make a guest feel supported and valued.
What I now expect from Guest
Sometimes we are called to open our doors, and sometimes we are called to reclaim our space. Both are blessings worth embracing.
1. Respect the Home
Treat someone else's home with the same care you would your own. Clean up after yourself and help when possible.
2. Communicate
If your plans change or you need something, talk openly with your host rather than making assumptions.
3. Contribute
Offer to help with meals, household chores, groceries, or utilities when appropriate.
4. Honor Boundaries
Remember that the host's family routines, schedules, and private spaces should be respected.
5. Leave It Better Than You Found It
A grateful guest leaves a positive impact through appreciation, kindness, and consideration.
Opening our home is one of the greatest acts of generosity. Likewise, being a respectful guest is one of the greatest acts of gratitude.
As our family begins this new season with a quieter house, I am reminded that every chapter has its purpose.
Now,I have come to the conclusion that offering spaces chapter has closed for my family.We have literally had houses in Louisville that family members lived in and we offered spaces in Atlanta ,so it has really been a long journey. Now I just want my immediate family to be able to enjoy the space. Im forever grateful for the bonds, laughter,discussions and sometimes tough interaction we’ve had. Some relationships have been broken by the journey and other relationships have been built solid. All I know this chapter in life has closed.
Its only purchasing properties to flip and host airbnb for me. I no longer have the capacity ,one day my heart and mind may shift through gods guidance.
SON’S……
Its nothing wrong with opening your home and heart to family and friends, just keep it direct, respectful and honest. Every-time we go over to your PAPA’s house in Louisville KY ,I tell you to leave his house better than you arrived. Keep your items organized, clean up after yourself, no dishes in the sink, respect the bathroom and once you leave , put everything back in order.
It is truly a form of respect for another humans space.
I hope you take what I have taught you and become stellar house guest and respectful host.If you opt out of either is still ok too.
