That Old Chair

That Old Chair…

In a world often filled with hustle and bustle, our homes are our cozy sanctuaries. Within the four walls, amidst our personal clutter, lie items that bring us comfort.  Not the new stuff, but the questionable items other people would toss out or include on the next rummage sale 

We all have these; your favorite chair that dates back to your college days.  The cushion is tattered and worn and it’s an offending mustard yellow color or maybe you have an old pink bathrobe that has a few coffee stains and is that toothpaste?. You’d wash it more often but after you hang it up for the day, you don’t think of it again until it’s time to wear it. 

How about the mismatched quilt?  What is it about these not-so-attractive objects that we are not motivated to replace? 

Perhaps it is the sentiment. Whatever your comfort item is, was it gifted to you by a special person? Maybe there is no replacement that could ever match what you have. You know the saying, ‘they don’t make them like they used to.”

What is wrong with worn? Not worn out, but worn meaning ‘broke in.’ For me, that is the answer. I have a few comfort pieces in my home that if I were to move, they’d make the journey with me. 

I have a ridiculously oversized sweatshirt (XXL) that is over 20 years old that I wear every morning while I drink my coffee.  The sleeves are fraying and…it’s ugly…but I like it. It is beyond donation-worthy, so I keep it, no need to upgrade 

As long as I’m bearing it all, I have a not-so-great gray bean bag chair purchased at Target for $50 nearly 10 Years ago.  I love it. I sit in it every day and in the winter I scoot it close to the fireplace to feel the heat.  Nope, it’s not going anywhere.

So, dive into your sentimental treasure chest and explore your favorite comfort items.  Look around and embrace why the old clock that does not keep time and has no monetary value is still sitting on your dresser. Does it ground you or remind you of someone that you love?  

These “keepers” may seem silly but they are cherished personal items that may be with you forever…and that is OK.  

Want to join the conversation? Find this article online at siouxlandwomen.com and share what your comfort item is. Don’t be shy—let’s celebrate our beloved treasures! Use the hashtag #cherisheditems and let’s see the unique tokens that make your home feel like home!