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SUBSCRIPTIONS
Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com . Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South , 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183 . We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South , 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
July
reminds me that I am sorry for the things I said in January. If you hear me wishing for hot weather next year, please slap me! And don’t let me wish for snow and cold weather now. I just need to lean into enjoying the seasons as they come, as they will change all too fast. Life is a journey of changes, and so are our homes.
Just like the homeowners in our Home and Design features, updates and design changes take place for the “life” season we are in at the time. Some are preparing a new space for baby, some are transforming their homes from what was perfect for small children to be more accommodating for teens, and in a blink, you are refreshing for your empty-nest years. My husband and I have been through these stages and just recently entered a stage most of us don’t think about. Two years ago we moved my mom out of her home, where she and my father raised four children. Although it was an emotional and physical struggle, mom is still sharp and was very opinionated about things she wanted to keep and part with. She reads my letters, so I better be careful talking about her “opinions!” A few months ago, we started preparing to sell my husband’s family home and this has been a bit different. My mother-in-law has dementia and Alzheimer’s. Those of you who have experience dealing with this horrible disease, unfortunately, are aware of the tragic effects on the entire family involved.
My husband and his siblings all picked out special pieces in the home that will continue to bring them joy and remind them of their childhood. Todd and Company orchestrated a flawless estate sale, but donating and “relocating” her personal items without her input has been a bit difficult, to say the least. Then there is the 60+ years worth of “collected” things she thought she might need again “one day.” Amid the chaos and frustration of all of that, we are so blessed that her home sold without a listing to a wonderful family who will bring it back to its glory days of love, laughter and making new memories with their children. They have big plans to renovate the home, and I can not wait to see the results. Stay tuned, as we plan to bring you the newly renovated, perfect home for this family that was once the perfect home for the Mongers.
Whatever the season of your home, I hope it brings you joy and is the site of happy memories for years to come. I also hope that when it’s time for our Monger home to turn over to a new family, it will be a bit difficult for our children. After all, the hardest part of loving the memories we make in our homes is having to say goodbye.
- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
Remaking a Classic
led to an ongoing professional relationship with Reedy.
ThisMidtown home had all the beauty and elegance of a true Southern belle. She needed some work, however, to bring her up to date. Not too much work, though. The project would need just the right person at the helm; someone who would respect the house’s character yet liven it up for the young couple who were the new owners.
When working with a house built in 1914, it’s hard to tell which features might be original and which may have been added along the way. Designer Maggie Clarke says that even though she might not have known the date of each detail, she was careful to preserve the ones that accentuate the Spanish Revival style architecture. She knew that would be a priority from the moment she set foot on the property. While waiting on the front porch to meet homeowner Rachel Reedy for their first consultation, Clarke and project manager Amanda Montgomery fell in love with the antique brass door knocker. It was a good omen that
Once inside the home, one of the first things the designer noticed was the floor in the entryway. It seemed natural to emphasize the uniqueness of the antique cement decorative tiles, so Clarke leaned into their vibrant color palette. “We brought up the orange tones in the tile with a custom Charles Stewart bench in a Kravet paprika velvet, then the yellows on the binding for the stair runner from Kiser’s [Floor Fashions]. That is my new favorite thing to do anytime I want to bring out a certain color,” she says.
The star of the space is the large pop art portrait of Elvis by local painter Frances Barry Moreno. Clarke placed several nods to “The King” throughout the home just for Rachel, who is a big fan. The mood is almost ethereal on the facing wall thanks to a custom dimensional art installation by AC Ceramic Atelier. White porcelain flowers float through the space, seeming to lead the way into the rest of the house.
Clarke
uses the term “juxtaposition” often; it’s a concept she seeks to bring into each of her projects. The dining room in this home is a case study in this idea. The space was a jewel to begin with, boasting an ornate chandelier and wall sconces. Arched windows and stately millwork added to the formal feel. Clarke played along, adding botanical wallpaper that echoes the arched theme, then went just far enough outside the box with a Modern History round table and playfully modern shield-back chairs. A zebra rug from Schumacher completes the perfect melange.
The designer admits that the thought of a 40-footlong living room initially gave her pause, but she faced the challenge using the “divide-and-conquer” tactic. “We divided it into three spaces to make it feel a little bit cozier,” she explains. “Two living spaces and a game area.” To fill the room’s full back wall of windows Clarke ingeniously placed two Rowe oak desks side by side to form a stunning modern credenza. Massively scaled Gabby table lamps topped with custom lavender shades by Sorella Glenn look right at home. Matching vintage bamboo wing chairs complete the tableau: their cushions upholstered in a hue also found on a pair of poufs and the nearby sofa.
“We love chartreuse and we try to use it in every project,” the designer says.
Old meets new again across the room, where Rachel’s grandmother’s dining table now anchors a game area. The table is one of a number of inherited pieces in the home. “[Rachel] was really big on using her antiques,” recalls Clarke. “Her family is important to her and so she wanted those heirlooms to live on.”
The designer accomplished that mission with the help of local furniture repair whiz Blake Soule, who restored the table, as well as other family treasures. Grandma’s chairs sit alongside two Coley Home Lulu chairs with pointed backs and velvet slipcovers that add a note of fun. A series of duck sketches by local artist Nate Renner keeps the mood casual.
Thenursery is another spot where timehonored elements coexist with fresh twists. Clarke helped Reedy prepare for her first child, a boy, starting with a handsome striped wallpaper from Schumacher. Farrow and Ball Parma Gray, a subtle blue/gray hue, on the trim is ideal for a young gentleman. Above the antique-style metal crib hangs a set of vintage hot-air balloon prints tinted by hand to reflect the room’s color palette. The whimsical mood continues via a Gabby chandelier overhead that brings the look of a circus tent to mind. The room stays true to Maggie Clarke style, however: modern stands juxtaposed with nostalgic. An eclectic corner vignette includes a navy lacquered grasscloth dresser, a skirted chair and
ottoman upholstered in Michael Smith fabric with a decidedly throw-back vibe, and a large abstract print.
Clarke describes the work she and her firm did on this home as “light renovations,” with one exception. The primary bathroom was almost a complete gut job. Just about everything from the dark brown tile floor up came out to make way for a clean, fresh redo. New
marble mosaic floors set the stage. A stylized clawfoot tub sits beneath a graceful arched window that was formerly covered with shutters. One of Clarke’s favorite hacks for a bathroom window, a lined cafe curtain, now allows light in and affords privacy when needed. Indulging Rachel’s love for all things pink, Anna French floral wallpaper in pinkish lavender and coral brightens the space.
Thehome’s backyard has the feel of an Old Hollywood mansion. A large covered patio stretches across the back of the house, providing plenty of room for the entertaining the owners enjoy frequently. Clarke chose Summer Classics outdoor furniture for the porch, blending teak, wrought aluminum, wrought iron and glass pieces to furnish a living area and two distinct dining spaces. She repeated the sophisticated look on the adjoining pool deck, where a row of chaise lounges creates a spa-like atmosphere. Completing the look are cushions, accent pillows and scalloped umbrellas in crisp black and white. The designer says the light-and-dark combination is her go-to choice. “I love using black and white outside for contrast with all the green in the summertime from nature and the blue of the pool.”
Excited to work with Reedy again, Clarke is set to adapt the nursery a bit for a baby girl coming soon and to transform a parlor into a TV lounge. As with the work she’s already completed on this Southern belle, she says it will be done with a light hand, beautiful but not over designed. “I want it to look curated and collected, because that’s what it is.”
STORY BY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNABELLA CHARLES
Nursery 2.0
Blogger Cara Greenstein revamps a room for her second baby, proving that small accents can make a big difference.
Itwas a great nursery for baby Hudson. Created by his mom, with the help of designer Ann Parker and Trazo Design, the room was sweet yet boyish and perfectly organized. Then local blogger and influencer Cara Greenstein and husband Alex Shindler discovered baby number two was on the way. Hudson was going to have a sister. Always up for a challenge, Greenstein set out to change the nursery without redoing everything.
“We wanted to give the room personality for a little girl. But what we recognized when we found out we were having another baby was that we had a great foundation and neutral furniture. And so we could instead focus on the accents and some of the details that could really create a new space at the end,” she explains.
Fortunately, the woodsy, sage green and neutral theme she and Parker originally created could easily be adapted to suit a little girl. No need to reinvent the wheel. Greenstein says, “I was excited to lean into some more feminine details, and I’ve embraced color a little more since I planned Hudson’s room.”
The expanded color palette incorporates rose and blush tones, inspired by new floral wallpaper on the accent wall. Greenstein discovered and bookmarked the pattern as a favorite even before she knew she’d have a baby girl to prepare for one day. Soft striped paper on the other three walls is a holdover from the former design.
While the major elements—crib, dresser/changing table, rug, light fixture, chair and ottoman—remain, all the accents are new. “Woven rattan is having a moment right now and I’m obsessed,” admits Greenstein. The natural material appears in an etagere, a wall shelf, a child’s chair, a charming mini bookshelf next to the upholstered rocker, and a sweet scalloped shade on the chairside floor lamp. Unlacquered brass also came on the scene, reprised in several spots including new drawer pulls on the dresser. “A small detail, I know, but I notice things like that,” she adds.
SOURCES
Closet Design and Organization: Trazo Design
Crib Mobile and Paper Flower Installation: Maggie Harrison, LFSStudio
Wallpaper Installation: Polly Ann Corpuz, Talking Walls by Pollylovely
Sarah Robertson Artwork, Bookshelf Vases, Bella Notte Linens: Bella Vita
Rug: Kiser’s Floor & Fashion
Themushroom motif that was prevalent in Hudson’s room design, a nod to one of Greenstein’s favorite foods and her popular blog “Caramelized,” makes a more subtle comeback in the whimsical crib mobile. Created by Grenada, MS, artist Maggie Harrison, the custom piece features woodland blossoms in pink, rose and white felt, as well as the most adorable fungi that look like they jumped off the pages of a storybook. Also crafted by Harrison, a pair of giant-scale paper flowers keeps a wicker mushroom basket company in one corner.
Another new addition, a pair of abstract paintings by Germantown artist Sarah Robertson mirror one another on opposite walls. Greenstein sourced the works from Bella Vita, knowing they will grow with baby and stay part of her decor even after nursery days are through. Also from Bella Vita, a Bella Notte quilt and lumbar pillow add a touch of luxury and comfort.
The nuts and bolts of the nursery are the closet and dresser storage systems devised in 2023 by Trazo Design. “They got me set up for success so I didn’t have to change a thing this time around. It’s amazing how they gave us a game plan and it works so well. I just filled it with her things. I’m ready!” Greenstein says with a smile. “You don’t have to overhaul something to make it special.”
THE AMALFI COAST
TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS
The Amalfi Coast is known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy and is truly a gem in the southern part of the country. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the region is known for its stunning coastline, dramatic cliffs and enchanting villages.
Salerno and Sorrento sit at either end, with 11 other towns scattered in between. Some of these towns, like Amalfi and Positano, are located right on the water, and others are located higher up on the hills, like Ravello and Praiano. Each colorful seaside town has its own charm and attractions. Visitors bask in the stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, rich history and culture, and warm hospitality of the locals.
A boat tour is one of the best ways to see the Amalfi Coast. Nothing beats viewing the coastal cliffs, vibrant towns, beaches and sea caves from the water. The most budget friendly way to cruise is by ferry. It’s also the best way to get around the coast in the summertime, to avoid traffic jams along Amalfi Drive. Small group boat tours run the gamut of options, from a few hours to full-day tours that visit multiple towns and sea caves.
For a splurge experience, relax on a private boat tour. Sip prosecco while seeing small coves and caves that are inaccessible by ferry and difficult to get to by car or bus. Zip up and down the coastline faster than any vehicle on land or sea.
Soaking up the sun on a beach is popular on the Amalfi Coast. Options range from free beaches in some towns to exclusive, VIP clubs that charge up to $500 per day to rent a lounge chair.
Arienzo Beach Club and Laurito Beach Club, both located in Positano, are among the region’s most famous clubs.
Positano is one of the Amalfi Coast’s most enchanting villages, known for its stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and romantic ambiance as well as its bright-colored cliffside houses. The
town’s iconic Santa Maria Assunta Church features a beautiful domed roof. Inside, the 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna is on display.
Perched on a spur of rock above the coastline, Ravello is a popular destination. The town’s Villa Rufolo was built in the 13th century and was used to host banquets for kings and nobility. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Amalfi Coast. Visitors vie to capture a photo of the large umbrella tree, the church and the coastline for an iconic image of the region.
Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone dates back to the 11th century. Guests can stay in the villa, a luxury five-star hotel. Thanks in part to its extraordinarily beautiful gardens, the villa is a popular destination for luxury weddings and events. For most visitors, the highlight of Villa Cimbrone is the Infinity Terrace (Terrazza dell’Infinito). The site is lined with marble busts and has a stunning view out over the Amalfi Coast.
The Emerald Grotto is a must-see attraction. Visit this sea cave in a rowboat; a guide will paddle around the cave, pointing out stalactites, stalagmites and an underwater nativity scene. The main reason to visit the Emerald Grotto is to see the blue-green water in the cave, which is illuminated from a 16-meter-long underwater tunnel that leads outside.
Although not technically on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is often included in travel itineraries for its scenic beauty and accessibility to other destinations such as Capri and Pompeii. The town is perched on towering cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples, with views of Mount Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. Its warm climate, beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture make it a favorite destination for travelers.
The town has roots dating back to Roman times and has been an important cultural and commercial hub throughout its history. Sorrento features a mix of Greek, Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture, notable in buildings such as the cathedral and the 14thcentury Cloister of San Francesco. Cooking classes and food tours are enjoyable ways to become fully immersed in the rich culinary traditions of the region.
Many Mediterranean cruise itineraries include a stop in Sorrento. Although not a major cruise terminal in the same sense as nearby Naples, it is a popular port of call for smaller and mid-sized cruise ships, particularly luxury and boutique cruises. Larger ships typically anchor offshore, and passengers are brought to the Marina Piccola port via tender boats. Sorrento’s location makes it an excellent gateway for excursions to key attractions like Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast and the Isle of Capri.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
The best time to experience the Amalfi Coast is from April to October, when the weather is warm and the sea is inviting. However, July and August can be very crowded, so late spring and early autumn are ideal for a more tranquil visit.
GETTING TO THE AMALFI COAST:
Most major cities offer flights to Naples International Airport, usually with a layover in another major European hub like Rome, Milan or Paris. Flights should be booked well in advance, especially for travel during peak season. Private drivers, buses, trains and seasonal ferries provide transport from the airport to the Amalfi Coast.
INSIDER TIPS:
Visiting small-town shops is a must along the Amalfi Coast. Popular items for sale include painted ceramics, handmade leather sandals, clothing, perfume, and of course, limoncello. Be sure and taste this local delicacy.
The peels and zest from the region’s famed lemons are combined with a rectified spirit, then mixed with simple syrup, creating the sweet liqueur. Limoncello is typically served cold, or even frozen, as an after-dinner drink.
Lemon delight (Delize Al Limone) is another regional treat with its origins in citrus fruit. The small, cream-filled cake topped with a thick, delectable layer of icing appears on menus throughout the Amalfi Coast but one of the best places to get one is at the award-winning pastry shop in Minori, Sal de Riso.
Seafood is the star of the area’s cuisine, noted for specialties like Spaghetti alle Vongole, made with fresh clams, and Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare, which combines pasta with various delicacies from the sea.
GETTING AROUND:
Public buses and ferries are the primary modes of transportation; renting a scooter is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
Driving along the Amalfi Coast is a bucketlist experience for some people, but it is best attempted during the off season from mid-October through the end of April. During the summer months, an alternating license plate system is in effect, meaning only half the cars in the region are allowed to be driven on any given day.
will last a lifetime. Embark into a world where your every desire is not just met, but exceeded by Explora’s top-class crew.
In next month’s issue we will showcase another destination included on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise.
Travel Leaders, owned by Barbara May, has been in the industry for over 38 years and specializes in all types of travel. May recently received the 2023/24 Person of the Year award from the Collierville Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on the group cruise or planning your next vacation, contact Travel Leaders at 901.377.6600 or 901.853.6200, or visit www.gotravelleaders.com. Offices are located at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104, Memphis, and 155 N. Main St., Ste. 101A, Collierville, and are open by appointment only.
Travel Leaders invites At Home readers to come along as they set sail on Sept. 15, 2025, on a seven-night Mediterranean cruise on Explora Journeys’ magnificent Explora II. “A Journey of Limoncello Days and Sardinian Sunsets” will include a stop in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. To learn more, contact Stephanie@gotravelleaders.com or call 901.377.6600. More than just a vacation, this journey is an opportunity to create memories that
HAVE A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER IN CORINTH, MISSISSIPPI
REMEMBER LANGUID SUMMER DAYS, FIREFLIES BLINKING IN THE TWILIGHT, AND THE CLINK OF ICE CREAM SPOONS AGAINST OLDFASHIONED SODA GLASSES? RECAPTURE THE SWEET SENSE OF SUMMERTIME NOSTALGIA WITH AN ESCAPE TO CORINTH, MISSISSIPPI – WHERE SOUTHERN CHARM AND SMALL-TOWN MAGIC HAVEN’T GONE OUT OF STYLE.
RICH HISTORY, MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
Corinth is rich in history and provides the perfect getaway for history buffs. Stroll down brick-lined streets and admire the grand architecture, a testament to a bygone era, during the 60 Sites in 60 Minutes Tour. You’ll see over 55 buildings that are over 100 years old and get a little bit of exercise and fresh air while you’re at it.
Then, wander through Borroum’s Drug Store, a timeless pharmacy where milkshakes are still whipped up by hand at the counter and iconic Southern Depression-era delicacies known as slugburgers are still sold. Borroum’s tasty, time-honored burgers are so good they were recently recognized on Southern Living’s list of the South’s Most Beloved Burger Joints. For a sweet sip of wistfulness, tour the Corinth Coca-Cola Museum, a journey through the famed soda’s storied history. The museum contains an exceptional collection of authentic Coca-Cola memorabilia, old-fashioned drink machines and other items from the soda fountain era, so it’s worth a stop if you’re looking to make your Corinth experiences just a bit more effervescent.
ADVENTURE TO AWAKEN ALL YOUR SENSES
Beyond the charm of yesteryear, Corinth offers a surprising amount of pulse-pounding adventure, as well. Strap on your helmet and explore the miles of scenic bike trails at Shiloh National Military Park, a short 20-minute drive away. The Corinth Unit of the park has four battlefield sites with trails that lead to trenches dug during the Siege of Corinth. Make sure to visit the park’s Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, where exhibits include interactive displays and multimedia presentations on the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege and Battle of Corinth. The final interpretive attraction is a memorial courtyard that uses stone and flowing water to chronicle the birth and growth of the United States. The courtyard also highlights the rise of sectionalism, marks key events that led to the Civil War, and symbolizes the four long years of conflict.
For a family-friendly location that offers plenty of outdoor fun, look no further than Corinth Alcorn Park and Recreation, where you’ll discover a beautiful walking trail for outings with the family and a dog park, perfect for playing catch with your furry friend. You can even rent out a pavilion for a little shade and solitude or a special event. Make a point to visit Trailhead Yard for a dash of lively entertainment. The cool outdoor venue features games, live music and a relaxed atmosphere. This is the perfect place to indulge in a scoop (or two) of handrolled ice cream from Sweet Swirls and let the laughter of friends and family fill the air.
THESE INDOOR MUST-VISITS OFFER A MOMENT OF REPRIEVE FROM THE SUMMERTIME HEAT
Even if a shower rolls in, Corinth won’t dampen your spirits. Browse for treasures at The Open Market, an indoor flea market filled with antiques, collectibles and vintage items. It’s sure to have something for everyone! Then it’s time to unwind with a delicious meal at a local restaurant – the Conservatory by Vicari’s rooftop dining offers stunning views and elevated eats, while Pizza Grocery’s patio seating is perfect for peoplewatching while enjoying a perfect pie.
Ready to create your own summer story in Corinth? Head to corinth.net/itineraries to explore pre-built itineraries or craft your own adventure in this charming Mississippi town. Corinth awaits – a place where time slows down and genuine Southern hospitality warms you like golden summertime sunshine.
PIG SALAD
ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME WILL VOUCH THAT I HATE TO WASTE FOOD. I AM THE LEFTOVER QUEEN. IF THERE WERE A COOKING GAME SHOW FOCUSED ON MAKING THE BEST THING OUT OF LEFTOVERS, I WOULD BE A CONTENDER.
IN JULY, WE PROBABLY BARBEQUE MORE PORK THAN ANY OTHER MONTH, WITH BRISKET AND CHICKEN RIGHT BEHIND. WE RECENTLY COOKED SOME RIBS AND, AS USUAL, WE HAD LEFTOVERS. THAT IS HOW I CAME UP WITH THIS TASTY LITTLE CONCOCTION. WE ENJOYED IT BEST WITH SLICED TOMATOES AND CRACKERS, BUT SPREAD ON ROLLS IT WOULD MAKE GREAT SLIDERS!
PIG SALAD
1 lb. of chopped meat. You can use shoulder, butt, ribs, brisket or a combination.
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped red onion
½ - 1 cup chopped candied jalapenos
½ cup mayo
½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
½ - 1 Tbsp. of your BBQ rub or seasoning
DIRECTIONS
Combine the mayo, sauce and seasoning. Mix together the meat, celery, red onion and jalapenos and toss with the sauce mixture. Chill for several hours or overnight and serve your favorite way !
Rights and Responsibilities
STORY BY MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT
As a therapist, I spend a lot of time empowering my clients and making space for them to recognize that self-care, selfprotection and setting limits are their right and responsibility. I could say their responsibility and their right. Sometimes the order in which we hear words makes a huge difference in perception.
You are your responsibility, and you have the right to take responsibility for yourself. If you don't, who will?
So many people enter relationships looking for someone to fill the void of their needs or to fill the void in someone else’s needs. The foundation of co-dependent relationships is built on this pattern of getting your needs met by someone else and trying to meet someone else’s needs. A healthy relationship, however, is built on a foundation of meeting your own needs and feeling grateful for the added value of those with whom you share a relationship. In essence, you are the one you are waiting for.
Understanding the concept of personal responsibility as it pertains to relationships with others can be transformative.
Acknowledging that we have the power and obligation to take charge of our lives doesn’t mean that we can control everything that happens to us, and doesn’t mean we do not consider how our decisions impact our relationships. Our reactions, decisions and actions are within our realm of influence.
When we embrace our right to speak and take action for our needs or desires, we are better equipped to set limits around what is best for our personal protection, growth and internal peace. Limits are essential for maintaining a healthy sense of self and ensuring that we do not become overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of others. They are a way of communicating our needs and protecting our well-being. By setting limits, we are asserting our right to prioritize our mental, emotional and physical health.
In relationships, personal responsibility fosters mutual respect and healthy communication. When both parties are committed to taking responsibility for their own well-being, they can come together in a way that is harmonious and supportive. This creates a partnership where each person’s needs are acknowledged and valued, leading to a more fulfilling and sustainable connection.
In everyday life, we are in constant relationship with others, whether we are buying something at a store, talking to a customer service representative over the phone, visiting a doctor, interacting with our children, spending time with friends, or engaging with our intimate partners. Throughout the course of these daily experiences, we continually navigate how to meet our own needs and the needs of others. Each interaction presents an opportunity to practice personal responsibility and to extend courtesy and understanding to others.
Our lack of understanding and embracing our personal responsibility and right in these everyday interactions can have significant consequences. When we do not speak and/ or take action for our own needs and desires, we risk feeling resentful toward ourselves and others. Over time, this neglect can erode our self-esteem and self-worth. This internal and external struggle not only affects our mental and emotional well-being, but can also manifest in physical health issues, such as stress-related illnesses.
Failing to communicate our needs and set limits can create an imbalance where one person’s needs consistently overshadow the other’s. This dynamic can lead to frustration and resentment, damaging the trust and respect that form the foundation of any healthy relationship. Without clear communication, interactions with others— partners, friends, family members, store clerks, doctors, assistants to doctors, etc.—lead to misunderstanding each other’s intentions and feelings which can create unnecessary conflicts
and emotional distance.
Moreover, when we do not take responsibility for our own well-being, we may unintentionally place an undue burden on those around us. Expecting others to anticipate and meet our needs if we haven't expressed them can create unrealistic expectations and strain relationships. This can result in a cycle of disappointment and dissatisfaction, where neither party feels truly supported or understood.
In professional settings, a lack of personal responsibility can hinder career growth and job satisfaction. When we do not advocate for our professional needs by seeking feedback, asking for opportunities, or setting worklife boundaries, we may feel undervalued and overworked. This can lead to decreased motivation and productivity, impacting not only our own career progression but also the overall effectiveness of the team or organization.
By contrast, embracing our responsibility
and right to communicate our needs respectfully can transform our relationships and personal well-being. It allows us to build stronger, more authentic connections based on mutual respect and understanding. When we take ownership of our needs and express them clearly, we empower ourselves and others to engage in more meaningful and supportive interactions.
In conclusion, the cost of not embracing our personal responsibility and right to speak and act for our own needs and desires is high. It affects our mental, emotional and physical health, and undermines the quality of our relationships. By recognizing and embracing our responsibility, we can foster a more compassionate and respectful world where our interactions are grounded in empathy and mutual support. This approach not only enhances our personal well-being but also strengthens the bonds we share with others, leading to more fulfilling and sustainable connections.
JULY 2024 SOURCES
HOME FEATURE
Special ThanksMaggie Clarke Interiors maggieclarkeinteriors.com
Ross Group Creative rossgroupcreative.com
DESIGN
Special ThanksCara Greenstein caramelizedblog.com
Annabella Charles annabellacharles.com
GETAWAY
Special ThanksVisit Corinth corinth.net
TRAVEL
Special ThanksTravel Leaders
901.853.6200, 901.377.6600
HEALTHY YOU
Special ThanksMichelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
