What Makes You Grateful For Your Brooklyn Home?
Your Brooklyn home may not be the picture on your vision board, but what makes you grateful for your current home? Whether you own your home or rent, there is a reason or two to be thankful.
According to the Oxford Languages dictionary, the definition of GRATITUDE is; “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, our thoughts turn to gratitude and giving thanks. Even if your current home is not your dream home, there are reasons to express gratitude for your Brooklyn home.
Think about what your home provides for you. If coming up with a list of reasons to be thankful for your Brooklyn home is difficult, think about what drew you to your home in the first place. Also, what do visitors say about your home?
There is always a reason to be grateful, and it is a good practice to appreciate what we have all year, not just during Thanksgiving.
What are some ways you are grateful for your Brooklyn home? Here are some prompts to get you started.
A place to call home.
Our homes have always been our refuge, never more than during the pandemic. A home provides the space to relax, entertain, sleep, and fuel ourselves. But, a home is more than an address. Home is a feeling, not a structure. Whether you own or rent, there is no place like home.
The location of your home.
The location of our homes is one of the top criteria people consider when buying or renting. It may be near your work, family, friends, or the things outside your home that you love to do. What drew you to your location? Why was that important to you?
The people and pets that share your home.
Your housemates may be other humans or a beloved pet. They are an integral part of your household. Whether they care for you, you care for them, or you simply co-exist, the fact you have these people or pets in your life provides you with a level of belonging, love, and joy. Of course, there are probably trying days but focus on the days with your housemates that put a smile on your face.
The sense of safety you experience.
A home not only shelters you from the weather elements but also provides you with protection from violence and mental stress. Brooklyn weather can be brutal at times. Having a home to protect you from the wind, rain, snow, and cold is undoubtedly a reason to be thankful. A home is a place where we can feel secure from the nefarious activities found out on the streets. It is also a place to keep and secure our belongings. There is so much peace of mind we experience knowing we have a place we belong. Although we need to take precautions to keep our homes safe, we can experience that peace of mind with the proper safeguards. For more information on protecting your home, read this article.
The functionality of your home.
Again, the place you occupy may not be the dream home, but it is functional. You have the spaces that allow you to attend to your needs. You may love the layout of your Brooklyn home that provides you the ability to move freely throughout. Having the flexibility to use a space for dual purposes, such as a guest bedroom as a home office when you don’t have guests, provides additional functionality. Windows that provide you with natural light and hopefully a pleasant view and storage options to store your favorite things but keep them accessible are other benefits of function.
The mechanicals of your home.
The hidden heroes of your Brooklyn home are the mechanical elements. Your plumbing, electrical, and heating & cooling systems are essential to the comfort you have at home. These systems can be costly to repair, which makes preventative maintenance a good investment. We sometimes take these systems for granted, but they are a significant reason for being thankful for your home.
The kitchen in your home.
Whether you have a large or small kitchen, you can keep and prepare foods that nourish your body and keep you healthy. A kitchen is often the heart of the home, where everyone seems to congregate. Not only are fantastic meals created here, but memories with your loved ones.
The bathroom in your home.
We are far from the days when indoor plumbing was considered a luxury. But, really think what it might be like without it. Indoor plumbing is a reason to be thankful whether you have a spa-like bathroom or simply a functional one to care for your needs. If you have more than one bathroom within your home, I am sure there are moments you express gratitude for that!
The improvements you have made.
Making your home your own is a common desire. If you are renting, you can add your style through furnishings and paint. You will need to follow your landlord’s rules, but you can still make your space your own. As a homeowner, it is sometimes frustrating to go through the home improvement process. However, when the project is complete, the value you added is far more than the frustration experienced through the process. Be careful when improving your home. This previous blog post discusses the possibilities of over-improving your home. Be grateful for the improvements you have made, which probably added value to your home, and enjoy!
Your furnishings you have collected.
The furniture, artwork, and accessories that fill your home are a reason to be thankful. These carefully chosen items not only provide function but express your personality. For example, the sofa in your living room is a place to sit and reflects your style. So profess your thanks for what you have, whether you have everything you want or saving for your next purchase.
Outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Living in an urban setting, having outdoor spaces is often a cause for gratitude. Although there is a lot of maintenance in a yard, having that space to enjoy the outdoors is truly something to appreciate. You may not live in a home with a yard, but a patio or balcony can also be a respite when you just want to be outdoors. Living in a walkable community, having a park nearby, or having a neighbor who enjoys conversation over the fence can be sources of joy in your outdoor spaces.
Affordability of your home.
Living in a home, you can afford is one of the greatest blessings. Living within your means allows you the freedom to do other things you enjoy and still have all the comforts of home. In simple terms, affordability means subtracting your rent or mortgage payment from your monthly income and still having money for other financial obligations. Remember to include savings in those financial obligations.
Part of gratitude is returning kindness. The way to return kindness to your home is through regular maintenance and care.
The regular practice of expressing gratitude will bring you joy and appreciation. It not only affects your personal life but can help you stay on track in your business life as well. I hope you consider adding a gratitude practice to your daily routine if you don’t already. This article from Mindful.com can get you started.
I would be remiss if I didn’t let you know how grateful I am for you. My family, friends, clients, readers, and colleagues are on my gratitude list regularly.
Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. As a Brooklyn real estate agent with over 30 years of experience, I can help you with your real estate needs. I can be reached by phone at (718) 253-9500 ext. 1901 or by email at [email protected].
