Lately, I have been somewhat preoccupied, some by choice, some by necessity.

But the birth of my first grandchild has given me a new lease on live. A new perspective on things I used to hold important to me as a person.

My daughter is finding she needs a little help at times, which is perfectly normal, and so I find myself having lovely long cuddles with the baby and helping out in other ways around their home.

My own home, if it had a personality, would be feeling somewhat neglected. I have always been a routine cleaner, doing these things on a schedule and priding myself on a tidy home. In fact, if I am honest, this aspect of my life has been a struggle for perfectionism. A personality trait I am not fond of: the obviously unobtainable fantasy of having a place for everything and everything in its place and a spotlessly clean house.

However, I have always enjoyed decorating my home and helping others to do the same. I don’t expect that desire to change. I guess it’s the create part of me stretching its wings.

So you see I have always placed a lot of importance on my home. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it has come with its pit falls. I have placed far too much importance on this part of my life. No more.

I can’t get these times back again. Once they are gone, they are gone. My granddaughter will only be this age once, only learn to smile once, and only discover she has a tongue once. And I am lucky enough to be here and available to witness these milestones and be in awe of this little ray of sunshine.

So, I have now come to realise something. My house is not my true home. My true home is not really a place but my place of being. It’s anywhere I am. It’s the choices I make every day. And it’s who I am.

I am quite sure that little Erika will not care if my home is a bit untidy and far from perfectly clean. I am also quite sure she will care if my true home is always open to her and that I am able to help out her Mummy and Daddy whenever they need me.

If you visit my house now, you will still find it reasonably tidy and clean, just don’t look too closely. However if you visit my home, and you are important to me, you will find love and kindness as best as I am capable. I will help you out where I can. I will pick you back up if you need me to.

If I let you into my house, it means I trust you. If I let you into my home, it means I trust you and I care about you.

It’s not a perfect place either. Don’t expect that I won’t forget your birthday or that I will keep in touch as much as I should, but expect that I do care and I will be there in a jiffy if you should need me.