Making Room by Corinne Rodrigues

When we were renovating our apartment, we had the freedom to play around with the space in the way we wanted. We received suggestions to expand our sitting room in to a much bigger space. The idea was that we could then accommodate a lot more people when we entertained. However, the fact is that we don’t entertain much – never a large group of people any way, so we saw no use for a larger sitting room.


What did we do with the space instead? We used it to make a large study with lots of shelves for our books –  that we have collected separately over the years and many that we have acquired as a couple. Books are something that both of us prize and we were prepared to make space for them.


As I thought about this today, I realized how this could be a metaphor for life. If you prize something very much you will make room for it in your life. You will be willing to let go of something else in order to accommodate what you value. If you value someone, you will make sure that you spend time with them. If you value your health, you will make sure you exercise. In reflecting on this,  I realized that health is very low on my list of values – that needs to change and fast.


What is it that you value and need to make more room for in your life?

May you be inspired – everyday!


Sonia sez: Corinne Rodrigues is not only an inspirational writer but also a friend. With miles apart, we still managed to make what I hope is a long-term friendship. A motivational Speaker, a life Coach and a wonderful Writer, she continues to inspire those around her and those who visit her site. May she inspire you – everyday!
  • Rimly Bezbaruah

    It is only when you let go of something you make room for something in your heart. How true and I loved the way you have used this truth in your writing. To make room for things that matter. Health is also something I am not careful of but after reading this post of yours I think I should seriously give it some thought. Thank you sharing this Corrine

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Thanks for coming by, Rimly. Yes, sometimes we have to let go of the good to make room for the great. I’m going to be watching you on your health, so beware :)

  • http://www.thecolorspectrum.blogspot.com Colleen

    I really like this Corinne.  It reminds me that I too claim to value several things that I somehow just never find the time or space for.  Thanks for the inspiration to give them more spce in my life!  Have a beautiful weekend dear friend!

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      I think we all need to re-evaluate our priorities from time to time, Colleena. Thank you for visiting and have a great weekend too. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/luckkss Sulekha Rawat

    I value friendships and my friendship with books too. I love the fact that you chose to make room for the books. Another inspiring post by a wonderful writer.

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Thanks so much, Sulekha!

  • Alpana Jaiswal

    My books mean a lot to me…I do have my own space for them…Good post Corinne..
    A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face.  It is one of the few havens remaining where a man’s mind can get both provocation and privacy.  ~Edward P. Morgan

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Great quote, Alpana. Books last a lifetime!

  • Luchismiles

    I need to make more room for my health, thanks for the inspiration.

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Me too, Luchi. Have made some positive steps in that direction…

  • Janaki Nagaraj

    Books are my friends, companion and also a getaway to another world…I am glad you love books too.

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      I think our love for books has brought us all together…without them we wouldn’t be writing, Janaki. ?

  • http://sparklemezen.wordpress.com/ Savy1920

    I go through phases… I tend to make room for things as and when I need them… Since I do not have a fixed place as such I am always making room.. always downsizing or increasing where I need to.

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      I think when you travel a lot you pretty much learn how to stick to the basics! Thanks, Savy.

  • http://www.facebook.com/widowlady302 Lisa Brandel

    This is beautiful Corinne and very well put.  That which is important to us we make room for no matter what.  Lovely post as always my friend *huggles*

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Thanks, Lisa. Yes, it’s amazing how we do that unconsciously too! Hugs back!

  • Dian429

    I also love books and have always made room for them. Yes, we do some how make room no matter what for what means a lot to us.  Enjoyed this very much. Thank you

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Looks like we’re all book lovers here – and that’s wonderful! I’m attempting to find a link to your blog, if you have one. Thanks for your comment @f0292a00d467d6d9a14f432d1846aef7:disqus 

  • http://twitter.com/AnnaSides Anna Sides

    How brilliantly worded Corinne.  I know that mine should be health, although friendships and family are higher on the list.  That is what I make time for each day :)   Thank you both for a wonderful post!

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Thank you, Anna. I think health must come before friendship and family because if we’re not healthy we can’t be there for our friends and family. 

  • Anonymous

    lovely.

    when i was a little girl i would dream of having a house with a library.  now, i have a very small house, like a doll’s house, but it is filled with book shelves — i love it ;-)

    i will be thinking about your question — may even write a post about that myself …

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      I had the exact same dream, Linda and these shelves are a dream come true! Looking forward to that post! 

      • http://twitter.com/SRumzi Sonia Rumzi

        Ladies, me too. I had the exact dream and thought of My Fair Lady and the library Henry Higgins had and drooled. :)

        • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

          Oh yes, who can forget Henry HIggins’ study? One of my all time favorite movies, by the way :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Leah-Griffith/1219463236 Leah Griffith

    Corinne, I love the book shelves! What a perfect metaphor. I guess the thing I value and need to make more room for is quiet time and meditation. I tend to scurry along at a rather fast pace without slowing down until I’m completely spent. Another thing would be taking more time for exercise. I tend to sit a lot;)
    Peace & Hugs,
    Leah

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Thanks for coming by here, Leah. I think I need to make space for exactly the same things! 

  • http://twitter.com/hudakcollins Mary

    I have good intentions of health first, but family and friends always seem to creep up in first place :)

    • http://twitter.com/SRumzi Sonia Rumzi

      Sounds like you have your priorities set and they are good and working for you. Not so bad to live for others first.

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      I have to disagree a bit, Mary (and Sonia). If you’re not in good health how will you be able to really be there for your family and friends.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Tameka-Mullins/690195359 Tameka Mullins

    Corinne, I also love books and would probably make the same decision regarding utilizing space. So true also about making room and time for the things you truly value. Actually this notion has been weighing heavily on my heart these days as I’ve discovered I may not be valued as much as I’d like. Cheers and have a wonderful weekend!

    http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2011/10/lyric-fire-look-at-my-fabulous-life-episode-10-.html

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Thanks for coming by, Tameka. You know, I’ve learned (the hard way!) that we will not be valued until we value ourselves first. You’re a beautiful, strong and very talented woman – anyone not valuing would be stupid….Hugs ~ Corinne

  • http://10stepstofindingyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/ Galen Pearl

    I just reclaimed a room in the house for my own use, and what did I put in it?  Books!  A futon for guests, a small table for writing, and lots of bookshelves! 

    Happy to see Corinne here.

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Sounds wonderful, Galen. Can I come visit? :)

      • http://twitter.com/SRumzi Sonia Rumzi

        Me too. I want to visit please. :)

  • http://twitter.com/elramey debra elramey

    Writing space and time!  

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      That’s what we all need, Debra :)

  • http://mariscamera.blogspot.com/ Mari Sterling Wilbur

    Like you and your hubby, we love our books. We have books on art, photography, pottery, crafts, poetry, writing, gardening, some classics, and books by authors we love. We lug our books with us whenever we move. Can’t live without them!!

    • http://www.everydaygyaan.com Corinne Rodrigues

      Your taste in books is so varied, Mari and that’s wonderful. What would we be without our books? :)

  • Totsymae

    You have a way of writing metaphorically. I’ve noticed that when visiting you before and how you were always encouraging me to think positively about my experiences in Taiwan.

    As for health, I have had to get on track with it.  I’m eating a no sodium diet and starting to exercise. I’m so lazy with exercising lately. Well, don’t let me lie. Most of my life. Eating healthy has been a good thing. Everything is either natural, which includes juicing or lightly cooked. No pre-packaged foods. Luckily, my son is hear to help me with that.

  • Totsymae

    Oops, this is Corrine, not Sonia. Well, I’ve visited with you before Corrine. Sorry for the blooper and nice seeing you again. :-)

    • http://twitter.com/SRumzi Sonia Rumzi

      Yes, Corinne does have a way of writing that draws you in and keeps you buoyant for the rest of the day. No blooper! It still is hers. :) Waving at you. Glad you made it!

  • http://twitter.com/SRumzi Sonia Rumzi

    I want to thank everyone who visited and talked to Corinne. I want to thank Corinne for honoring me and posting on my blog. You are a precious friend. :)