If The Walls Could Speak - What Would They Say - by Erika Mariglia

Erika Mariglia

Resident of Muskegon, MI

Boy Mom. Creative. Storyteller. Outdoorsy. Seeker of new experiences, spontaneity, and fun. Purpose driven and deep thinker. Traveler. Bilingual. Foodie. Closet nerd with a love to laugh, and engage in good conversation. 

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Since the start of the new year, I’ve taken a moment at the end of every month to look back over my photos and think about what some of them meant to me the moment I took them. It’s been a fun way to reflect on all that the month had in store: the mini hills and valleys, the more significant moments, and the way relationships evolve have each been worthy of taking a moment to acknowledge before storing away.

A goal I have as we {gladly} transition from winter into spring is to finally finish painting my basement. Oftentimes when I paint, I’ll paint a meaningful message that represents the space before I lather on the first coat. Knowing that I want this area to be a playroom and an extra living space for my son and our guests, this was the message that inspired me: Create spaces people feel safe in. 

I allowed my almost 6-year-old to paint the walls by practicing writing his name and drawing the largest allosaurus dinosaur possible. Together, the photos were worth reminiscing over. It still looks an absolute mess, but these are the actual moments I’ll cherish. If the walls could speak, what would they say? I hope they would say that people were comfortable and cared for when they walked through my doors. 

When people enter my home, or more so, my presence, I want them to feel welcome, safe …  alive even. Some of those bitter moments that have shaped many of us are most likely when we haven’t felt safe in the presence of others. Hopefully, we learn with time what environments make us feel like we can let our guard down; like we can fully live, and hopefully we spend much of our time in those places and with those people!

As I enjoy the longer days, the buds popping up on my rhododendron plants, the plans that I’m making for the summer months, I know these upcoming months are the ones where I’ll be doing the most hosting. And, gladly! I enjoy bringing people together, and I love cooking. These are things that make me come alive. 

However, as I reflect on my own journey, on the message that I painted on my walls, knowing that I want my home to feel like a safe space for whoever enters it, I have to take a look at myself and make sure I’m doing what I need to be healthy. A space is just a space if the presence felt isn’t one that brings physical and emotional safety. 

That said, I’m sure we’ll collectively be taking many, many photos in these next months. What do you hope to look back on and cherish? I’d love for you to send me one of your photos and tell me what it means to you.  Contact me at erika@myccmag.com