Welcome to the Neurotic Exotic

Welcome to my little corner of solace in a decade that seems to have forgotten the meaning of tranquility. If you’re anything like me, you’ve felt the weight of the world pressing into your chest, the constant barrage of chaos and uncertainty seeping into every aspect of life. So far, this decade can shove it.

But amidst the storm, I’ve found my anchor in the simple joys of homemaking. In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise and distraction, I’ve discovered that there’s a certain peace to be found in intentionally creating a sanctuary within the walls of my home. And, perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that these small acts of care—for my home, my family, and myself—are powerful tools in navigating the complexities of mental health and all its malignancy.

No doubt it was my neurotic nature, inherited from generations past, that led me down this path. I come from a long line of beautifully flawed individuals, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. Anxiety, depression, and the unseen struggles of the mind have been familiar visitors in our home, weaving themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. But instead of letting them define us, we’ve found ways to soften their edges—through laughter, food, radical acceptance, and the simple rituals that ground us when everything else feels unsteady.

Now, every day is a lesson. Every meal cooked, every present moment, is a small victory against the chaos outside and the battles within. And as I delve into the world of homemaking, I find myself reconnecting with my roots, both literally and figuratively. I’m learning the secrets of my grandmother’s recipes, preserving her memory in every dish that graces my table, and, in doing so, finding a sense of calm in the act of creation.

So, won’t you join me on this journey? Let’s celebrate the simple joys of home together, let’s revel in the warmth and comfort that can be found in the most ordinary of moments. Because in a decade that’s been anything but kind, and in a life where mental health is an ever-present thread, it’s the little things that sustain us.

-Deana