Embracing Life
Hidden Drawers
My husband only wanted a drawer. Last spring, I embarked on a much-needed home improvement project. Since our children are happily married, it was time to replace the faded furnishings, flowered wallpaper and funky green carpet that served us well for 20 years. With absolutely no concept of how to coordinate color schemes, I was in desperate need of assistance. I turned to the phone book for ideas. An irresistible ad for an interior decorator, who described herself as The Design Diva, flew off the yellow page. After one brief meeting with Celine, I instinctively knew she would be the perfect person to help resurrect our house from the ‘80s era.
Reluctantly, my husband agreed to the renovations, but asked for a surreptitious spot to hide his private possessions. Purchasing end tables with drawers seemed a simple solution to his one request.
Tackling the remodeling task was merely a matter of organization. Celine surveyed the area stores in advance, plotted a shopping route and created a detailed list of things to accomplish. I arranged for a day off from work and was prepared to make quick decisions based on her recommendations. Our prudent plan would be painless. Since Jeff’s only desire was a safe space for his confidential belongings, we made finding suitable furniture the initial item on the day’s itinerary.
Eagerly, we began our excursion. On display was a handsome coffee table, drastically reduced in price. Matching end tables were not in stock, but could be ordered from the manufacturer’s catalog. The salesperson showed us sketches, but drawers were not evident or mentioned in the written description. Even though this table seemed ideal, there were many other businesses to solicit.
After exploring every available option, we discovered that sets with two end tables and drawers simply did not exist. Celine suggested that we take a break, meditate and re-evaluate our challenge. Our resolution was to buy manly boxes for Jeff’s secret stuff. We returned to the shop we visited 10 hours earlier, purchased the first furniture we saw and surrendered for the day.
Ironically, I discover answers to complex questions from everyday easy exercises. This time it involved failing to find ordinary furniture. I experienced similar feelings of defeat many times before. Insomnia drains my ability to sleep, as my mind crams emotions into well-concealed mental folders. My venture to locate a structure that would be visible and welcoming while providing an undetectable place to hide delicate belongings was daunting. It also seemed symbolic of my lifelong quest to hide insecurities. Prayers for explanations to my unresolved quandaries allowed me to silence my mind and sleep. As is my normal routine, I awoke the next morning with my dilemma diminished to a mere memory.
The remodeling proceeded. Eight weeks later, nearly every component was complete. The corner stands were the grand finale, the last items delivered. They were worth the wait. Their elegance added character to the newly painted room and matched the decorative masculine containers. Side panels of sculptured wood with swirling arch-like motifs on the side panels gracefully decorated the tables. Knobs (or handles) were not a part of their design. When Jeff inspected the impeccably crafted work, he discovered the hidden drawers. Miraculously, my questions were answered!
The explanation was simple and found in the serene archives of my being. After decades of searching for methods to gain self-worth, I learned all I needed was already in my soul patiently waiting for me to discover. Like my hunt for furniture that fateful day, my treasure chest of self-confidence was located at the very beginning of my journey.
Arjun Singhe wrote in “Hidden Secrets in Self Efficacy Development,” published in the American Chronicle: “All the individuals in this world have an inner self. Most of the people often fail to realize their inner self and its aspirations. This inner self is responsible for all the actions taken by an individual. This hidden self can be best defined as the true reflection of a person’s sub-conscious and deepest desires and persona.”
Celine helped me design the interior of my home, embrace my buried sentiments and perhaps uncover my untapped diva. §
Donna Bonnell is a writer in Newberry. She may be contacted at Donna@towerpublications.
