WHEN ‘LET THEM’ MEETS MY KITCHEN COUNTER

LET THEM. If this phrase does not ring a bell, then you have clearly been avoiding social media… which, frankly, makes you a much healthier and wiser person than I.

I, on the other hand, try to disconnect, hiding my phone in my closet or intentionally leaving it downstairs – when I am upstairs – but it always beckons. And, yes, I succumb.  

Which brings me back to LET THEM and the author Mel Robbins (who seems to be all over my instagram) of The Let Them Theory.

I won’t offer an unqualified interpretation of the method nor attempt a summary. Instead, I’ll share my rudimentary, real-life application of “Let Them.””

THEM, in this case, being my husband.

My said husband has… interesting ideas when it comes to interior décor. I’m not talking about furniture placement or artwork hanging; he has a keen eye for spatial awareness and is thick as thieves with his precious ‘level’.

Nor am I referring to his quick remarks on the positioning of knickknacks or his constructive (ahem) two-cents on design. Soooo, you might be wondering, what am I talking about?

I’ll tell you.

I often walk into a room and immediately feel something is… off. Does it need a tweak, a subtle repositioning, a ZHUZH? Scanning the area, I spot the offending situation. And upon further observation, I realize it is neither tiny nor subtle. It’s… “a look.”

“A look” I can’t begin to understand, and will not be convinced otherwise. It defies all logic, and frankly, my sanity.

I’ll let you be the judge.

Scenario numero uno: I spy a makeshift art installation cleverly using a pair of worn brown leather shoes. A few random items precariously balanced atop and alongside, seemingly offering balance and masterfully sustaining the compelling structure. The main focal point? Newly glued soles – showcased in what the artiste surely deemed the perfect spot.

ON MY KITCHEN COUNTER!!

Oh the germs, the contamination, the burgeoning contagions.

To adapt to the LET THEM method, ‘THEM’ yet again being my darling husband, I slap on a clench-lipped grin and bravely repeat (to myself), “Let Them”.

“LET THEM”

“LET HIM”!!

Scenario number two: I spy a modern sculpture rooted in abstraction and the wild juxtaposition of a utilitarian tool. Though intended for outdoor use, the genius is in bending of the art form – a piece both suitable for residential indoors and outdoors spaces. A piece that grounds a room. According to the same artiste.

And there it sits, taunting me right there between the couch and fireplace, in my cozy den.

A SNOW BLOWER!!

And again, I bravely repeat (to myself), “Let Them”.

“LET THEM”

“LET HIM”!!

And then there are more: I spy an impressionistic globule of peanut butter, exuberant and wielded like a sculptor’s clay; revealing a visionary master.

The partially opened cabinets and drawers… agape, ajar … might be revealing an unsettled, defenseless perspective or open-minded, unrestricted convictions of the artiste.

Who knows? (but can the artiste please do something about this?)

The second part of Mel Robbins book is LET YOU. The ‘YOU’ being ME. So, how does “Let Me” fit into this shoe-adorned, snow-blower-inhabited, nut-butter-spread, free-wheeling-cupboards habitat? Well, it’s a work in progress, to say the least.

It’s not about waging war on my husband’s artistic expressions (although, a gentle nudge might be in order), but about finding a balance.

For instance, “Let Me” might mean creating a designated “no shoe” zone in the kitchen, as well as a “closed door” and “zero globules” policy. And establishing a shared agreement about the definition of “indoor décor.”

Hey, I’m just trying to build my “Let Them”, “Let Me” muscles, okay?

Perhaps it’s about learning to navigate the delicate dance between letting others be, and allowing myself to be, too. Practical, actionable advice, as a way to shift mindset and behavior.

I fully acknowledge that applying Mel Robbins; “Let Them Theory” to my husband’s cabinet door habits is perhaps, a slight overreaction. But, hear me out… are we absolutely positive this doesn’t qualify as a serious situation? Because I’m pretty sure my blood pressure begs to differ.

Ultimately, it’s reminding me that my peace of mind is just as important as someone’s artistic freedom. 😉

And if all else fails, Mel also has a “5 Second Rule”, which is very helpful when procrastinating… or cleaning up peanut butter. Not to be confused with this 5 second rule:

What do you think about this whole LET THEM/LET YOU thing? Do tell.