Nikki Giovanni's "My House" and the Art of Intentional Living

Landscape with Two Poplars. Vasily Kandinsky, 1912. Courtesy the Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago.

The truest measure of a home lies not in its grandeur but in its honest reflection of the soul within.

A home, truly lived in, becomes the autobiography of its dweller, each corner a chapter, every chosen object a word in its unfolding story. It’s this profound connection between our spaces and our selves that came to mind recently as I revisited Nikki Giovanni’s powerful poem, "My House."

Finding Ourselves in "My House"

For those of us dedicated to crafting a refined life, one built on intentional luxury and the discerning principles of minimalism, Giovanni’s words from 1972 resonate with a timeless and invigorating clarity. Giovanni, a poet whose voice has long championed individuality and strength, doesn't just describe a physical dwelling in "My House." She paints a vivid picture of a life lived on her own terms, a space where she defines the rules, the comforts, and even the language. "i mean it's my house," she asserts, "and i want to fry pork chops / and bake sweet potatoes / and call them yams / cause i run the kitchen / and i can stand the heat." This isn't just about culinary preference; it's a declaration of autonomy, a beautiful embrace of modern homemaking as a domain of personal power and creative expression.

The Home as a Personal Declaration

For years, my own path, like that of many women juggling entrepreneurial ambitions and motherhood, led me to prioritize the world outside my front door. My career in business and design, spanning nearly two decades, was exhilarating. Yet, as I’ve journeyed into midlife and embraced a more conscious approach to living, I've found an incredible sense of fulfillment in curating my home environment with the same passion and precision I once reserved for the boardroom. Giovanni's poem feels like an anthem for this evolution. It reminds us that the act of shaping our home, of deciding what and who fills it, is a deeply personal and empowering endeavor. It's about creating a sanctuary that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also a true reflection of our innermost values.

An Invitation to Your Own Intentional Space

Giovanni’s "My House" isn't just a poem; it's an invitation. An invitation to look at our own four walls and ask: Does this space reflect who I am? Is it filled with intention? Does it support the life I aspire to live? As we navigate the beautiful complexities of our own lives, her words serve as a potent reminder that our homes can, and should, be the truest expression of ourselves, the ultimate space where we cultivate joy, peace, and a refined life on our own terms.

What does "My House" mean to you? How do you ensure your home reflects your truest self? I’d love to hear your thoughts over on Instagram or in our Substack community. Let’s continue the conversation on crafting lives and homes that are both worthwhile and worth-having.