The only line I remember from the movie “Julie and Julia” is
“Don’t crowd the mushrooms”
In case you haven’t seen the movie, or heard this culinary wisdom, here’s the gist:
Mushrooms are full of water
When you heat them up, their water is released as steam.
If you pack too many mushrooms in a pan, their collective steam has nowhere to go, creating a hot tub that steams mushrooms into mushy little blobs.
But if you give them room, the air can flow, the steam can dissipate, the mushrooms can brown and they caramelize into yummy goodness.
Good gravy, I love a good metaphor:
When we crowd our physical spaces, our things can literally change, too.
It’s harder to dust and to clean, and the clutter can invite must, mildew, or other nastiness.
But even if we’re able to keep our stuff clean, overcrowding doesn’t allow space to breathe and shine.
Listen.
Design-wise, I’m a maximalist.
I love a collection. A gallery wall. Why have one plant when you can host a party of plants?
Abundance is definitely one of my joy languages. But when my “collections” get overcrowded, they stop shining. They blur. And like steamy mushrooms, my display can turn into a mushy gray blob.
Don’t crowd the mushrooms.
Leave (or make) a little room to breathe, to let off some steam, and let the goodness develop.
Whew, I love a metaphor with layers:
When we overcrowd our lives, the same process happens. We can go through actual physical changes. It’s harder to breath, to think, and to process, and the lack of space can breed all sorts of nastiness (nasty health, nasty attitudes, etc.)
We need a little margin in our life, places (as Seth Godin says) to “put our tired.”
Space to let off our steam so we don’t turn into mushy gray blobs.
What can you pull out of your space, your calendar, or your mental/emotional load today to make some room to breathe and let goodness develop?
Don’t Crowd the Mushrooms!
Uncovering Real 