My Bedside Table: A Reflection of Intentional Living
The Bedroom. Vincent van Gogh, 1888. Courtesy the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)
Your belongings ultimately reflect who you are at this moment.
I was recently listening to a podcast where the host asked her guest a series of rapid-fire questions, one of which was, “What’s on your bedside table?”
It was a simple yet interesting question that got me thinking about my own bedside table and whether its contents reflect who I am. In the spirit of the Refined Life, where we believe in living with intention and purpose, I took a closer look. I believe they very much do.
Here’s what I keep on my bedside table and the surrounding area—a hodgepodge collection of items that support my daily rituals and reflect what I value.
A Curated Collection of Essentials
My Purse: I always keep my purse nearby. It’s a habit I’ve had for years, ensuring that my essentials are always within reach.
My Phone: Like many, I keep my phone on my bedside table. While I don’t consider myself addicted, I like it nearby in case of emergencies. Also, my family has established a practice of exchanging morning greetings via text. So, my phone is one of the first things I reach for each day, not for emails or social media, but to connect with loved ones.
A Cup of Water: A simple cup of water is a must-have. I like to have it handy in case I need it overnight, and I drink whatever is left as soon as I wake up, starting each day with a small act of self-care.
Books and Inspiration
“The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin: I believe in continual self-discovery, and I choose books that support my journey. For the past year, I’ve been slow-reading “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin. It reminds me of the artist I was and wish to become again. It’s given me much-needed permission to value and live out my creativity. Previously, “The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran lingered on my bedside table.
A Notebook: I have long embraced the practice of keeping one notebook for all aspects of my life. This aligns with the idea that our lives are not lived in compartments and that our tools should reflect that. I use sketchbooks in place of standard notebooks to subtly signal to others and remind myself of who I am. The unlined pages are also handy for brainstorming.
AlphaSmart 3000: In my pursuit of focused work, I also keep an AlphaSmart 3000 nearby. This lightweight, distraction-free word processor supports my goal of writing without the interruptions of modern technology. I’m currently using it to write a book, and its presence serves as a constant reminder of my commitment to this project.
The Bedside Table: A Reflection of Self?
Other than that, I have some personal items that might change depending on the season. But these core items remain fairly constant.
As you reflect on your space, consider this: What do the things by your bedside say about where you are in life, what your dreams and aspirations are, and what your values might be? It’s an enlightening exercise.
