Okay, you've had an entire month to settle into 2018. So, how are those New Year's Resolutions coming along? Are you keeping them? It's hard to do, we know - life gets in the way. But don't give up on your hopes and dreams just yet.
Do, however, fight off the guilt you feel when your eye lands on that overwhelming pile of clothing in the corner (that would be easier to donate than launder at this point), or when you have the slight inclination to give names to the dust balls hiding under your bed (they're looking kind of cute!), or when you'd simply rather take a nap than do anything productive. That's right, fight it off, be kind to yourself... you can do this.
Level Craft thinks the key to making big improvements in your life is to start with little changes in your immediate environment. I don't know about you, but when our houses are clean and organized we feel like we can take on the world! Our homes should be happy places that reflect our inner beings and provide respite after a long day, don't you agree? If so, read on. Level Craft has researched some proven ways to bring calm and positivity to your most scared place.
Courtesy of Lori Andrews aka The 10 Cent Designer
SIMPLIFY
Whether you're into the Chinese harmonizing philosophy of Feng Shui, or the Danish celebration of the simple way of life called hygge, pronounced "hue-guh," a good way to start your path to happiness is to clean house! And we don't mean literally, so put the cleaning supplies away for now - we mean get rid of that bad energy.
Declutter.
Remove everything from your house that is annoying or emotionally overwhelming. Rearrange your furniture to create an inviting and harmonious space. Of course, this sounds like a daunting task, but start small. We suggest beginning in the bathroom or bedroom. Work your way through each room of your home. Condense. Simplify. Spotlight items and materials you love. We adore these jars of healing herbs and spices in our neighbor's window.
Courtesy of Angela Georges Photography
RECONNECT
Go through your home and revisit your possessions, form a new relationship with them. See your belongings in a new and different light. Give them a new life! Move them. Dust them off. Create vignettes around your home using materials, textures, and colors that you love. Reconnect with nature by bringing the outside in. We love the pine cones in this vignette created by our friend and designer. Bring life into your home by incorporating items you love. It will bring you calm and comfort.
FOCUS
Finally, we encourage you to set goals. We're guessing your New Year's resolutions had something to do with being more organized, more active, and more involved, right? Right. We all want the same things. Self-improvement is difficult. It requires, time, consideration, reflection, determination and quite often, sacrifice. What can you do around the house to help you stay focused on your long-term goals?
- Reflection Routine- Now that you've organized and created good energy in places around your home, where will you sit to ponder your future and collect your thoughts? We feel it's important to make time to reflect. Reflect on your habits, your goals, your ability to change. Even if it's only for 15 minutes a day, the act of simply thinking about what you want and why you want it will help you stay focused on your future. We suggest a spot near a bright window.
- Keep a Journal- Sometimes writing it down, or keeping a tangible image helps with bringing a desire to fruition. We've always kept fresh ideas close to us in written form. Let's face it, it's easier to recall if we have it written down. Also, we love seeing our progression and growth in journals.
- Collaborate- What a wonderful way to stay inspired and to learn new skills. If you seek help from others, some great ideas and experiences are bound to happen! Besides, we can't do it all alone, and others will be willing to help you succeed. It's more fun to achieve success with friends. Oh, and there's that accountability piece, too.
- Visualize- Do not underestimate the power of your mind. The mental practice of visualizing your desires can enhance your motivation and inner strength. Close your eyes and imagine your goals. What do they look like? What do they feel like? Visualization helps you stay on track. We prefer to practice this mental activity right before bed. It's a great way to relax and relish in what can and will be!
So, there you have it.
Simplify your life, reconnect with your surroundings, and stay focused on your future. You might not have the financial resources to build your own home right now, or to start the remodel of your dreams, but you can certainly take action, today, to improve your living spaces. In doing so, you'll be inviting calm into your home and creating beauty around you. It's what we try to accomplish with every project.
Now, get to work!
Best,
Virginia + Debbie
