desk photo 2 (1)As we drove by the cranberry bogs towards “the school by the sea” my heart was heavy and I did all I could to hold back tears. We were greeted by enthusiastic smiles. Friendly guides helped us navigate our way through the registration day process.  Typically the ocean air, harbor full of bobbing sailboats and nautical flags dancing in the wind would have made my spirit soar. But, on this day, the beautiful landscape only lulled the waves of emotion that would rise to the surface and catch in my throat. I knew the evolution of time had caught me by surprise. How could it be that our oldest daughter was ready to be launched into the world without me there holding her hand each day and kissing her goodnight every evening? Thoughts swirled through my head… Had I done enough to prepare her for her journey? Should I have focused less on bedtimes, frozen blueberries on the floor and imploring requests to help out? What could I do in these last moments that would set her up to fly and help her understand in an unspoken way how much she was loved. The answer came when we rounded the corner of her new room and peered in at the grey plastic mattress, white walls and traditional dorm room furniture that consisted of a dresser, metal framed bed, desk and chair. My mother hen instincts kicked in and I knew in my core that the room needed a redesign to help support her. I needed to create an environment that would nurture, revitalize and inspire her as she embarked on this new adventure and traversed the foreign landscape of living away from her nest.  I had 2 hours to make this into a haven that would help my little bird fly. Using the four pillars of the Home in Harmony lifestyle, the 4 tips ahead share what I did to help her launch, calm my anxiety and support you in feeling nurtured, vibrant and rejuvenated…

1. Color

Color can transform an environment and your mood from “blah” to “ahh”. Taking the time to realize which colors make you feel vibrant, rejuvenated and supported is important when creating a well-designed space that nurtures you or those you love.  In the dorm room my daughter chose two colors that she loves and we incorporated them into the all aspects of the design so that the space flowed gracefully and felt harmonious. Pink and pool were found on her towels, comforter and accessories. These colors were chosen because of their fresh and upbeat vibe and the uplifting relationship that she has with these colors.

2. Healthy

Initially we struggled at finding needed dorm room items that were both teen and mom approved.  We either found comforters that were chic and toxic or ones that were drab and healthful.  I understood that she wanted to arrive on the scene with something cute and fun that matched her personality. But, I wasn’t willing to compromise her health knowing that it is critical for health and vitality to choose home furnishing items that are non-toxic.  This is especially true when sleeping for eight hours (I hope!) and breathing in the off-gasses from bedding. We finally found bedding that met her teenage standards and my health conscious criteria!  Phew! This was true for her sheets, towels and toiletries as well.

3. Organization

Creating an organized environment is critical for overall success and feelings of well-being. Disorganization can create chaos in one area of your life that spills over to all areas. Taking the time to arrange her or your environment in an orderly and structured way is one way to set her and you up for success.

4. Inspiration-Motivation

We included a variety of items that would make her smile and inspire her to be the best she can be. The easiest way to do this is to find an item with your favorite affirmative or inspiring saying on it and place it in your space. You can also include mementos that will remind you of special moments in your life that made you smile. Take a moment to include some of these things in your space to rejuvenate you when you need it most.

These are some of the things I did to make a nest for my little bird who is beginning to fly on her own. Deep in my heart I know how important her environment is for her overall wellbeing. I want to ensure that she is set up with a space that supports, nurtures and rejuvenates her mind, body and soul.  I also want the same for you.

P.S. I have a fabulous FREE project that I am about to announce! To receive all the details that are coming soon be sure to join my newsletter at the right of this page, if you haven’t done so already, and you will be the first to hear!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Christa O'Leary

 

 

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