Peak Potential Work Space

School days have begun and with it comes the stress of routine changes, high expectations in all areas and the daunting workload of the year to come. I am often asked how to best set up a desk for success both in the academic & professional world. Clients also question how to do this when the space or budget is tight. Here are some ideas on ways to launch your student (or you) and set them up with a chic space, no matter the size, and give them the foundation of a space that supports optimum performance.

Studies have shown that your environment impacts your performance. It can help you with the task at hand aiding your productivity, creativity and distractibility. Or, it can hinder all those factors that go into effective work. This determines whether you or your student achieve optimum results. Let’s look at some simple and cost effective solutions for a chic and savvy work space that will help you and those you love get the grades or work performance you hope to achieve.

1. Color

Color is often used to design inspiring interiors but it also can help create an organized space, helpful habits and clear thinking. Color coordinate subject binders with needed accessory storage containers so that you help your student develop an habits of organization. For example, if your student has a blue binder for math, make sure that all items associated with math are blue and pick up a blue container to place calculators, protractors and in my case ample erasers. This will help them focus on the task at hand, math, without getting side-tracked and distracted hunting for needed items.

2. Differentiate the Space

From a psychological perspective it is important to differentiate between spaces to help one’s mind shift into the mindset of the activity ahead. Maybe you have a favorite reading or relaxation chair, your brain adjusts to the feeling and physical state just by thinking about it. Creating a space that is designated for a specific activity can help your student get into study mode. One way to do this in a small space that might be multi-functional is to place a carpet under the desk. This helps to differentiate the space and help trigger the mechanics in the brain that will tell your student it is time to study.

3. Clutter

Clutter is a big distraction to optimum academic or professional performance. In today’s world we have an abundance of cords that contribute to clutter around our work spaces. Creating plug-in spots that eliminate the cord chaos is ideal. Tying up loose cords with elastics a or ties can calm the commotion.

4. Utilize all Surfaces

Sometimes study spaces can be tight and it is important to utilize every nook and cranny. Realizing that you can use the walls and ceiling to free up space is key. And, it can help you make a unique statement with your space! Hanging baskets, dry-erase or cork boards can double your useable area. Hanging lights from the ceiling can help you free up much needed desk space.

5. Colorful Boxes

Again, I love color! One clever way to make your space vibrant, colorful and organized is to incorporate hat boxes that can hold workspace essentials like paper, envelopes or ink cartridges. There are so many stacking box options in a variety of shapes and colors that can help you manage the items needed to successfully navigate academia or execute professional prowess.

These are just a few ideas to create a chic workspace that will support optimum performance.

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Create Home, Health & Happiness!

From the time I was a child I have always felt that the 1st day of school marks the beginning of the year more so than New Year’s Day. Despite the fact that I have gone through periods of time untethered by the school calendar, that feeling hasn’t changed. I feel the shift in every aspect of my being but especially when I am outdoors.

As we sat on our back deck this past weekend, surrounded by family, the sun-drenched space was exceptionally hot so we decided to venture up to the pool. We chose a shaded spot to lounge by this liquid oasis. However, the protected spot offered cool, crisp air that made me bundle up in beach towels and decide not to venture into the turquoise water. My body sensed the change in the air before it registered in my awareness. I am always amazed at how our bodies are in cadence with the natural world. What I realized was, I could incorporate this natural rhythm into my life and use this time as a catalyst to create the best version of me, my home, health and happiness.

Does your internal sensory system notice the shift?

Does this mark the New Year for you?

The New Year is the perfect time to assess where you are in your home, health, happiness and overall life. In this week’s article we will look at a few things you can do to create an inspired living in your life!

It is hard to believe that Labor Day is here! The summer season seemed to fly by with adventures to New Hampshire, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Connecticut. Part of me is sad to say goodbye to the season of sun & sea. But, I am looking forward to a little more structure, the golden hue of leaves and simmering soups that nurture my soul. I like to use the seasonal shift as a stimulus to create inspired living in my life. You can use the natural shift in the season to help propel you towards the life & home you hope to create. Use this time to help you construct a lifestyle that you love. Let’s look at a few simple solutions to help you create inspired living…

Awareness:

Awareness is first. Determine where you want to be and take stock in where you currently are. Take a few moments to use your imagination and visual your ideal life. Write down what you envision. What would the rooms in your home look like? What colors would you incorporate? What activities would you be doing? How would you feel both physically and emotionally? Now take a moment to survey the landscape of your life and determine where you are actually at. Don’t worry if there is a huge disparity between where you are and where you want to be. Realize that gaining the awareness of this gap is sometimes the biggest challenge in creating inspired living in your life. This awareness can help to propel you forward to design your version of your best life!

Plan:

Now that you have a big-picture awareness of what you hope to create in your life & home, let’s put a plan in place to make it happen! Hopefully you have clearly defined what you hope to create or where you want to be in your life. Look at the items on your list and break down your actions into manageable steps. If you want to do a complete redesign of one room it is important to put a plan in place before you begin to take action otherwise you will end up with a disaster at the end. Trust me, it won’t be the result you were hoping for. The same can be said for any aspect of your life. Do you want a healthier body? Create manageable steps so that you won’t get discouraged and quit. Realize that if you couldn’t run 5 miles the first time you tied your sneakers in 5 years the steps weren’t manageable or realistic. Small steps will help you help build the momentum needed to encourage you to keep going and create inspired living in your life!

Action:

A plan is only as good as the action taken to get you where you want to be. Use this transitional time of year to create supportive structure in your home, body, mind & spirit. Do away with what hasn’t supported you and mindfully incorporate action steps into each day. Celebrating each success will help you reinforce the positive momentum and help you create inspired living in your life!

As the air makes its annual shift to crisp breezes and the leaves begin to golden it is a time to reflect on what you hope to create in your home, health and happiness. Put a plan in place that will help you successfully navigate your way to your ideal vision of your life. Take action now! Use the simple steps above to help you create inspired living and the life of your dreams!

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Pic Credit: Conde Nast Traveler

Have You Hit Pause?

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful abundance of nature that is flourishing at this time of year. I am amazed as I look around and see a plethora of hydrangeas in an array of blue, white, purple and pink. The profusion of rose blossoms are rich with color as they continue to multiply and open. This natural process of growth and expansion is mirrored in daily living. Sometimes as we speed along on the fast lane of life we forget that it is important to take time to sit back, sip some lemonade and savor the view. These moments of pause and appreciation rejuvenate the mind, body & spirit.

Sometimes it is necessary to hit the pause button! Have you ever felt that way? Last week I “hit” the proverbial wall when I realized that we (our family) was adding in our 8^th hockey tournament this summer. If you are a friend on Facebook (& if you’re not, please come say hi!) you know that we have traveled far and wide for hockey tournaments. Let me first clarify, I love watching my children play their many sporting endeavors and they will tell you that I am an enthusiastic and animated fan! That being said, it is also nice to have some quiet time as a family. Time to sit by the ocean and breath the salty sea air (instead of Freon from an ice rink!) These moments of pause are essential to yours and my well-being!

When I “hit my wall” I admittedly had a “Mommy Meltdown Moment” which led to the decision to take a few days of R & R. I usually honor the sensations that tell me I am doing too much or that I need a break before I get there, but sometimes it can be so easy to get swept along by the strong currents of life and forget that the inner “batteries” need to be recharged!

My husband and I headed north from Boston and spent a romantic weekend on the coast of New Hampshire & Maine. Sea, sand, salt air and lobster salad helped me to regain by equilibrium and once again breathe deep.

In the quiet moments, when you and I are able to step off the frenetic treadmill we gain clarity, insight and appreciation of the growth and expansion that naturally occurs in our lives. This opens us to a plethora of new possibilities that continuously show up to make our lives rich, colorful and extraordinary. We close down, miss and shut out these opportunities when we are racing through life without hitting pause. Is it time for you to hit pause?

Honor that part of you that needs to sit back, sip some lemonade and savor the view.

PS… We are opening the doors to the Home in Harmony Master Class Summer Series! This is a FREE virtual event where experts share their secrets on home, health & happiness! Grab your seat now so that you can sit back and be inspired!

Get your FREE ALL ACCESS PASS HERE!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Clutter Clear Formula

I recently had an ad come through my inbox from a furniture company that read, “ A new formula against clutter.” I thought, “Wow, I love the idea and wonder what they could be offering that would be new to someone’s clutter clearing woes?” Even someone who is as orderly and clutter free as I am can have clutter issues creep into their home from time to time… especially with four children who love to collect, collect and collect. Do you ever face the clutter gremlins in your life? In this week’s article we will look at a formula that can tame the clutter!

Excitedly, I clicked on the link that would divulge the new formula. Well, unfortunately the ad gave me the same square, cubby style bookshelves that have been popular forever. The new formula meant that the company changed the baskets & bins and designed lively colors and patterns that would help make a space unique and fun. My attention was drawn to this email ad and it made me realize that we all need reminders of when, why and how to tame the clutter gremlins before they grow and takeover your space.

When

For those that consider their space clutter free it is still important to put strategies in place that will ensure that clutter won’t become an issue. Begin BEFORE the clutter gets out of control. For those that know clutter is already an issue creating a strategy to manage the clutter is key. The answer for those that land on either end of the spectrum and those that fall somewhere in-between is the calendar. Utilize your calendar to create a course of action… a plan. Depending on your needs determine what needs to be done and by when. Putting a timeline in place to clear clutter or assessing your clutter situation will help you to tame clutter gremlins that can knock on your door.

Why

Why does it matter? I get asked this question on a daily basis. “Mom, why do we have to clean the kid’s office?” or “Why do we have to clean my room?” The answer is simple. Clutter depletes your energy. What do I mean when I say that? It affects you on a conscious and unconscious level. When you have a pile of clutter that needs to be dealt with, it is an item on your to-do list that needs to be completed. It robs you of your energy and weighs you down until you tackle it. It also can create roadblocks for you affecting your life, goals and aspirations. When you can’t find your keys and you are late to work, or the important document that needs to be handed in or sent out is nowhere to be found, or you become frustrated because your favorite shirt is missing. All of these scenarios deplete your energy and create a negative spiral affect on your mood, day and life.

3 How’s

Everything you have in your space should have a place! Label the place if it will help you or the people you live with! This might be a great time to get some of those storage spaces that can help you to organize your things. When bringing new items into your living environment think about getting rid of something you know longer need or use. This can help cut down on the surplus and overwhelming inundation of items that can pile up in your home. Pick up some fun bins or baskets in your favorite fabrics or colors that will motivate you to keep your space looking great!

I think when it comes to a “new clutter clearing formula” the famous Nike ad that says, “Just Do It!” is more appropriate! Take action today to keep the clutter gremlins at bay!

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Feeling Overwhelmed?

It is so interesting that there seem to be cycles or themes in life that many people face at the same time. I have recently noticed with friends, family, clients and mastermind group members that a sense of overwhelm and frustration has bubbled to the surface and become a part of their daily living. This creates a block to inspired living. Let’s look at ways to navigate gracefully through these feelings with ease and feel more empowered than ever!

I know that I too have recently experienced waves of overwhelm. With the kids home from school during the summer the house seems to constantly need tidying, they need to be driven to various activities or are asking for friends galore to come through our door. As much as I love the bustle of energy, it doesn’t leave much time for designing houses, videos that need to be created, recording interviews or writing blog post and newsletters! Let me explain how I moved through the overwhelm so that I could ride the waves of life instead of being crushed under the force.

There are ways to meet the challenge of overwhelm that either create more chaos or infinite calm. Let’s look at two keys that will help you move through this wave of inundation and set you up to surf any future tumultuous seas with ease and grace. Prioritize and delegate. Although they sound simple, they can be tricky to implement, especially when the forceful currents of overwhelm have you submerged.

Prioritizing is a fundamental tool that will help you move through this phase, one step at a time. Realize that this is a phase and you can get through it. Training yourself to move through these simple but effective steps will set you up for success and move you out of ‘stuck’ with effortless momentum:

Categorize what needs to be accomplished: You will feel relief just by putting pen to paper and creating a plan.
Prioritize the items so that you have a go-forward plan: This relieves the stress of “What should I do next?”
Begin to take steps to check items off your list: Every time you check something off your list it will feel like an accomplishment or reward that will motivate you to keep going.
Stick to the task and don’t allow yourself to get distracted: It is so easy to get distracted by people, the Internet or other items. Stay focused!

Another fundamental element that can help alleviate stress and strain in your life is to delegate. It is amazing how simple this sounds and how difficult it can be to do! As a parent I know how it is soooo much easier to do everything myself and as a CEO my perfectionistic side believed that only I could do it “right”. I also was keenly aware that in either arena no one could do it like me. Often I had a hard time asking for help because I thought that it somehow showed weakness. Have you ever felt that way? Well, I am here to tell you that it actually demonstrates strength to delegate. “Help” is not a four-letter word of weakness. It takes skill to communicate what you would like done and how to do it. Begin to practice this skill and the overwhelm will begin to dissipate.

In my business I have been practicing asking for help in areas of online management, marketing, bookkeeping, implementing design ideas (to name a few). And for those type A people out there, it is a practice! Well, this practice has allowed my company to grow. I finally realized I didn’t have the bandwidth to do it all, or do it all well. When I finally got help in areas that I wasn’t excited about it gave me the opportunity to do more of the things I am passionate about, which creates inspired momentum.

This is true on the home front as well. At home I realized to maintain a Home in Harmony this summer, everyone needs to contribute in some way. This alleviates a few of the household burdens that can be all consuming. My youngest decided that she wanted to be in charge of all the potted plants inside and outside our home. She has been diligent with her daily watering and the plants have literally never looked better! This seemingly small task alleviated my need to worry about when I would water the plants or the weighing on my mind that I had once again forgotten to do it! Learning to delegate can be a challenge, especially for those of us who know we do it best… that is, until you find out that someone else can do it better when you make room for them to do it.

When you start to submerge from the tug of life’ currents take a moment to assess what to prioritize and where you can delegate. This opens up the opportunity for you to find your ease, grace and equilibrium in the gentle and tumultuous waves of daily living.

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO