Decluttering our Inner and Outer Worlds: Why Intentional Design Matters There’s something undeniably magical about a freshly decluttered space. It’s like a breath of fresh air that sweeps through, clearing away old energy and making room for something new. Over the last few years, I’ve decluttered much of my house and come to realize that this magic isn’t limited to our physical spaces—it’s equally true for our inner worlds. After working with a coach last year, it occurred to me that releasing old trauma, limiting beliefs, and anything that no longer serves us can create a similar spaciousness within, opening up possibilities we might never have imagined. But here’s the catch: once we create this openness, this fertile ground, we’re left with a choice. If we don’t intentionally design what fills this new space—whether it’s a room in our home or a part of ourselves—life has a way of piling on new clutter. Without conscious design, that beautiful blank slate can quickly become overgrown with weeds. The Garden of Intentional Design Imagine our minds, hearts, and environments as gardens. When we clear out the weeds, we’re left with open, rich soil—a blank canvas of sorts. But if we’re not mindful, the wind will scatter seeds from anywhere, filling the space with whatever drifts in. In the same way, our inner and outer worlds need intentional design to flourish. Rather than leaving them to chance, we can actively choose what grows there. Intentional design goes beyond simply setting an intention; it’s about actively shaping both our environments and our inner worlds to align with what truly matters to us. It’s a process of bringing beauty, meaning, and purpose into the spaces we inhabit—whether those are physical rooms or inner mindscapes. Designing with Intention So, what would it look like to design both our inner and outer worlds with intention? For our outer spaces, this might mean creating areas that nurture us, filling them with objects that carry meaning, and arranging things in ways that feel calm and inviting. For our inner world, it means intentionally cultivating thoughts, beliefs, and practices that bring us joy, peace, and empowerment, rather than letting old patterns or “weeds” take root again. When we approach life this way, we’re not just clearing space—we’re actively designing our reality. We’re creating environments that not only look beautiful but also feel deeply aligned with who we are and who we want to become. Creating a Life of Beauty and Purpose Ultimately, intentional lifestyle design is a path to creating a life that’s full of beauty, meaning, and purpose. True transformation isn’t just removing what doesn’t serve us; it involves choosing, with care and thought, what does. As you go about clearing a drawer, a room, or even a part of yourself, remember: it is not only about creating space; it’s how you fill that space in a way that reflects your highest vision—a life that feels as beautiful as it looks. As you consider designing your life with intention, remember you don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes, an extra set of eyes—both for our spaces and for the inner landscape—can bring clarity and fresh perspective.
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It occurred to me—what if our homes mirror ourselves? What if each room represents a different part of us? The office might symbolize your headspace, the kitchen your stomach, and each corner could carry its own unique energy, much like our physical bodies. This idea occurred to me as I undertook a transformation of both my home and, in many ways, myself. In 2020, we began to slowly renovate our space, but actually, it started even earlier—in 2016. We replaced the downstairs carpet with wood flooring, replaced the siding thanks to a storm, and took the opportunity to update the exterior with a fresh new color. Slowly but surely, I went room by room, decluttering, swapping out the upstairs carpet and bathroom floors, and giving the bathrooms, guest rooms, bedroom and dinning room new life with fresh paint and décor—even the kitchen got some much-needed attention. It was a labor of love, and much elbow grease—and I did it myself for the most part, with help from my husband. Last winter, I turned my attention to a space that had become a catch-all room for my before-and-after art shows, instead of being my gallery room—and transformed it into my design office. It’s now a place for me to think, create, and coach my clients on Zoom. Slowly but surely, our entire home, and myself, transformed. But one room remained untouched: my art studio. The horrendous yellow paint had bothered me for years, but the heavy texture on the walls made repainting it incredibly challenging. I tried shortcuts, hoping they’d make a difference, but nothing worked. Every time I stepped into that room, I felt its resistance. It was the project I kept avoiding, yet I knew I couldn't ignore it forever. I had planned to tackle it in the winter, but, as often happens, other things took priority. By the time July came, I was eager to return to painting. After spending the last four years focused on design, personal growth, and renovating our home, I longed to get back to creating on canvas. Standing in my art studio, I couldn’t help but wonder, “How did I manage to create such beautiful pieces here before?” The room that once inspired me now drained my energy. Even though the summer sun was calling me outdoors, I knew I wouldn’t be content until I tackled the studio and banished most of the mustard yellow that had been there long before me. So, I made the decision to face it head-on and just do it—not postponing it as another winter project for who knows how long. The minute I decided I was going to make my studio beautiful—and truly my own—something inside me shifted. A pattern I was previously unconscious of was revealed—and I finally understood. Inside me was a little girl, patiently waiting for her turn to come. For years, she watched everything and everyone around her get prioritized, and being the good girl that she was, she adapted and dealt with it, never saying a word, never expressing her needs—hoping that one day someone would notice that she wanted things too. And even I didn't notice her. And on that sunny July day, she was finally happy. I couldn’t help but cry, realizing how long she had been patiently waiting for it to be her turn. With the decision to paint my studio (=my heart), everything changed. Forever. I invite you to follow along as I continue this journey, transforming not just my home but my life.
Have you ever noticed how your environment reflects your inner world? What spaces—both in your home and your heart—are you ready to transform? |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
October 2024
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