Setting the stage for transformation

Ok! So you’re ready to start thriving!

• You’ve carved out time to determine your three to five core values for this season of your life

• You’ve identified the biggest obstacles to living out those core values on a daily basis

• You’ve sought out encouragement and accountability in overcoming those obstacles from a friend, mentor, coach, or support group

• You are dedicated to regular self-check-ins to reflect on what is working and what is not, creating a framework for your day through weekly and daily planning, and establishing new routines that reinforce healthy habits (your core values in action). 

Now, my friends, it is time to set the stage for your transformation!

Your living environment will be just as important to your growth as your mindset and your commitment to maintaining good physical health.  It’s challenging to find inspiration or achieve clarity in a cluttered space.

Before embarking on this new intentional living journey, do yourself a huge favor by setting up a designated space in your home for morning stillness, journaling, dreaming, planning, working, reading, and other growth-focused activities.

This space should light you up! Whether it’s a full office, a corner of a guest room (like mine), or a cozy chair with a side table, your command center for intentional living should evoke a sense of peace, hope, joy, and productivity. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity!  

Make it beautiful

Aesthetically pleasing environments trigger the release of dopamine, which leads to feelings of contentment and well-being. Beauty stimulates imagination and innovation, and it connects us to an eternal perspective that emphasizes continuous growth and flourishing, rather than mere survival. It doesn’t have to be lavish or costly; in fact, less is often more when it comes to a beautiful home. White space, organization, and carefully curated décor that represent your unique taste and style can help you appreciate what you already have in a whole new way!

Make it motivational

When aiming to build lasting habits that reflect your core values, visual reminders of those values are crucial for keeping your focus on what matters most. Displaying quotes, scripture verses, images, or other items that inspire you to stay in and embody light will encourage an abundance mindset and a spirit of gratitude, both of which are essential to staying on track. 

Feed your senses

Our beautiful Orthodox services are a feast for the senses! Entering the Church feels like a preview of heaven for our eyes, ears, nose, mind, body, and soul. It offers healing to every part of us! To some extent, we can bring that divine beauty home by emulating Her holistic approach to prayer and worship in our living and work spaces. Adding icons, candles, music, and nature to your intentional living command center will remind you that seeking first the Kingdom of God is essential for accessing Christ’s strength, guidance, and discernment along this path. The more we pray and listen, the more stamina we will have to run the race set before us with perseverance.

Your very existence is a miracle! Your life and everything that makes you YOU are incredibly special! Setting the stage for a new (or renewed) commitment to being the best possible steward of that miracle will energize your dedication to your goals. Light the candle! Turn off the distractions! Grab your journal and your planner! 

It’s time to begin.