Isn’t it interesting just how much of an effect our physical spaces can have on our emotions?  I truly believe that our environments can make or break a mood… they can uplift and inspire, and they can also do just the opposite.

The energy of a space is just as important as our mindset and energy within.

For me, this shows up daily. I happen to really love (and I mean almost obsessively) a clean house. It’s important to me that the counters are clear, the sink is empty, dirty clothes are in the closet in a basket, clean clothes are in the appropriate drawers, toys are put away, and that our closets and attic are neatly organized. Okay, that last one is where the borderline obsessiveness comes in – truly I am not looking at the attic or the kids’ closets every day… but just knowing that they are clean helps me sleep better at night, lol! Seriously, though, when I am in a tidy space I personally feel significantly better (both physically and mentally).  

The same is true for how a space looks and is furnished. Do you ever notice the difference in your physical and/or emotional state when you are in a space that feels really in alignment with things you love? And also when you’re in a space that really isn’t your style? 

One of my personal passions is interior decorating and design. I love to fill my physical spaces with beauty and surround myself with objects that I love… and actually USE them. I eat a quick breakfast off my luxurious French dinnerware every day. I serve spaghetti sauce and chocolate lava cakes to my little loves as they sit on white slipcovered chairs with brushed linen napkins on their laps and often in their plates. I don’t worry about them spilling – because it’s just so joyful to be surrounded by the ones I love in an experience that I love. Being in this space feeds my soul. It sparks my creativity. It makes me happy.  

I believe that as individuals we should strive to always show up as our best selves. And your physical environment has an effect on how you show up.

In order to be the best version of yourself, I encourage you to take a look at your work space. How does it make you FEEL to be in that room, or office? Are you inspired in that space? Is it filled with things you love and find beautiful? Most of us spend close to ½ of our day in that one space. Don’t ignore it. This is where some of your best work will be done. 

I often look at the incredible architecture found in cathedrals and places of worship. These are the places where we go to praise our Maker. And those spaces are held in the highest regard, and adorned as such – no expense spared. I am in no way implying that we should be creating shrines to honor ourselves as we do God. I ask you to consider this, though: As the ‘maker’ of your own brand and leader of a movement toward a greater tomorrow for all, shouldn’t your workspace reflect the amazing work you do and inspire greatness?

The same is true for your home. To me, my family’s home is an expression of who we are (okay – I guess you could argue it’s more who I am, since I’m the decision maker and creator as far as décor goes). It’s important to me that the house is filled with colors and textures and items that we love. It’s still a work in progress, as we manage our resources and slowly work to get each room to a point where we love it… but even the little things like painting, changing room and furniture layouts, and letting go of furniture that no longer feels right in this home has made a huge difference in the energy of the space we moved into just under 2 years ago. I can’t wait to redo bathrooms and kitchens!

Just for fun, I thought I’d share a few snapshots of some of my favorite things about our home. 

Our physical environment truly does feed our emotions. Spend time in spaces you love… and bring something you love into the spaces you spend the most time in. Sometimes even just a little shift in physical space can make all the mental difference.