I recently read that 80% - 90% of people don’t stick to their resolutions.  

Kind of makes you think “why bother,” right?  

I used to always make crazy goals for myself.  Goals and resolutions that were near impossible to stick to and come February I’d be angry and frustrated.

I believe it is the excitement of a new year and general positivity (which don’t get me wrong…is a great thing). However, we feel inspired at the time and aren’t thinking about how we’ll feel about that resolution say on a random day in May.  Is your goal to exercise every single day?  To lose 100lbs by your vacation this Spring?  To become fluent in French by summer?  Huge goals like this can be overwhelming.

To avoid this feeling of overwhelm, I’ve created a method that has worked well for me.  With being so passionate about Feng Shui I decided a few years back to only begin to define my yearly goals at the first of the year.  I may journal on a few ideas and get the ball rolling.  My next step is to loosely implement them, and I also take several weeks to create a vision board.  Here’s the key… I don’t actually fully put anything into action until the Chinese New Year.  This year the Chinese New Year will be on Saturday, January 25th.  That is nearly a solid month of experimentation, time to meditate and journal on my goals, time for even evaluating what I want the outcome to look like, and lastly how my day to day actions may have to change to achieve this goal.

This method has worked well for me and I’d love for you to give it a try.  If you already have failed some of your  resolutions… just start over.

First, just take a big cleansing breath.  Then, take inventory of how you are feeling about each goal and adjust where needed.  Make everything attainable, small goals that add up to a larger goal and lastly make sure you give yourself time for experimentation and know that your day to day or week to week routine may have to change.  Be patient with yourself during this change and just get rid of all that pressure.  Do what you can to be honest with yourself and eventually you just have to throw your arms up to the universe and see what happens! 

Vision boards can be so much fun.  Not only do they help you really define your dreams and goals but they also put you on the energetic path to achieving them!
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If you’re thinking... “What is this vision board thing?” let me explain.  It’s a powerful tool to really define your plans, dreams and goals.  You can create a board at any time.  Starting a new job?  Make a vision board.  Getting married?  Make a vision board!  The new year is typically the most popular time of year to create one though.

Maybe you dream of an amazing car.  Ferrari anyone?  Sure, it seems like a stretch but think big!

Maybe an amazing vacation is your dream.

Is a degree in your future?  It can be!

To layout the board you can use any method that resonates with you.  You can make a beautiful random design or lay them out strategically.  I have a personal method that I use that connects to Feng Shui.  It’s a powerful layout that uses your home to then become a giant vision board.  (Want to learn my method?  Read about my workshop below.) Whatever way you decide to lay out your board, trust that it is right!

So you’ve created a vison board, now what?  Place it in a location where you can see it every day and check in with it often.  Look at the images and perhaps do some visualization work where you daydream and “see” it happening!  Want to make it even more powerful?  Journal about each image on the board.  Journal about how it would feel once the goal has been met.  Write down the amazing feeling and how big of a smile you'd have while enjoying your cocktail poolside or cruising in your new ride.
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I always recommend people continue to journal on their board.  Keep with it throughout the year and check in each quarter.  You’ll be amazed at the goals you’ve met! Once you have met a goal, write down the completion date on the back of the board.  I have saved my boards for several years and always enjoying referencing back on them.  I remember when these items that felt like far off dreams... became reality.
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Want to join in on the fun in person?
I’ll be sharing my personal Vision Board method at a special workshop on February 1st at Trilogy Yoga and Wellness in Fort Wayne. In this workshop I’ll share with you some of the amazing things that I’ve manifested in my life and share my personal method with you.
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​It’s always exciting to hear of the latest Color of the Year. And, as you can imagine it’s the hot topic in the interior design field. Every design firm and lunch meeting held touches on this topic. It’s exciting to hear who is going to use it, how and in what type of space.  Personally, my favorite way to think of the selected colors is how it will affect the Feng Shui or energy of the space. Will it bring a sense of action or calm? Maybe a feeling of high or low?

I personally have always been a fan of blue. I love any watery blue tone! If you’re like me than you’ll be excited to hear that Pantone has selected Classic Blue (19-4052) as its color of the year for 2020. This classic beautiful blue tone is sure to bring a flowing, creative feeling to your space.

​Ready for a blue that I find to be exquisite? Sherwin Williams announced their Color of the Year as Naval 6244. This deeper shade of blue is perfect for a bit subdued energy yet still creative and inspiring.

​Benjamin Moore went a different route this year and opted for a pretty rosy color called First Light 2102-70. They describe it as a “backdrop for a bright new decade” and I’m all for that. This color while still pale is going to bring a more energetic and focused energy to your space. I love the idea of adding this as an accent wall in a white room.

​Let these colors inspire you and try a color that might be new to you. If you're not normally a blue fan, experiment with a few touches. Not sure about First Light? Opt for an accent wall like the image above. 

Go for it, it’s a new decade after all!!!

We’re often interested in creating a beautiful space for rest with cozy bedding,  neatly arranged throw pillows, and perhaps some relaxing artwork on the walls.  While it is important to have a space that feels wonderful and soothing, it is also very important to look into those areas you don’t immediately see.

​The space under the bed has become a space where often times people store unimportant items and clutter.  While at first thought it may make sense for storage, this can pose major problems for sleep.

Take inventory.

​What is under your bed?​

​I used to struggle with sleep as a teenager.  Under my bed I’d store magazines.  I used to LOVE magazines, especially Seventeen!  I’d keep them and pull them out all the time to look through the clothes, hairstyles and more.  At the time I also really struggled with self-image.  I find it interesting now to think that I was literally spending hours lying on top of pictures and images that I thought to be ideal and who I wished I was.

“Megan”, a client asked me to help with her bedroom as she was struggling with sleep. She described her difficulty falling asleep and how she'd lie there for hours with her minding spinning circles.  I couldn't wait to see what was under her bed.  After digging out the boxes under the bed we discussed what exactly was being stored here.  It was filled with photos and magazine clippings that she'd planned to keep and also to organize as well as books she had planned to read.  You see, she was sleeping on top of a “to-do” list of items.  It’s no wonder that she struggled to fall asleep.
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If you must store something under your bed, it is always my recommendation to store only extra bedding here. An extra pillow or additional blanket for a cold night would be fine. Beyond that, I recommend you keep the area empty and clean. Also, touch base every few months to clean or vacuum under the bed too. 

Wishing you a restful night's sleep!
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 It’s that time of year. We’re buying the big bird, planning our side dishes and pulling out the nice wine glasses. It’s a time to gather with our family and friends, share food and be grateful.

Gratitude is powerful.  By showing gratitude you literally tell the universe that you’re ready for more.  Are you ready for more?
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In your home specifically you can show gratitude.  There are many things you can do to show your home that you’re grateful for a place to rest your head and stay warm on cold winter nights.  Of course, filling it with pumpkin pie and laughter on a holiday is a great way to show love, but if you’re ready for more, below are my three tips to show your home gratitude.
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1. Give your home a new plant or bouquet of flowers
This is especially wonderful if you’re ready to embark on a new path or routine.  This gesture brings in the wood element of Feng Shui and will signify to your home that you’re ready for this…bring it on!  If you know me well, you know that I gift me home with a new bouquet of flowers each week.  Always something to match the season and always beautiful. 

​2. Fill your kitchen with healthy food including fresh fruits and vegetables
​Sure, we buy the delicious food for family dinners, but its important to keep healthy food in your pantry all the time, and not just bags of potato chips.  Better yet, add a bowl of colorful fruit to your countertop for good energy in the kitchen.

3. Hang seasonal décor on your front door
​Add a beautiful wreath or seasonal “welcome” sign on your front door to invite energy in.  Make sure that you change it out and that you keep it in good shape.  All summer I had a spider living in my door wreath and every day I had to go clean off the cobwebs.  Not only am I happy that winter arrived and the spider moved away, but I was able to make a new winter wreath for my door that I simply love!

These are all simple tasks that can really make a difference.  Show some gratitude and your home will be sure to fill your life up with wonderful things.
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​I love adding plants into nearly every room.  Not only do they look lovely and help cleanse the air, but plants connect with the Wood Element of Feng Shui.  This brings our spaces an energy of new beginnings, renewal, and moving forward.  Starting a new job, beginning a health routine or experimenting with a new hobby? Adding a plant to your space will assist you in these types of endeavors.  Take this energy to a whole new level by adding a crystal to your plant. They make a powerful pair! Need help selecting a plant? (Read this here)

​I always recommend that you select a crystal that you simply find to be calling to you.  Nothing saying “pick-me”?  No worries, here are a few suggestions.

​Rose Quartz – the ultimate love and compassion stone. Adding this stone to your plant can bring you more self-love or a loving partner.
Citrine – If looking for wealth and abundance this stone is ideal to add to your plant. It will also bring you happiness and positivity.
Fluorite – Excellent stone for balance and grounding, great if you’re looking to grow a meditation/yoga practice or if you’re looking to grow creatively.
Sodalite – This stone is ideal if you’ll be adding this plant to your office or a space where you work and focus. Sodalite also protects against EMFs (Electromagnetic Frequencies).

Enjoy playing with these two beautiful pieces of nature.  Also, please share in the comments if you have a favorite plant/crystal combination. 

Have you smudged with sage and made that face?  You know…that face…where you scrunch it up as if you’ve smelled something not-so-delicious.  Well...sage may not be for you my friend.  Plenty of people really love the scent, but, it is just not for everyone.  If you’re not a fan, don’t fret and just burn it anyway.  You should smudge with something that feels and smells good to you.  When smudging you want to cleanse the space but also infuse your space with goodness and you won't be able to do that when not enjoying the scent. 

​Here are a four great options:

Sweetgrass: I’m starting off with this as its probably my favorite.  It just smells like the earth and to me, smells like our family farm in Iowa.  Often times at Good Chi events, I’ll introduce customers to this and they LOVE it too.

Cedar: Yep, from a cedar tree.  This one appeals to a lot of people too.  If you like the smell of a cedar tree or even a cedar closet than you should try this one.

Palo Santo: This is also another very fragrant burnable.  It does not come in dried leaf form like the items above, yet an actual stick of the wood from this South American tree.  It burns just like the other items though, light an end on fire, it will extinguish itself and then use the aromatic smoke to waft throughout your space.

Lavender: You probably know the scent of lavender.  Perhaps you’re a fan of lavender essential oil like I am. Did you know that you can smudge with it as well?  Due to it being a rather small plant you’ll typically see lavender added to another plant.  It’s pretty common to have sprigs of lavender in a sage bundle.  I like to sprinkle some dried lavender in a bowl of dried cedar for a special aroma.

Now you're probably wondering where do you snag these items.  You can easily find them online from various online retailers, however, we always recommend you purchase from someone you know and trust. 

Here’s a link to these items from Good Chi.  Feel free to make your own blend of aromatics and enjoy and allow them to cleanse your space.

Have more questions? Reach out!

​Do you toss and turn at night?  It can be beyond frustrating to lie there and you just can’t fall asleep.  You try rolling over, then fluffing the pillow, adjusting blankets and… nothing!  Maybe you’re the type that your mind is racing.  You’re thinking of your “to-do” list for tomorrow and all the items you missed completing today.  Trust me I understand. I’ve struggled myself with sleep off and on.  Anytime I feel this, I do a review of my bedroom.  What is it that’s preventing me from sound sleep?

​In the list below I highlight my top 6 Things Preventing You from Restful Sleep.  I have found these to be some of the top culprits.  Before bed tonight I invite you to take inventory of your space too.

​1. Bedding - Do you feel just oh-so comfortable when climbing into bed?  If your bed is lumpy and old or pillows are the thickness of pancakes, you’re definitely not going to get a great nights sleep.  Begin by thinking about HOW you sleep.  Are you a side sleeper?  Back or belly sleeper? Be sure to have pillows and a mattress good for your sleep style.  Regarding the bed linens, I always recommend that you buy the best that you can afford.  Get bedding that feels REALLY GOOD when you climb in.  You’re spending hours in the same space.  Would you buy the cheapest pair of shoes if you knew you’d be walking in them for 6+ hours a day? 

2. Lighting – Lighting in your space can greatly affect your sleep.  Is there a blue glow from an alarm clock?  Maybe a red blinking light of a television in the corner?  These both can prevent you from sleeping.  Turn the clock so it is not facing you. You can even place a small piece of black tape over a blinking light too.  If the moonlight or nearby streetlights affect your sleep look into room darkening or blackout blinds or shades. 

3. Sounds – If you’re not a deep sleeper and sounds keep you awake, consider a sound machine.  Years ago, we lived on a rather busy street and every Saturday night I’d be woken up at 2AM by motorcycles speedy by.  Even though I began to know it was coming, it would startle me awake and then I couldn’t return to sleep.  Some white noise in the background can make a huge difference if you live in a noisy area or on a busy street.  

4. Textures – What textures feel good to you?  Consider textures of your bedding, décor and even pajamas.  Make sure they’re all a material that feel good.  Natural bamboo bedding is really comfortable.  Hemp sheets are also gaining in popularity and I also know of a company that makes comforters using milk week in place of down for those that are sensitive.  Search out natural materials and textures that feel cozy and you’re sure to melt into bed. 

5. Colors – Of course colors are important!  You can find a Pinterest post of soothing bedroom colors almost daily.  In Feng Shui we like to use colors that are either close to your skin tone or colors that compliment the bedroom placement in a Bagua Map.  Either way, opt for a soft and soothing hue.  Neon’s and bold reds are not the best when trying to rest. 
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6. Cell Phones/Tablets – Many people admit that the first and last things they look at each day are their cell phones.  While it may be fun to read on a tablet or play a game on your phone just before turning the lights off, I encourage you to do this much earlier in the evening.  I recommend to my clients that they have at least 1 hour between screen time and sleep.  The lights and sounds of our phones in combination with keeping your brain active up until sleep time is not so great at helping you wind down at the end of a day.

Bonus: Here’s my bonus for a great night’s sleep.  Before going to bed take a yoga pose called Legs Up the Wall or Viparita Karani.  This is a restorative yoga pose that I do almost every night before bed.  I also often cue this pose at the end of a yoga class to help everyone relax before the final resting pose. To do Legs Up the Wall, you simply lie down and take your legs straight up the wall with your back and head resting on the floor.  Your body will form the letter “L”.  Don’t worry about your body making a perfect L, just move your bum and hips somewhat close to the wall.  I do this right in bed by turning around and placing my legs against the headboard and wall behind.  This way I easily spin around and hardly have to move between the pose and getting snuggled in bed.  This pose is wonderful to help the body relax and prepare for sleep.  Try it out for a week by spending 10 minutes in this pose just before bed!

You’ve probably seen this symbol in artwork, décor and even jewelry.  It was trendy in the 90’s even though many of us hadn’t a clue what it meant.  I remember even having a necklace because it was the “cool thing” at the time.  Now in my work I use this concept daily and I’m pleased to share a brief introduction with you.

​Often times, you’ll find the symbol referred to as a “Yin/Yang Symbol”, however it actually is called Taijitu and has been around for thousands of years.  This concept of Chinese philosophy serves as what I’ll call the “groundwork” for Feng Shui.  Some items in your space are more Yang while others are more Yin.  A dark cozy bedroom room is more Yin, while a bright colorful game room is more Yang.  Harmonizing Yin/Yang along with having an understanding of the purpose of the room helps us create a balanced feeling or good Feng Shui.

Here’s what Dictionary.com says:
 
yin and yang


noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
(in Chinese philosophy and religion) two principles, one negative, dark, and feminine (yin), and one positive, bright, and masculine (yang), whose interaction influences the destinies of creatures and things.

Taijitu represents two halves which are complimentary opposites, equaling a whole.  My teacher explained it to me like this: Without daylight we would not have nighttime, without hot there would be no cold, or death there can be no life.  Make sense?

This symbol shows two large halves with a small touch of the other (small circles).  This represents how even something that is mostly yin still has aspects of yang and the same with the opposite.  Both halves are ever changing.

To clarify this concept further, I dug through some saved YouTube videos and found a favorite. I think you’ll like it too:
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​When writing my blog posts, I often try to write them like I’m talking to a friend  (Well, because many of you are friends).  My goal is to share information in an easy to read, fun manner and to help convey that altering your space does not have to be intimidating, hard or even time consuming.  You probably find my writing to be playful and generally lighthearted.  However, recently I’ve been reading many articles about clutter and its affects on mental health.  This is serious.  As someone who as dealt with mental health issues I feel as though this topic needs a more serious tone.  I reached out to a friend and expert to get her take and advice on not only clutter and its affects on your mental health, but also her personal thoughts as a mom.  Enjoy and should you need any help, Rebecca’s contact information is below.
Lisa xoxo

​Guest Post by: Rebecca M. Kondrich LISW, CHt
 
Greetings: My name is Rebecca Kondrich and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker.  I opened my private practice in November of 2017 and couldn’t be happier.  My work is fulfilling and enriching.  When I am not working, I am Mom to a spirited and bright 5-year-old daughter.  She challenges and stretches me to grow every day!

​I have always had a very deep experience of my physical and energetic surroundings.  The presence of natural light, organization, clutter, and open space deeply impacts my mood.  I move from at peace to tense and anxious depending upon the space I inhabit.
 
Through my work but more in the experience of motherhood I have become aware of the role of clutter on mental health.  I now work with Mothers experiencing similar in my private practice.  I work with women empowering them to reconnect with their intuition and empower them to follow their hearts.  I’ve created an office that supports my personal development and allows me to connect meaningfully with others.  I have studied yoga, meditation, mindfulness as well as social work creating the foundation for my work.  My personal experience has also deeply transformed the way I guide others.

Clutter:
​Looking around a room.
Mail
Toys
Dishes
Cereal boxes
Pans on the stove
Blankets
Dog toys
Shoes
Purses
Backpack
Lunchboxes
Hair bows
Pillows
Leaves
Pens

As my eyes scan the room this is all the sensory info I am taking in and my heart starts to PANIC.
The anxiety starts in my chest, heart rate quickens.  Breathing becomes shallow and hurried.  My eyes don’t know where to settle and all the information coming in screams chaos. 
 
I don’t feel like I can settle and just BE in the room.  The idea of straightening everything up or finding places for it to go overwhelms.  I’d rather GO OUT then try to be IN this space.  My Home doesn’t feel like HOME.  It is not a place of respite it is a place so filled with stuff.  My mind reflects the clutter in the room and a cluttered mind is an anxious mind.  Research has also been done to verify this very difficulty. 
 
I find that I struggle to sit with my daughter and just “play” without nervously jumping up to put something away, move it or toss it.  I can’t focus on a conversation.  My energy feels low and I feel like I am failing at housekeeping, failing at Mothering and failing at being female.  I get angry and resentful that I am the only one impacted.  (this of course is not true, children do not operate well among the too much-ness of toys) Children’s play is more purposeful when they have less, not more!  Too many choices can be anxiety provoking.
 
I’ve been able to recognize how deeply I am impacted because my office is organized.  Everything has a place. I feel nurtured and clear minded when I enter my office. 
 
"When home is not a relaxing respite to come to, anxiety can run high." 

I hear from moms in my practice that the struggle to work and keep up with home and the growing number of toys children now have is impacting their mental health.  Mom's present as anxious and can spiral into depression, as they feel unable to keep up with maintaining a clutter free existence.  Moms are comparing themselves to photos on IG and feeling down about themselves as a result when they cannot keep up.  Beginning to put down some of the expectations has helped, which we work on in sessions as well as beginning to minimize.  I recommend to all of my clients that they watch the Minimalist documentary.  It is a great reminder that we do not need all that we think that we do and the freedom that can come from letting go.  Emotional attachments to objects as well as awareness on the impact of throwing things away on the environment has also impacted how people dispose of or don’t their excess goods.
 
Many women are juggling more than one role.  Having to combat clutter to accomplish daily tasks at home creates a cycle of avoidance.  Feelings of anxiety, increased stress, resistance to following up with tasks can result.  This increase in cortisol impacts creativity as well as ability to follow through with anything.  When a stress response to clutter occurs individuals I speak with often shut down unable to complete something like cooking dinner or finishing the laundry.  Many moms I speak with often struggle with the amount of toys their children have.  Stress is increased in women who are also working and have the added responsibility of housework after their day jobs.  The stress response to clutter is the same fight or flight response that the body experiences when there is a threat to safety.
 
 
Recommendations to Combat the Anxious Clutter Response: I take from the minimalist philosophy.

• IF you haven’t used it in a year it is time to donate.
• Have real conversation with yourself about how many of each item you have.  Do we need this many towels, cups, spatulas?
• Reduce the quantity.
• Children learn through play and we know now less is more!  Have your child pick their 5 favorite toys.  These stay out to play with.  Then have them choose 5 more, these go in a tote and can be rotated in and out when your child needs fresh inspiration.  Donate all that is left!
• Closets end up as catch all’s, do you even know what is in there?  If you forgot about it time to let it go!
• And most importantly enlist the support and help of friends!  They don’t feel emotionally attached to your things and can be a great motivator and support!!!

 
 
 
Thank you so much for reading and Lisa for sharing.  I can be reached at rebeccamkondrich.com or via email Rebecca@rebeccamkondrich.com
I work with clients one-on-one in my Rocky River, Ohio office. 
You can follow me on IG @rebeccakondrichlisw.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
 
 
 
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201705/5-reasons-clear-the-clutter-out-your-life
 
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/03/well/mind/clutter-stress-procrastination-psychology.html
 
https://www.mother.ly/life/its-science-clutter-can-actually-give-you-anxiety
This article has great information from Moms.  I feel all of these words as truth!

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