Start your day with intention.

One of my ‘resolutions’ for this year was to be intentional about my energy. Where I put my focus is a manifesting magnet in my life. Whether it is a productive method or not. Over 2020 and throughout the last year I became acutely aware of my ability to either create the life precisely as I wished, or be the bane of my existence and downright sabotage the mission. Becoming conscious of this ability inside us all was the first step. Taking responsibility and weilding that in a way that promoted what I did in my personal and professional endeavors, well that was another entirely.

This year I set out to do just that, and I came to the conclusion that through intention in every moment, I could begin uncovering where the culprit was for my feelings of “never enough time” and perpetual “life is all over the place”. Sure, I had a lot going on, but everything I was doing I sincerely wanted to do. In fact, most everything I was doing also was prescribed to grow and become “more” than what is was today.

I need every moment to be one of my good, in this season I literally don’t have time for anything else.

This is absolutely not a suggestion that this life will be one void of stillness or a rat race of hustle culture, in fact, stillness will be the foundation. What I’m suggesting is that when I am still, be still. I kid you not, there was one time that while I listened to a guided meditation I began doing the dishes, I don’t just get distracted, I literally try to multi task every moment…. like girl, SIT DOWN AND BE STILL! In these moments I believe that I am being more productive but what is actually quite obvious is that nothing is getting done (and if anything is accomplished, it usually is the less soul fulfilling task of washing dishes, not the mental work of the meditation).

Moving forward I have vowed to slow down enough that in each moment. Be totally immersed in whatever it is that I need to for my greater good. Choosing, moment by moment the life that is curated with thought and intention.

Intention in design is also a skill that is honed through stillness

In my case, and other designers I know, our creative evolution generally follows an arc of

bare space without intention ——-> including everything ———> intentional editing

The beginning and end may be similar in quantity but in effect are worlds apart. Sometimes the prescribed “design” is minimal in nature (an original bathroom may only need new fixtures and wallpaper. When I am working through a design concept I proceed in a similar manner and follow the arc.

I walk through and access the space bare.

When I work with clients that are already living in the space my initial consultation usually occurs amongst their existing furniture. I can usually decipher through what is there, I make it a priority to reassess once the room has been emptied as well. Getting everything out of the room before building back helps you have a fresh perspective on the space and its potential.

Next step is throwing every inspiration you want onto a digital mood board.

The more the merrier. Colors, textures, shapes, etc. While completed rooms can help guide you the most successful collections are when you either include something ambiguous, like a color, or a singular piece, like a chair, rug, sink, etc.

Then comes the edit,

This is the part that only comes with stillness and a decisive understanding of the space. For each piece of the mood ask “why is this here?”

In theatre it is taught that each prop, costume, set, etc. must have a purpose. If you include it, you better know why.

Over analyzing your selections and overall space will allow for more impact of what remains. Allowing for “breaks” dispersed between the stories you are telling in your space is crucial to achieving the desired effect. A space that serves you on a visceral level.

I hope sharing has given you pause for what should be taking up space in your own life, your own work. For those of you that have found themselves having a heightened sense of intention for the lives, has it been successful long term? Have you found yourself amongst any road blocks along the way?