Customize Your Space for You
Last week we talked about absorbing your surroundings as a method of becoming the best version of yourself, and today we’re diving deeper into that concept. But we’re also getting a little more specific. Getting to know your city and spending time outdoors are key aspects of reaching your full potential, but it’s just as important to have a good place to go back to. So today, we’ll discuss the strategy of customizing your space for you — why it matters and how to do it.
Live in a Home, Not Just a House
Sometimes we use the words ‘house’ and ‘home’ interchangeably, but do they actually describe the same thing? Or is there a substantive difference between the two concepts? I would argue that there is an important difference. Living in a house is certainly a blessing to be thankful for, because it provides a place to rest and a shelter for your head. A home, however, is more than just a place where you exist; it’s a place where you live. Maybe your home is the place where you can finally unwind at the end of a long and stressful day. Or maybe it’s the spot where your friends get together to eat and laugh and share in good conversations. The business of living life is conducted at home, so your home should be more than that shelter for your head. More than four walls and a bed, it should be a place where you feel at your best, an environment created just for you – your needs and preferences. Trust me, if you put down roots into your home, before you know it it’ll start bearing good fruit.
Discover Your Ideal Environment
Now that we know how important it is to live in a space that you enjoy, it’s time for you to figure out what that enjoyable environment will look like for you. Everyone has different styles and preferences when it comes to planning out your space, so if you don’t already have a distinct idea of what kind of elements suit your own style, this is actually a great opportunity to experiment! That’s why this section is called ‘Discover Your Ideal Environment’ – it might take a little trial and error. But believe me, it’ll be worth it when you watch your house become a home where you love to spend your time. So take the time to pay attention to your daily needs and wants. Do you need more or less light to feel comfortable? Are certain colors comforting or stimulating to you? Incorporate those things into your space. Do you prefer lots of items around your space – like stacks of books, candles, souvenirs from your travels –, or does all of that feel like clutter? Some people will feel more at home in a space that’s characterized by relaxation, freedom, and a little bit of chaos. Others would only feel more stressed in a home like that. So find out what works best for you! This will make the business of living life much more optimal.
Fill It Up
Like I mentioned in the previous section, literally filling up your space is not for everyone. I am not telling you to practice maximalism if that will add to your stress instead of taking away from it. (But, again, if you thrive in a space that’s busier visually, embrace that!) What ‘filling it up’ means here is surrounding yourself with things that are meaningful to you. Make your place your own by putting your own things in it. This will infuse your space with your identity, and then your space will reinforce your identity back to you. This could be family photos, reminding you when you look at them of your duty to your family and your love for them. Or maybe you would feel more at home and at ease in that home if you were to incorporate a family heirloom into your space, which would remind you of where you come from. Souvenirs from our travels remind us where we’ve been, and books that have shaped us remind us of important things we’ve learned. All of these things, which might not seem very significant on the surface, are visible references of who we are on the inside, so fill up your home with these reminders. Trust me, you’ll be glad that you did.
Work So Your Space Works for You
Building your space to be your ideal environment is pivotal, but maintaining your space is really important as well. Maintenance isn’t just about making sure that your family is safe and cared for and the value of your property isn’t plummeting as you live in it; there’s a lot more to it and its significance. Doing work on your home will greatly increase your sense of ownership of your space, and make you feel much more connected to it as you go. Having a space that is up-to-date is definitely important for your productivity, but you might not immediately realize that it is just as important for your comfort in the place where you spend so much time. So if your home needs some work and you can do it, then do do it! Organize, clean, and take that ownership of the place where you live. You’ll be surprised by the benefits that you will reap from just doing some maintenance.
