Love The Space You Are In Now

By Anja Lavigne

Striving to be happy and positive in our day to day life is a constant goal for many. We make life adjustments to bring in the optimal feelings of happiness. How conscious are you when it comes to being in love with your space? Do you think much about creating a positively energetic space within your home?

With the current housing market issues, you might not be living in the space you have imagined and moving to the next level of your desired abode may not be that simple. You may feel there is not enough physical space; maybe you are raising a family in a two bedroom condo or a young

adult still living at home with your parents. You may feel your home is not in your desired community or there is a real need for a renovation such as a new kitchen, as your cabinet doors are falling off but there are no funds to do a renovation. Any of these scenarios can create feelings of frustration, envy, overwhelm, resentment and anger. It is so easy to slip into negative emotions since you are in this environment constantly and reminded of what isn’t working for you. Being in a negative state clearly won’t change your situation and isn’t healthy. The energy from constantly feeling these

emotions can also lead to things such as depression. When you are feeling stuck there is usually an overwhelming sense of ‘being here forever’, which spirals you further into negativity. If you can’t upsize, move or change your existing cabinetry or bathroom, you can change your mindset. This one small change can make a huge difference. Instead of feeling stuck, create a happy atmosphere in the home you are in now. This will change how you view your space and bring in more love, lightness, harmony and peace. Here are some simple things you can do in your home that will raise a positive vibe.

Give Gratitude

We are one with our living space. When we respect our space, show love by keeping it clean, clutter free and not ridiculing it or speaking in the negative (look at these awful cabinets!) you will find your space really has your back and you will find that there is an ebb and flow. Creating a spiritual sanctuary in our space allows for the flow of peace and tranquility and will really aid in you enjoying and loving your current home. Write a gratitude letter of all the things you do love about your home. Ask yourself what attracted you here in the first place. This will remind you of your original desire and will take you back to the time when you were excited to move there. It’s likely you won’t be in your existing home forever, but for now appreciate and respect the home you are in. Bring in joy, laughter and community. Consider the memories you are making in the space instead of focusing on all of the things you don’t like about it.Meditate and ask your home what it is saying. Really connect. Does your space reflect your philosophy, style, personality? When you entertain, can your friends and family say yes this fits you perfectly? If not, make some small changes like moving some furniture, rearranging pictures or moving trinkets.

Make a Plan

You are here now, maybe not forever but for now this is your palace. Why not enjoy the space you are in now and at the same time create some goals for your future new space? Let’s begin with the home you are living in now. Identify what is working and make a list of the pros and cons. Perhaps your current home allows you to have disposable income because you are living with your parents or a guardian, in a smaller apartment with low rent, or the commute to work is under thirty minutes. Perhaps you have low maintenance fees because you are a tenant or you love the parks and shops all around you and your home is quick to clean. Next, make a list of what you feel is not working for your home to be the sanctuary you desire. You could include the need for more space, privacy or not wanting to deal with a landlord.

Make Your Space Feel Bigger and Happier

Here are some simple tips that can aid you in making you feel more positive in your space now.

1. Multipurpose furniture. For example, use a coffee table that also has storage. A pull-out couch is great for overnight guests or if you live in a studio space; bedroom at night, living room by day.

2. Make it feel bigger Declutter and clean. Cleanliness is so critical; you can live in a palace but if it isn’t clean you don’t want to be in it. Often we aren’t aware of what an unswept floor feels like until we actually sweep it. Make note of your before and after feelings. You will be amazed. Declutter clothes and things that you don’t use. We often say “I will use this some day” and more often than not, ‘someday’ never arises and we find ourselves eventually parting with the article we have clung onto for five years, living with clutter unnecessarily. Once your home is clutter-free and clean you will most certainly feel a lightness.

3. Get it off the floor! Clear as much from your floor; the more floor space you reveal, the larger your space will feel. In fact, you will instantly have a feeling of more space. Mount your television on the wall, use closet organizers, wall mount a fold-out kitchen table and get creative with storage.

4. Brighten it up! Use mirrors and add lower lighting throughout your space. We usually avoid dark rooms and by lightening up your space, you will feel happy and excited to be in that room.

5. Create a chic space. You can use large scale art on one wall with bold colour or wallpaper. Or try an impactful carpet. Always remember less is more.

6. Capture all your senses! Your sense of taste can be highlighted with a clean fridge with good food that brings in happy memories from travels. Make sure your fridge is clean and free of expired items. Smells of favourite candles, incense, essential oil, baked goods and fresh brewed coffee can really bring in a sense of comfort.

7. Set- up home zones. Set up specific areas in your home that accommodate multiple functions such as a yoga space, a workout space or storing your gear in an ottoman or in a decorative basket. If you need a home office, flank a console table that is desk height behind your couch so that it is desk by day and side table by night.

Remember that smaller spaces are also less expensive to run and more satisfying. As they say, good things come in small packages. More importantly, love the space you are in now! If doing this all on your own seems a little overwhelming, I am here to help! Visit my website to learn more about how I can help you love the space you're in.