Re-Designing Resolutions

The beginning of the New Year is a time of Resolutions, a time of transformation and change. More often than not the changes we wish to incorporate are internal, like "exercise more", "stress less", "eat healthier" and so on. In order to implement a new resolution we visualize the change, map out the new destination and detail the different steps on how we are going to make this happen. There is another kind of process that can encourage successful transformations by creating one's exterior surroundings to mirror and encourage change.

Sarah Susanka, architect and author of the "Not So Big" series, articulates, "(there are) those (who) recognize that their home is a platform for living and expressing more of who they are becoming." As an occasionally over-stressed mother, wife, professional, and perfectionist myself, I really get statements like that. Needless to say I am inspired by the profundity of the seeming simplicity of this statement.

Ms. Susanka states, "The most powerful step you can take in making your house an integral part of your growth is to identify a space, however small, that is yours to retreat to when you want... This is where house remodeling and life remodeling intersect, because if you have the place, you are much more likely to make the time to use it."

What is your vision for 2013 and have you considered how your home can better mirror and encourage the future, more abundant you?

While I may not be at the remodeling stage quite yet, I can start implementing small changes. As a real estate agent I am always intrigued by the way people use the space they have. I keep a folder of features, textiles, books and pictures that inspire me to make changes in my own home. So after a stressful morning of sitting in traffic on Wiehle, watching my daughter count down the final minutes until school starts, I am sharing one re-designing resolution that has, for me, the utmost appeal.

The yoga/exercise room. This inspiring room is part of a model home in the new home community of Willowsford in Loudoun County, Virginia. While I do not have a dedicated room like the one pictured here I can envision the steps I need to take to get there. First, remove all the flotsam from a dedicated space (once the fiscal cliff-like debate ends between my husband and I over what stays and what gets donated), then add elements like textured wall colors, yoga or exercise mat, and a low profile device for dvds or calming music and lastly, an inspiring objet d'art.

What is your vision and have you considered how your home can better mirror and encourage the future, more abundant you?

For the full version of Re-designing Resolutions please visit my blog at The Abundant Estate.

Source:  Susanka, Sarah, The Not So Big Life: Making Room For What Really Matters, (Random House, 2007).