Author: Lifestyle-by-designs

Hello, I'm Cheryl, your professional cleaner and organizer. Are you frustrated with your cluttered and messy home or office? I'm here to help you declutter and organize your space so you can finally relax and enjoy life. With my keen eye for spatial awareness and unwavering commitment to order, I can transform your space into a functional and stylish haven. Are you eager to simplify your life and create a space you love? Let's collaborate and bring your vision of an organized and efficient environment to life. I'm ready to assist you in turning your dream space into a reality.
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Spiritual Well-Being

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Stay On Track

In our everyday lives, we’ve got routines for everything, but we often forget to give our spiritual side the same attention.

In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to have routines for just about everything. We have a set route to work, a workout plan, and a daily schedule. But it’s surprising how creating a routine for meeting our spiritual needs often gets overlooked. We rush around to make it to appointments and fulfill our commitments. In our drive to be productive, our spiritual well-being often ends up taking a backseat.

Let’s be real, meditating or writing in a journal doesn’t exactly put food on the table or give us six-pack abs. With all the pressing stuff we have to deal with, it’s easy to wonder who the heck has time for that. But guess what? Taking care of our spiritual side is like the secret sauce that keeps us energized and grounded. When we nourish our souls, it’s like we unlock the superpower to keep our lives on the right path.

Meditation can be super helpful for staying calm and focused. Some folks only need to do it once a day, while others might find it more beneficial to spend up to 20 minutes with their eyes closed and their mind clear. It might sound like a lot of time to do nothing, but this state of nothingness is powerful for staying calm and focused, so you can get more done. Writing in your journal every day is another great way to stay connected with your thoughts and feelings.

If you want to live a happy and healthy life, you need to take care of your soul regularly. This means setting aside some time each day to do things that make you feel good, like spending time with loved ones, getting exercise, or reading a good book. When you take care of your soul, you’ll have more energy and enthusiasm, and you’ll be better able to handle life’s challenges. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your life, start by taking care of your soul. It’s the best investment you can make.

Creating a daily routine to care for your soul can be a lifesaver when things go sideways. It helps keep you down-to-earth and connected to yourself during rough patches. Taking care of your spirit not only keeps you on track but also ensures that your life aligns with your soul’s desires.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Bring In The Good Vibes!

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Make Your Home Serene

Include all five senses while making a home, along with creating a safe haven for your evolving body and soul.

Your home is like your own private slice of heaven. With a little TLC, you can turn it into a chill spot where you can relax and be yourself. It can be your sanctuary, a place where you feel safe and comfortable. And when you have guests over, they’ll feel all cozy and welcome too.

A tidy and cozy home can make you, your family, and your pals feel chill and give you a break from the crazy world outside. Making a place like that isn’t hard. Even if you’ve got little kids or a zoo’s worth of pets, you can still have a peaceful home.

Listen! In no time, you can make a few easy changes that’ll transform your humble abode into a cozy and secure sanctuary. It’ll be a place you’ll be thrilled to show off to your pals and family.

Wanna make your home a relaxing oasis? Start with the vibes! Soft lighting and calming colors like blue, purple, and green can make a space feel cozy and inviting. And don’t forget the scents! Pleasant and calming aromas like lavender and vanilla can totally change your mood.

Calming sounds like the water flowing in a fountain or soft chimes can make a space feel better and more peaceful. Getting rid of clutter and using open space wisely can also help you feel better emotionally and get rid of negative thoughts.

The stuff in your house, like furniture and the house itself, can hold onto the vibes of the people who lived there before you. If you want to freshen things up, try picturing a bright white light all around your place. You can also sweep away bad energy using a sage bundle. . . my personal favorite!

What you do with your home can be as unique as you are. You can change the layout, add some new furniture, decorate, or even try feng shui or rituals. But the most important thing is to make your home a place that feels good to be in.

Make your home a cozy place, and it’ll feel like a warm hug every time you step inside!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Just The Good Ones . . .

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Send Vibes Of What You Want

When we’re all stressed out and worried, we tend to make everyone else around us feel the same way.

If prayer is like telling the universe what we want, then every thought we have is like a little prayer. Even the ones where we’re all stressed out or feeling hopeful. All thoughts are like tiny bits of creative energy floating around. Some of them stick around more often or get thought about more, so they get stronger. And when we write down the “good stuff” or say them out loud, it’s like giving them a big power boost.

Each thought we have is like a little piece of a puzzle that helps to make up our lives. When we’re not paying attention to our thoughts, we’re kind of like driving on autopilot. We might end up somewhere we don’t really want to be. But when we’re conscious of our thoughts and positively use them, we can create the life we want. For example, if we’re always worrying about something, we’re basically just giving that thing more energy. And that’s the last thing we want, right?

We can train our minds to focus on the good stuff we want in our lives. Most worrying is like a broken record, so we’ll need more than just a few happy thoughts to change the energy we’ve built up. The best way to fight worry is with positive statements. When we think, say, and write these positive thoughts a lot throughout the day, we’re putting focused energy into making good things happen.

Let’s get to work! I’m a creative person, and I use my energy to make the world a better place. I know that my thoughts and actions affect my life, and they also have an impact on the world around me. When I think positively, it sends out good vibes that can make a difference. I’m grateful for my ability to create positive change in my life and the world. Together, we can make a real difference!

You know, sometimes we got folks in our lives who care about us a lot and they start frettin’ about us. When that happens, they’re basically sending out a worry prayer to the universe. The easiest way to deal with it is to just have a heart-to-heart with them and let ’em know what’s up. And instead of worrying about you, ask ’em to send you some positive vibes. 

Worrying doesn’t do anyone any good, right? It’s like rocking in a rocking chair – it gives you something to do but you don’t go anywhere. Let ’em know that worrying can actually hurt you energetically and sending good thoughts your way is a whole lot better and more fun. Make it ripple throughout the universe . . . 

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Motivational Mondays

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In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind and lose sight of our goals and aspirations. That’s why I’m bringing back Motivational Mondays—not just for my readers but mostly for myself.

Mondays can be tough. They often come with a sense of dread, as we contemplate the long week ahead. But I believe that a positive mindset can make all the difference. By starting the week with a dose of motivation, I hope to set the tone for a productive and fulfilling week.

Each Motivational Monday, I’ll share a quote, a story, or a personal reflection that has inspired me. I’ll also include a call to action, challenging my readers to take small steps towards their goals. It’s not about perfection or instant gratification. It’s about building momentum and creating positive habits that will lead to lasting change.

I know that motivation is not always easy to come by. But I believe that by surrounding ourselves with positivity and taking action, we can create a virtuous cycle that will help us achieve our dreams.

So, let’s make every Monday a Motivational Monday. Let’s start the week with a positive mindset and a commitment to growth. Together, we can make this week our best yet.

When the Coach – Coaches herself . . . . Watch out!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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It’s Gets One-Sided At Times

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Sometimes it gets One-Sided

It happens, relationships get all out of whack when we don’t make time to catch up with each other.

In a close relationship, the way energy flows between two people is pretty amazing. Ideally, both people should be talking and listening equally, and they should be giving and getting support in equal measure.

In any relationship, things change, and sometimes one person ends up doing more listening or giving. But don’t worry, it won’t always be like that. Like a seesaw, things tend to balance out over time. We all have phases when we take more and times when we give more. It’s just a natural part of being in a relationship.

But, let’s be real, there are also those friendships where things just feel tilted. You know, like you have this friend you dig, but you’ve started to notice that the chats are always about their stuff, never yours. Or maybe you have a buddy who constantly needs your shoulder to cry on, but they don’t seem to be there for you when you need ’em. Over time, these friendships can make you feel like a thirsty plant that’s never getting any water.

You’ve got a friend who’s been all taking and no give for a while, you’re not feeling it anymore, and you’re wondering what to do. Well, there are a couple of options. You could end the friendship, or you could try to talk to them about it. If you go the talking route, be prepared for them to be surprised. But your friendship could be much better if they’re okay with talking it out. They might even thank you for helping them see a pattern in their life that’s been messing up more than just your friendship!

One more thing you can do is just be okay with the relationship as it is. A lot of one-sided relationships work. Like, a mentor relationship where you’re learning from someone, or when you’re helping someone who’s sick, disabled, or needs something. In these cases, just be happy that you can help and be helped, and trust that in the long run, things will balance out.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Ride The Wave Of Life

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           Misquamicut Beach ~ Westerly, RI  Looking towards the Holiday House Mansion 2018

Ride the wave of life

Life’s a wild ride, but you gotta find a balance between going with the flow and standing your ground. You know, sometimes, life throws you curveballs. It’s like being on a crazy rollercoaster, with ups and downs and twists and turns. But instead of fighting it, try to embrace the ride. That’s when things get easier. Just let life carry you where it needs to, even if it’s not where you expected.

Riding the wave of life can be wild, but it’s also a natural and effortless journey. It’s not like you just sit back and let the wave take you wherever it wants. You gotta be on top of your game, staying focused, centered, and alert. But you also need to chill out and go with the flow. Don’t fight against the wave; let it carry you where it needs to go.

Life is a journey, it has its ups and downs. The ups are the moments of joy, success, and fulfillment, while the downs are the challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. Just as a wave cannot be stopped or controlled, life’s journey cannot be paused or manipulated. It’s a continuous movement, an ever-changing landscape that we must navigate as best we can.

When we try to resist or fight against the natural flow of life, that’s when things get tough. It’s like trying to swim against the current in a river—it’s exhausting, frustrating, and ultimately futile. Instead, we must learn to accept and embrace life’s waves, both the good and the bad. By doing so, we conserve our energy and maintain a sense of inner peace and resilience.

When life knocks us down, it’s natural to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. But just as a wave crashes on the shore only to retreat and gather strength for the next one, we too must pick ourselves up and keep moving forward. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future is a waste of precious energy. Instead, we must focus on the present moment and take one step at a time.

Life’s journey is not a competition or a race. It’s a unique and personal experience that unfolds at its own pace. There is no need to compare ourselves to others or strive to meet unrealistic expectations. Our journey is our own, and we must embrace it with gratitude and open hearts.

So, let’s relax, enjoy the ride, and see where the wave takes us. Let’s trust in the process of life and surrender to the unknown. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the possibility of unexpected wonders and hidden treasures that life has to offer.

Surfing the wave of life is a sweet gig—you get to go with the course without burning yourself out. It’s like being carried by a wave, with your head popping out of the water, enjoying the ride. Trusting the universe can be tough, but it’s easier when you’re chilled and relaxed. So hop on that wave, and let it take you where you need to be!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Hit Pause . . .

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At Times Hit Pause

When there’s a break in the action, folks wonder what they’re doing with their lives.

You know that feeling when you’ve just crushed it, and everything is going your way? It’s like you can’t be stopped. But then, out of nowhere, you hit a wall. You’re still trying to figure out what to do next, and you start to question everything. Well, that’s just the transition period, my friend. It’s a time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and figure out what’s next.

So, you’re feeling a little stuck and unmotivated, huh? That’s normal. We all go through phases like this from time to time. We’re humans, after all, and we’re meant to be doing stuff. But here’s the thing: there’s nothing wrong with just chilling for a bit. Take a day, a week, or even a month to just BE. Don’t do anything, just relax and let your mind wander. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to jump back into the action.

When you’re in a lull with no clear next step, life can feel like a big, empty void. It’s easy to want to sprint straight to the next thing but when you’re not sure what that is, it’s like your brain hits a brick wall and you just feel frustrated and lost. It’s easy to start thinking you’re stuck in a rut. But here’s the thing, if you’re focused on growing as a person, you’re always making progress, even if you’re not actively working on a specific goal.

This break can be a real eye-opener, giving you time to reflect on what’s happened lately and decide what you want next. Just by hanging out and doing your thing- YOU DO YOU – you can reconnect with what matters most in an organic way.

The whole “mindful transitional pause” thing can look different for everyone. Some people use it to think about how their life has gone so far, while others use it to adjust to new values after a big change. Just because you’re not speeding towards a finish line doesn’t mean you’ve lost your mojo. The time between trips can be a chill zone that sets you up for whatever’s coming next.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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It’s Better To Feel The Pain . . . Then Not!

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The Ways We Keep Ourselves Numb

When you numb yourself, you avoid dealing with your problems, which stops you from finding a solution or feeling at peace.

You know how we’re all born with this crazy mix of emotions? It’s like we’re wired to feel a whole bunch of different stuff. But here’s the thing, a lot of us get all awkward when it comes to dealing with the big ones. We try to avoid feeling too happy or too sad, and it’s like we end up living in a world that’s all gray and boring.

We may numb ourselves to what we are truly feeling. It’s easier to suppress our emotions than to deal with them, so we may momentarily turn to pleasures such as alcohol, cannabis, food, sugar, shopping, and too much television. 

So, we might just shut down our feelings, right? I mean, it’s okay to take a break from dealing with stuff sometimes, but if you do it too much, you’ll never face your problems head-on. And that means you’ll never find a way to fix them or feel better. It’s like, when you’re numb, you might not feel any pain, but you also can’t feel any happiness or get any better.

You know those things you do that make you feel all numb inside? Like, eating a whole pizza or going on a shopping spree? Well, they might seem like no big deal, but they’re not doing you any favors. When you numb yourself out, you’re not just avoiding those intense emotions, you’re also missing out on the good stuff, too. 

It’s like you’re putting on a blindfold and trying to live your life. You might be able to get by, but you’re not really experiencing it. So, next time you feel the urge to numb out, try to find a way to face those emotions head-on. It might not be easy, but it’s worth it. Trust me, you’ll feel so much more alive.

Your feelings make your life more colorful and help you connect with the world around you. You can say goodbye to those boring behaviors, one step at a time, and start enjoying life’s tasty treats again. If you feel yourself doing something just to avoid feeling something, take a step back and think about why. Figuring out what’s making you want to check out emotionally can help understand yourself better.

Each time you quit doing something that numbs your feelings, you’ll start noticing things more and feeling “stuff” way better. It’s like your senses get super sharp, and all the bad stuff that’s been hiding in the back of your mind comes out into the open. But that’s a good thing because now you can finally deal with it and heal. You’ll find a whole new side of yourself, one that can handle even the toughest emotions with bravery and aspiration.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Dark Colors Are Never Popular

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Our Favorite Deeps and Darks of 2024

SOURCE: A Blog TINTED by Sherwin Williams

Dark paint colors are not only incredibly stylish but also versatile, exuding a moody atmosphere that can instantly evoke a cozy and calming effect. We’re highlighting five of our favorite hues from A Gathering of Deeps & Darks palette in our 2024 Colormix® Forecast that will undoubtedly boost your confidence in exploring the darker side of the color wheel. 

Featured Colors: Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846, Carnelian SW 7580, Tricorn Black SW 6258, Raisin SW 7630, Sealskin SW 7675

Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846: This historic, deep forest green hue brings a vintage feel to spaces and is stunning either as an accent or drenching an entire space. Roycroft Bronze Green’s grounded, earthy tone instills a sense of tranquility, effortlessly creating harmonious, nature-inspired spaces. 

Carnelian SW 7580: Carnelian’s deeply saturated burgundy hue inspires an intriguing aura of mystery. It’s the perfect shade for going dark without diving all the way into the depths of an inky black. 

Raisin SW 7630: Looking for a little drama? Raisin’s rich, dark brown hue adds a captivating allure to any space. This chameleon shade’s purple undertone lends it an easy versatility that can lean either warm or cool depending on surrounding tones and lighting. 

Sealskin SW 7675: Sealskin has a refined, deep tone that creates a contented, cocoon-like atmosphere. This bold shade easily wraps spaces in luxurious, inviting warmth and adds nuanced sophistication. Moody enough to inspire quiet reflection yet classic enough to feel elegant. 

Tricorn Black SW 6258: A long-standing fan favorite, Tricorn Black is one of our deepest, truest blacks. With virtually no undertones, this timeless neutral shade is supremely versatile, effortlessly pairing with any material, tone, or texture. 

 Explore the full collection of shades in the A Gathering of Deeps & Darks palette in Anthology: Volume One, our Colormix ® Forecast for 2024. Want to see these hues in your space? Get FREE color chips for the whole palette, and if you need help choosing, book a FREE Virtual Color Consultation for personalized, one-on-one guidance with one of our experts. 

**A personal note: I am usually pleased with the colors chosen by Sherwin Williams, this color was not a favorite of mine, but when you POP it with some color . . . it did change my mindset about the color. Pair up SW6605 Charisma with the SW7580 Carnelian . . . Gorgeous!

 

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Worry Less . . .

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A Worry Box

A worry box is a way to let go of all that weighs on your mind so the universe can sort it out.

Sometimes, our minds get so full of stuff—to-do lists, worries, plans, and dreams—that we can’t even think straight. We might think we’re taking care of all this stuff by keeping it all in our heads, but in reality, we’re just putting off making our dreams come true and solving our problems because we’re too busy trying to keep track of everything. That’s when a worry box comes in handy.

Imagine a magic box where you can dump all your worries and wishes, and the universe takes over from there. It’s like writing a postcard to the universe, telling it what you want, and then popping it in the box. By doing this, you’re not just sitting around; you’re taking action and saying to the universe, “Hey, I need a little help, and I’m cool with letting go of this.”

Let’s give ourselves a break from worrying about that problem and trust that the universe has it covered. You can even decorate your own special box if you want. It’s like a sacred container for all your worries. Not only will you free up space in your mind by letting go of your worries and desires, but you’re also passing them on to a higher power. Once we drop our worries and desires into your surrender box, we clear our minds and can fully enjoy the present moment.

Giving up our worries and letting the universe handle them doesn’t mean we’re losers or giving up. We’re just letting go of our need to control everything and letting the universe do its thing. And guess what? It actually works! Once you let go, problems start to disappear, and dreams start coming true. It’s like magic!

So, I have been cleaning homes for about 19 years at this point, and I’ve met a lot of interesting people along the way. One of my favorite clients was this elderly woman who would always share her worries and dreams with me while I was cleaning her home. She’d tell me about her family and friends, and she’d also talk about her plans for traveling and meeting new people.

I always carried these colored index cards in my apron. I was cleaning this woman’s house one day, and she started talking about her worries and wishes. I figured it was a great opportunity to tell her about this thing I’d been doing for ten years – the Worry Box. I said to her, “Write your worries on these cards, and when I’m done cleaning, I’ll show you what to do with them.” She was like, “Sure! Anything that helps me relax and sleep at night.

After I cleaned up, she came into the kitchen and told me she had written down all her worries and wishes for the day. Then we went into her spare bedroom which she had turned into a WRAPPING ROOM – no kidding! As an organizer, this room was like heaven for me. She had everything she needed to make beautiful packages. I told her I had made a worry box from a shoe box and suggested she look around to see what she could use to make her own. I explained that once it was done, she could put all her worries and wishes in the box and have a peaceful night.

So, the next week, I go to her house and I’m unloading my jeep when she comes up the hill from her walk around the neighborhood. She tells me I had a peaceful night’s sleep for the first time in forever—said she already put her worries and wishes for the day in her box before her walk. I cleaned for her for another ten years, and that worry box sat right by her bed every week.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

This year’s theme: Like every year, International Women’s Day 2024 will be celebrated with a unique theme. While the United Nations has designated this year’s theme as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ with a focus on addressing economic disempowerment, the campaign theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.