Design Your Life
As within, so without. As above, so below.
Interior spaces sometimes reflect outwardly. The ideal space in my dreams has always been this mediterranean style home, with enclosed pool or water feature. Although I always planned for a big family, the idea of the hustle and bustle infringes on my need for quiet time for meditation, reading, research, reflection, etc. I’m learning that while you do have to compromise, you can still carve out that space. It just takes a little prioritizing.
The Cantadora style floor plan from Sater Designs, seems to embody the ideal space for a large family. The 4 bedrooms are generously spaced, including the delightful guest suite/bedroom 3 which includes the spacious loft. I think this is ideal for teenagers to spend time away with friends. It allows space, freedom, convenience. Also, the loft area is a great place to meet on family night for games or movies, etc.
One change I would make with this floor plan is to modify the master bathroom…it just seems too cold and drafty and open. I would prefer a much smaller cozier bathroom. A second change would be to reduce the size of the master suite, and/or the study. With the additional space I would add a sitting room/study (his and hers) as well as a craft/art studio and/or nursery.
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This page is dedicated to specific techniques you can use to create the life you always wanted to live. Using these techniques over time will help you to clarify your direction and break through barriers in your journey towards a satisfying and rewarding lifestyle that suits you perfectly.
Keep in mind that your life’s design is just a tiny section of a Grand Design that covers what’s best for everyone. So if you find that you can’t achieve certain goals, or if you feel an emptiness once you’ve achieved them, take time to meditate and re-examine how it impacts others – now and in the future, and if it’s truly something you desire in the scheme of things. It’s also important to realize that negative results are not “bad”, but in fact are there to help you develop patience, exercise muscles and/or strengthen your resolve.
Outline your Goals – Make a specific plan for yourself in the following categories: Making a Living (encompass career goals/business goals, financial portfolio goals), Personal (Friendships, affiliations, travel plans), Physical (where you would like to be health-wise, and changes/improvement of physical attributes), Mental (outline areas of study you are interested in, i.e french language, interior architecture, information design, etc).
Develop an action plan for each goal – Detail how you will approach the goal. What are the specific steps you will need to take to achieve the goal. i.e. research the goal, seek mentorship/advice from someone who has already accomplished the goal.
Establish a Timeline – Maybe start with a five year plan and break the goal up into yearly and then quarterly increments.
Visualize – Spend a few moments every day visualizing yourself living the life you envision, doing the things you would like to do. If you repeatedly have problems visualizing certain things you should examine why. Perhaps its something that is really not for you.
Use Affirmations - write down a list of positive affirmations and try to review them daily. Example: I am at peace, I deserve the best that life has to give, etc.
Exercise – Find time to exert yourself at least 30 minutes per day. Work up a sweat by dancing, walking, jogging..etc.
Journal – Create a Journal about your day to day experiences, especially as it relates to your goals. If you can, you might consider creating a Blog, that allows you to incorporate writing and visuals and research all in one place.
Create a Vision Board – Collect and display a collage of images representing the things you would like to do in life. For example, if you want to travel to Switzerland, find images and write the word Switzerland in bold. Place this vision board on your wall and review it from time to time. You can spend time using affirmations and music to reinforce your desire.
Share with a Partner or a Group – Find someone who you can trust who is supportive and/or objective. A fresh set of eyes will allow you to see things you might not notice on your own and give you a new perspective on how to approach your goal. Meet up with the person at regular intervals and share your progress. You might even develop a Design Your Life club that meets bi-weekly or once a month to discuss goal progress.
COMMENTS WELCOME! Please leave feedback/comments about your success with these techniques. Also if you have any suggestions please recommend them by replying below.