Find your style of living

I've never been one for resolutions. Don't get me wrong, resolutions are great. One of the awesome things about the new year season, is witnessing so many people express enthusiasm and commitment to renewing, improving, and building their lives and their outlook on the future.

I've decided to embrace the idea of Declarations.

Declaration: (according to Webster's Dictionary)

• The act of declaring; making an announcement
• A statement made by a party to a legal transaction usually not under oath
• Something that is declared; a document containing such a declaration

My expression of various declarations I will claim for 2018 will come in the form of a vision board. But as I take down holiday season decor and seek to renew my dwelling, I realize the important role our residence has on our day to day life.

I hold the perspective that human beings and the world around them are full of energy. My preference - positive energy! Likewise, your home is a giver and receiver of energy. What energy do your surroundings provide you? Are you at peace, are you inspired? OR Do you fight elements that may incite anxiety or discontent??

As you seek to renew and reinvigorate your home post holidays, I challenge you to consider how your living space impacts your outlook and your attitude. My hope for you in 2018 is to find and embrace your own style. Not just your style of dress but your style of living, your own brand of being.

Statistics say you will spend most of your life in a workplace. However, with new found diversity in the way we work, many of you work from home or have various locations of work. Either way, you likely start your day and end your day in your home. You will inevitably take from and bring energy to your home. How will you live for 2018?

Consider these 4 areas of living, that may not only help you renew your space with your own personal style but also breathe life into those resolutions or declarations you may be working to create.

Live Well

Well being is essential for us all to have an awesome new year. Your Mind, Body, & Soul all need your TLC. Lighting, clutter, temperature, and your physical comfort can all impact how you enjoy your space. As you prepare to incorporate your late winter and early spring decor, evaluate the items and elements you are seeking to introduce. Do you need natural light or might the natural light you have need a little muting? Is there a chair that is no longer comfortable? Maybe it is time to find a new piece or make it your project to bring that element of furniture back to life for this year. If you have plans for an improved diet in the new year, how can your kitchen motivate you to stay on track and embrace this new way of eating?

Live Inspired

One of your primary tasks for 2018 should be to create and maintain inspiration. After all, when most resolutions fall short, it is because we lost motivation. Our loss of motivation is typically a direct result of fleeting inspiration. Inspiration is the energy that motivates and drives us to action. Is your space inspiring? Are there demotivating elements that you may need to modify?? Bringing new & refreshing elements into your home can also serve to inspire you. Maybe you want to change a color scheme, reconfigure a layout, or find the perfect piece for that lonely table.

Let the style of your space reflect your style of living for the year. Have some fun by taking these quizzes to help you connect with your personal style:

• HGTV's What's your Style Quiz
• HomeGood's What Makes you Happy Stylescope Quiz

Live Social

Psychology Today gives us 4 good reasons of why connecting with people is essential to our well-being.

1. You just might live longer - isolation is not good for the soul
2. You just might become physically healthier - socialization boosts your immune system
3. You will probably improve your mental health - connections improve our mood, which pushes depression out the door
4. You may also lower your risk for an onset of Dementia - connections help boost our memory and cognitive activity

If you like to entertain or wish to do so this year, you will want your residence to support making memories with friends and family. From the kitchen where you will prepare food, to the closet within which you will find the perfectly stylish outfit - recruit your surrounds to help you pull off fun times with good people. Head to Tasting Table and find your True Entertaining Style.

Live Local

Whether you live inside or outside the perimeter, there is so much to learn and do in your local area. Engage your immediate community for opportunities to live well. You may find inspiration to live life , your style by visiting a local farmers market, stylish boutique, or local eatery. When it comes to designing the interior of your residence, consider local decor boutiques for ideas on how to embrace materials and style native to your area. A store you've never visited just may have that extra something for which you've been searching.

Happy New Year! Live it with style.