My Favorite Things

Here are a few of my favorite things...

1.Something Fresh

Not surprising, something natural or something fresh can turn a boring space into one that is alive. This may be a vase of fresh flowers, seasonal and fragrant bought inexpensively at your local grocery.

A creative and unexpected way to add something fresh to  space, office or home is to fill a bowl with fresh fruit like lemons, limes, or oranges and use as an accessory piece on a table. The citris adds a splash of  color and a visual surprise that can distract and invirgorate.

2. Something Alive

Another way to add life to your space may be a fish tank. If that is a bit overwhelming and seems too labor intensive and expensive try a beta fish. They live alone, require little maintenance yet are active and beautiful . An interesting bowl with this sea creature can provide a positive distraction and encourage relaxation.

Judging a space by its cover........Beware!

It seems that everyday we make judgements about the world around us based on appearance. This may surprise many of us, but this is especially true when it comes homes, offices, and places of business. Often this first judgement influences how we initially stereotype the people who work or live there, and the quality of work they do.

What that means in a practical sense is this: the manner in which we design, furnish and present our environment and physical space where we live or work often gives others clues about our personal characteristics, our level of expertise, or the nature of what happens in the space. Thus, it may be much more important that many realize to pay attention to our environments and  the influence it has on ourselves and others.

Here is the another interesting fact. Before we even go into a home, business or office, we often make judgments about how we expect to feel within that space and if, in fact, we do feel that way when we arrive. For example, most of us want our home to be our personal santuary, our space where we can really relax and be ourselves.  In a counselor's office, we expect to feel relaxed and comfortable and safe. In a bank, most of us want to feel a sense of privacy, professionalism and security.

More and more research is emerging that suggests practical ways to trasform any environment into a space that reflects the nature and purpose of that specific area as well as  promotes health and wellness .