Habits for Purposeful Living Challenge: Week Five Recap

We’re sharing our habits for purposeful living week five recap today.

This week has been another interesting one because it’s been dedicated to our environments and I cannot get over how much I’ve learned.

Recently, I was walking through Restoration Hardware with one of my girlfriends.

We had just finished lunch at the restaurant and found ourselves wandering from room to room soaking in inspiration.

While their modern style is not necessarily my own, it’s easy to appreciate how they’ve created an elevated brand over the years.

Each room is well appointed and carefully considered, from the texture of the pillows, to the grand scale of the art, to the reading lamps cozied up next to each chair.

“What was your favorite part?” I asked as we were leaving.

“That it doesn’t feel cluttered or decorated. There’s plenty of room to appreciate the art on the walls and the books on the table.  I feel like the people who shop here have embraced a certain set of standards that suit their lifestyle. It’s just who they are,” she replied nonchalantly.

After coffee and cake, I was on my way home and could not get the words, “embraced a certain set of standards,” and “it’s just who they are,” out of my head.

And once I arrived, I stood in the doorway trying to see the message my home was conveying with a fresh perspective.

White slipcovered furniture with little paw prints signaled the need for easy care with a playful pup.

Collections of ironstone and transferware signaled treasure hunting adventures.

Ruffled pillows, cozy comfort. 

Flowers in mason jars, a recent celebration.

And neutrals throughout signaled the importance of calm.

While I can’t say I have a certain set of standards for my home, save for being warm, welcoming and kind, the experience we had at Restoration Hardware made me realize how our environment plays such a big role in our lives.

So, this week, I want you to think about the message your home is sending.

Is it something you’re proud of?

Does it feel like you?

Does it meet your standards?

Whether you realize it or not, the state of your home, your workspace, your car and your calendar speak for you.

So, make sure the message you’re conveying is one that truly reflects you and your values.

And if you’re looking for a standard designer Nate Burkus has a simple yet beautiful one:

“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love…”

A Look at our Purposeful Living Habits Challenge Week Five Recap…

Week Five: Goal

The goal of the fifth week was to explore our environment and to begin making changes where needed.

What Worked Well This Week?

Mom – I had a difficult week but was able to give myself lots of grace while learning how to better manage my energy and give my the body rest it needed.

This was a big step for me because I would have felt like a failure for not being able to do more in the past.

***Editors Note: When this post goes live, my Mom will only be at the 60-day mark post-surgery. While she will be under a doctor’s care for the rest of her life for this condition, I want to gently remind you if you’ve also gone through surgery or are a caregiver for someone who has recently had surgery, healing takes time and it’s not always in the timeframe we think it should be. So, be sure to give yourself lots of space (and grace) to find a new normal.

CoCo – Looking at each room in our home with a fresh perspective, making notes of simple changes that could make a big impact and being more aware of how I move in the world.

What Did Not Work Well?

Mom – I started the week with low energy and being fatigued on Sunday. I thought it would pass by Monday. When it did not, it was hard on me mentally and physically.

CoCo – I felt behind all week and like I needed to catch up from Holy Week and Easter.  I also didn’t sleep well for several days which didn’t help.

What Did You Choose from The Weekly Habits Menu?

Mom – I went on meditation walks to the marsh, listened to classical music, sent Easter cards to a longtime friend, shopped for new pillows for my porch, visited my sisters, planted new bushes in the yard, helped my sister set up a seating area in her yard, worked at Loblolly, and watched a couple of videos on flower arranging.

CoCo – Made festive floral arrangements to use around the house with flowers from the yard, hosted a tea party, went to therapy, started a new morning devotional, had fun at a hockey game, tried a smoky eye, had a celebratory work dinner, stayed flexible when my schedule was not my own, added another 2 pounds to my weighted vest (I’m up to 8lbs), donated and decluttered books and magazines and packed away all the Easter décor.  

What Surprised You Most About This Week?

Mom – When we started this week, I thought my focus would be on refreshing our lanai.

As the week went on though, I realized my environment is so much more than a single space. It’s all the places and spaces in and around me.

CoCo – Serendipitously, my therapy homework was focused on environment this week as well.

Like my Mom, I thought my concentration would be refreshing spaces around the house. 

But when my therapist tasked me with creating a safe environment in the car to help me deal with trauma following a car accident I had several years ago, it was like a lightbulb went off and I immediately understood that we are constantly forming our environments with our thoughts, actions, behaviors and attitudes.

Needless to say, it blew my mind in the best possible way.  

What We’re Listening to This Week?

Mom – Jazz, classical, Healthy Beyond 40 podcast, The Everyday Style School, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, The School of Self Image podcast. 

CoCo – Evening meditation, classical for writing, and Norah Jones

What We Ate This Week:

Mom – I reached for more carbs than veggies this week which I typically seem to do when I’m tired and have low energy.

CoCo – I ate relatively healthy but definitely need to get back on track as far as my sugar intake goes…so much Easter candy!

 What We’re Looking Forward to Next Week:

Mom – Celebrating my success, finding ways to continue to elevate life, and thinking about the things I want to add or take away so I can keep making progress on my goals.

CoCo – Next week is the final week of this portion of the challenge, so I’m looking forward to celebrating all that we’ve learned these past 6 weeks and planning next steps.

Thank you again to everyone who has supported these posts.

It’s been such a beautiful learning experience!

Let us know if you’re also doing the habits for purposeful living challenge so we can cheer you on too.

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo