Bring The Happy Back!
7 Steps for How to Manifest Happiness at Home & In Life
~ Madeleine Marentette
Sometimes in our lives, an unexpected few words of wisdom, either spoken by a stranger, a song playing on the radio, or words which leap from a page, will catch our attention and change the course of our lives. The coincidence can take our breath away; we pause, we understand their meaning, and then wonder if there is even a little magic at hand. It was over a decade ago when I heard a few life-changing words of wisdom that stopped me in my tracks and started me on a year-long mission that changed my life forever.
“A happy life is when you wake up in the morning and you can’t wait to get to work. And at the end of the day, you can’t wait to get home.”
These words pierced me, body, mind and soul. It was clear that it was time to purge my home of the past and bring in a new energy of love, health and happiness. As spring was approaching, it was the perfect time to take on this project like a good body detox cleanse, beginning from the inside out!
As a graduate of interior design school, I understood the basics of good design and the ingredients needed to create beautiful spaces that nurture the human spirit; colour, texture, lighting, balance and proportion. I sat quietly and meditated in each room of my home. I made a list of what needed to change; styles I had outgrown and items that made me sad. I began sorting, tossing, boxing, storing and donating. Next, I did a deep clean; of inside drawers, shelves, cupboards, closets and windows. Fresh paint and wallpaper soon followed.
I began to fall in love with my home again. I felt uplifted and inspired in every way. I shifted furniture and paintings, dug out my old music albums that had great memories attached to them, lit candles, brought in aromatherapy and fresh-cut flowers, took down drapes and let the sunshine in. When spring arrived, I went through the same process with the deck, porch, lawn, garden, and even beautified my dock. I could feel a renewed sense of joy spilling in. It was therapeutic and transformative both on the inside and the outside. A life of renewed relationships, inspiration and joy began to emerge.
Today, when I wake up in the morning, I can’t wait to get to work, and at the end of my day, I can’t wait to get home. If these words resonate with you at this time in your life but you find yourself at a crossroads, here are seven simple action steps to get started and bring happiness back into your home and into your life! A happy home is the foundation of your family’s wellbeing; body, mind and spirit. You will soon find your career, business, and even friends will start to match the new ‘happy’ you’ve manifested.
Start Today Creating Your ‘Happy Home Happy Life’ with this 7-Step Plan for How to Manifest Happiness:
1. Assess and Reflect: Create a checklist with two columns and the name of a room at the top. Label one column ‘happy’ and the other ‘not so much.’ Sit quietly in each room and jot down what in the room makes you happy, and all that does not. Think organization, colour, lighting, texture, style, artwork, photos, inspiration, function and flow. Do this for as many rooms as you like. Remember, this exercise isn't just about physical items but also about the energies and memories they represent.
2. Purge and Cleanse: Next, dedicate a few hours each weekend to purging one room at a time: sort, toss, box, store and/or donate excess items that no longer hold a place in the room. Then freshen up the room with a good deep clean. Remember to use all-natural products. No chemicals!
3. Infuse New Energy: Smudge the spaces with sage if you are so inclined. Aromatherapy can clear a room as well and bring in new energy. Try Rosemary for cleansing and Lavender afterwards for calm. Also, consider incorporating elements that connect you to nature and invigorate your space with positive energy.
4. Reimagine Your Space: Once the above is completed, create a new checklist now, but with only one column entitled ‘happy.’ Sit quietly in each room that has been purged and cleansed. Tap into your heart centre and feel what would be needed in the room to make you happy. Again, think colour, lighting, texture, style, artwork, inspirations, function and flow.
5. Get Inspired: Cut out photos from magazines or create a mood board on Pinterest. Visit popular sites for design ideas, such as www.houzz.com. You’ll begin to see a pattern of common design elements that make you happy. Create a design palette with photos, colours, textures, artwork and lighting elements.
6. Start Making Your Positive Changes: Paint and/or wallpaper one room at a time according to your palette. Change the furniture around, mix up the artwork, light candles, play music, whatever drives your vision! 7. Don’t Forget Personal Touches: Personalize your space with items that bring you happiness. From additional artwork to photos, ensure your space reflects your journey and aspirations.
7. Embrace the Transformation: Embrace the changes, both within your home and within yourself. A happy home is a foundation for a fulfilling life, reflecting your inner transformation and readiness to embrace new beginnings. And don’t forget there’s no need to wait for someone else to bring you flowers! Loving ourselves, loving life, and being committed to self-care is good for your entire family.
Once your ‘Happy Standard’ has been reset, you will be able to intuit the steps and the processes for re-creating change in your life when needed. And remember; keep your eyes and ears open for clues; signs of confirmation, and direction. A happy person believes in magic!
Continue Your Journey to Manifesting Happiness with Grail Springs
Transforming your home is just the beginning. Grail Springs offers retreat packages and spa and healing services that can further guide you on your journey to manifesting happiness. Surrounded by the natural beauty and healing energies of Bancroft, Ontario, Grail Springs is more than a destination; it's a pathway to rediscovering your joy and vitality.
