How do we get out of a rut and how does being in one serve us? I believe that all challenges are here to break us open so we can ultimately be and do better. We must experience the darkness to see the light. As spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, “The art of happiness is also the art of suffering well.”

This universal intelligence has been coming through strong since we were forced to shelter in place last March in San Francisco. Where did the year go? And where did our inspiration and creative energy go? Ahhh.

I know I’ve suffered through multiple ruts as of late, but now, thanks to this lovely sofa and these pillows that sparked a massive fabric hunt, I’ve gained some knowledge that I want to share.

Ready for some pillow talk, boo?

On a walk this morning, I was thinking about how to help creatives get out of their ruts. Then, an acronym came to me. Duh!

Here’s my download on emerging from R.U.T.S:

R — Realign with your authentic self and true desires to manifest whatever excites you.

U — Unlearn the “should’ve/would’ve/could’ves.” Just be in the flow and tap into that feeling of excitement and spur-of-the-moment momentum without trying to figure out how to make money, get more likes/views, etc. Don’t distract those creative juices!

T — Tribe. Nobody gets through hard times without their homies, family, friends or community.

When I’m feeling sad, mad or in a rut, I reach out to my beloved network of friends and family. I always feel better after connecting and chatting about what is bugging me. According to this article in The Atlantic on “The Pursuit of Happiness,” being socially connected and doing things you love are directly related to our happiness quotient. 

For nearly five decades, Bhutan has used a “Gross National Happiness” index to form public policy. What, what? Sign me up for more.

S — Share. I believe sharing is caring. Share not only your happy, but the sad and seemingly bad. You’re not alone and there is always hope.

Now just be and do. No matter how small the project seems, get started and you’ll feel the momentum build. It’s as simple as that. Move your energy around by taking baby steps. When you follow your excitement, the universe really does conspire to help you.

In this case, as I mentioned in the video, Elena, a creative soul sister and friend, was super excited to search with me for fabrics that matched my sofa and sew the pillows I designed.

This creative combustion has gotten me eager to share more of what brings out my true authentic joy — helping you design a life and style that elevates you, boo. For more inspiration, go to StyleYourSpirit.com.

Sharing is caring, so please share what kind of rut you’re in and tag a friend who needs some inspo to keep the good creative energy going.

Love ya,
xx
T

The post What Pillows Taught Me About Snapping Out of My Creative Rut appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

In the spirit of design and keeping it real, I’m going to let you into my bedroom. I generally don’t post photos or videos of my bedroom since it’s a sacred place. Also, I wouldn’t normally show you my messy bed, but I’ll take one for the team and for inspiration. Here’s a tour of my bedroom, a look at my unmade bed and some wisdom I’ve learned about how it can clear your head and make your day more productive on a physical, mental and spiritual level.

Most of the successful people I know have told me they make their beds. Here’s why:

1. Staying focused: It’s one thing you can do to start your day on the right foot. It really does shift your mainframe — you feel like you have been productive and creates a sense of accomplishment.

2. Destress: When you come home to a bed that is made, it is more relaxing. And you have a visual and energetically calming space to look forward to after a long day.

3. Changes the whole energy of the room: An unpaid bed is unsightly — not to mention it looks and feels messy.

Just pay attention to the way you feel when you come into your room when the bed is or isn’t made.

Take Action

If you don’t make your bed first thing in the morning, try it tomorrow and notice how the energy shifts the next time you walk into the room.

If you’ve already make your bed and you rushed through it, try to be in the present moment next time. Think of it as a meditative practice. You’ll enjoy the process even more.

This got me thinking about what other hacks in life that I could implement to feel more organized, unstressed and accomplished.

Extra Extra

One thing that came to mind is taking time every night to tidy the living room and fluff the pillows. Aha, now I have daily and nightly rituals to help bring me to the present moment, while creating a space I look forward to starting and ending my day in — a space that is visually, physically and spiritually organized and relaxing.

If there are questions or design solutions I could help you with, hit me up on social and please share with your design and design-challenged friends.

Onward,
Toan

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The post How Making Your Bed Clears Your Head appeared first on Go Inspire Go.