Walking on the Right Path: Creating a Radiant Workspace for Success

Bible Verse to reflect on Psalm16:11 (MSG)

Just as walking with God directs us onto the right path, having a well-designed workspace can help us excel in our chosen field of expertise. It's helpful to create a space where you can create, reflect, and work from. 

By following these tips, you can create a space that is both functional and inspiring, helping you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

• Use natural light to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
• Incorporate reflective surfaces such as mirrors or metallic accents to add to the radiance.
• Choose colors that evoke joy and positivity, such as sunny yellows or calming blues.
• Create a focal point in the room that represents your life's purpose, such as an inspiring quote or a piece of art that speaks to you.
• Incorporate elements of nature such as plants or natural materials to create a sense of grounding and connection.
• Choose furniture and decor that is functional and comfortable, so that you can fully enjoy and engage with your space.
• Manage the space to ensure it remains organized and clutter-free, promoting clarity and focus.
• Don't be afraid to incorporate your own personal style and meaningful objects into your design, as this will help your space feel truly authentic and purposeful.
• Experiment with different textures and materials, such as plush rugs or natural wood accents, to add depth and interest to your space.
• Use art and decor to express your personality and style, whether it's through bold prints or sentimental objects.
• Consider incorporating technology into your design, such as a smart speaker or wireless charging station, to make your workspace more efficient and streamlined.
• Make sure your space is properly ventilated and has good air quality, as this can have a significant impact on your productivity and overall well-being.
• Take the time to regularly clean and maintain your space, as this can help you stay organized and focused on your goals. 

Remember, creating a space that is both radiant and purposeful can help you stay on the right path toward success.

Are You Intentional?

Many of us run. Some physically run for exercise,  however,  many run in their minds and in their busyness to accomplish tasks.

If you were to ask a working mum what her day looks like, she's probably going to say something like,  'I just run from one task to the next '.  Her running isn't a physical race to win, but an emotional,  mental, physical amount of tasks she's striving to complete. 

When do you stop? How do you hit the 'pause' button long enough to breathe? 

As a a working mum and wife, it's hard to stop for yourself.  I am not just talking about those of us who go to a workplace owned by someone else.   All mums and wives are working,  whether it's a SAHM (stay-at-home-mum), WFHM )work-from-home-mum), employee,  or self-employed. 

Ps 46:10 says, ... “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Can I encourage you to take time to stop, breathe, stay still, just for a few minutes?  

Allow yourself to hear the calling of wildlife,  the rustling of wind in the trees, the stillness of silence. 

Allow yourself to take a deep breath and focus on the Lord, who tells us to be still and know He is God. 

The tasks, the striving to accomplish and complete will continue.  Who will truly care about all that we ran after to complete?  

Let's however,  look at the larger picture.   

What do we want to be remembered for? 

Are You Grateful for Your Team?

Recently, my husband and I went to view the overflow at Tinaroo Dam in Far North Queensland. Although we live in this beautiful part of Australia, we forget to take time to enjoy the natural and man-made resources around us.

Tinaroo Dam is a valuable resource to this area - it ensures that the drier areas around Mareeba have water (through a channel system), local towns have water, and it provides opportunities for recreational activities and recreational activities sustaining local wildlife and farming land.

As I was reflecting, I realized that often we often forget to express appreciation to our Team.  The "Team" may be where we work, or a local N-F-P group we are part of, it might be our family or close friends who get together to support us.

Life happens and becomes busy.  We are often so busy doing life, that we forget to stop and live life!

So, today, how can you affirm your Team? How can you express your gratitude? Let's go out for a coffee together, or even a quick thank you to each of them. Stop and express your appreciation and show it in action.  Often, we say words, but don't follow them up with actions.

How can you affirm your Team?

• express your appreciation for them as a person, not just for the role they undertake
• ask them how they are and about their family
• when speaking with team members make eye contact and face them so that they see you are genuinely interested in them. 
• Help them feel accepted and that they aren't questioning their value within the team
• Affirm their abilities and talents.

You will find ways to affirm your team if you take the time to reflect and express to them, they are valuable and appreciated.

Tinaroo Dam, February 2023

Decluttering - more than just cleaning out a space

When some people hear the word 'Declutter', they inwardly groan, roll their eyes, or make excuses.

For years, I held onto 'stuff'. There was no real reason except, that in the back of my mind, I reasoned it might be needed one day and we had worked hard to obtain it.

Then in 2020, the world turned upside down. We began going through the stored boxes in the shed. Opening some of the boxes revealed items that had been packed from moving back in 2007! 

During the Christmas holidays at the end of 2020, I began the process of 'decluttering' the house.

Beginning wasn't easy. I read articles, watched shows, and started small.

After winter and then after again Christmas, I always felt overwhelmed by so much stuff around the house. Everyday cleaning seemed to be moving items around but never decreasing the volume of things.

We had talked about installing furniture to display our treasured pieces. So beginning with the bookcase, then progressing to wardrobes, kitchen cupboards, excess and old clothing, toys, DVD's, and items, we slowly began decluttering. 

Now in 2023, the house is easy to clean and maintain. I have time to appreciate my home. 

With the children now grown and living their own adventures, the house is much quieter. Having our space decluttered and simple allows us to enjoy time with friends, and not be overwhelmed, or stressed by piles of items. 

One of our pastors shared a quote in our weekly newsletter some time ago and this challenged me to think about what items I was holding onto and why. The quote: "Hold loosely to the things of this life, so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go."

Decluttering, I found, wasn't just throwing everything out. Going through the process, helped me appreciate what I have, what we need, enjoy and use. Giving items away to others, charity, etc meant what we no longer needed was repurposed by others. 

Instead of hours and hours of cleaning each week, the house can be tidy in a short time.  

Yes, there's still the 'deeper' cleans to be undertaken, such as windows, walls, etc. But the general, day-to-day cleaning takes a short amount if time, allowing me to undertake other roles and projects.

If you are considering decluttering, be mindful about why you want 

to do this. Consider seriously what you need, what can be repurposed, donated or sold.

Be realistic and most of all, be kind to yourself in the process. 

If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail!

 You've read the saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

Being organized and ensuring you have your day planned out, helps in planning to succeed, instead of planning to fail. Over many years, I have watched many people both succeed and fail.  Some tell me, "I just go with the flow!", or "I can't plan past the new couple of days, it's just too far." 

Others tell me how they have planned out their goals and what actions will need to be undertaken up to a year or more ahead so that they have the best possible chance of success.  The difference between these two types?  

Simply, it's having an action plan in place and ensuring that they consistently work towards the goal they have set rather than "let's hope for the best".

This quote, I think sums up 2023 for me and part of what I want to achieve: 

"To be successful at anything, you must simply be what most people aren't: Consistent." (Anon)

How can you begin to plan for success instead of failure?

• Set aside time each week to dream, research, and plan the activities you want to achieve.
• Determine what activities are urgent, short-term planning, and long-term planning.
• Begin collating what you need for short-term and long-term plans. E.g. you decide to apply for a housing loan. In undertaking this process, documents will need to be gathered and certified, book an appointment with an authorized broker or local bank.
• Action urgent jobs promptly; don't leave until the last minute.   Ensure the work undertaken is your best.
• Have a notebook or daily planner sheet that you can tick off jobs as they are completed.
• Don't be overwhelmed; break the jobs down into manageable tasks. I have found this helps manage stress and anxiety levels, especially when undertaking a role or request that I have never done before.
• Review, review, and review documents and information before sending.  This saves time and embarrassment.  
• Have regular times that you are at your desk, so people know when they can contact you.
• Plan time to rest and have a break.
• Take care of yourself.

(Canva)