2013.. the year to embrace your space.

This time one year ago, I started Thinking Designs, a design blog driven by inner design to embrace my creativity.  2012 was all about embracing new challenges and saying yes to anything design related. I've had some amazing experiences, had fabulous fun and learnt a few things along the way.   

Whilst the primary driver for this blog was akin to a "electronic filofax" of design ideas, inspiration and sharing of like minds, it really has been rewarding to have touched so many people and hopefully inspired a few along the way.  

I've learnt that design is for everyone, as it not merely about cushions and colour samples, its actually about how spaces can embrace our lives and adds to the tapestry of our lives.  I've been inspired by my kids and their imaginations and really opened my mind to what tremendous fun design can invoke in our lives.  

For 2013, I see an evolution of this "create" theme, with a challenge of "Space" throw out to you all.  This year is the year to "embrace your space" both in your physical spaces at work and home but more importantly your mental space.   

Its easy to roll off phrases like... 

  "Step outside your comfort zone"  or 

  "Do something that scares you every day"  or

  "If you always do, what you've always done, you'll always get the same result"

But consider how clearing out your spaces will make room for much more in your life.  For example:

• Clean out the clutter in your homes -  A clean space will bring change and a new chapter to your life. Get rid of the old to embrace the new!
• Throw away all that paper on your desk..... we all know you're very important! The mountain of paperwork is holding you back, not to mention our environment.
• Change your rooms around. Much to my husband dismay, I do this regularly and love the sense of renewal it brings to rooms and my headspace.
• Set new goals totally far fetched and beyond your wildest dreams, the attainment isn't important. Its the journey that adds richness to your life.
• Let go of past hurt, its not yours to hold. Only you can hold your future and how you respond to it!
• Be kind to yourself and your fellow mankind.  The real hero's in our world are those battling mental illness so support all those amazing organisations like Beyond Blue and Black Dog and countless others, doing amazing things to help so many. Mental illness effects all of us at some point in our lives, so embrace the kindness you can give to yourself and others.
• Embrace your inner child - Have a Pyjama day at least once a quarter!  Jump on a trampoline, eat coco pops for dinner, make fairy bread and beat the kids to the swings at the park!  

And finally, my gorgeous 92 year old Nanna Winkle tells me that real happiness (and she means REAL) only ever really comes from giving to others.    Pay it forward and relish the joy of giving. It really is true!

So happy 2013 to you all and I sincerely encourage you to "embrace your space" and explore your physical and mental spaces that inspire you this year.  I wish you all enough time and space to achieve everything you aspire to in 2013. 

Now I'm off to find that bowl of coco pops...

Happy New Year!

Rebecca Ward    XOXO