I don’t need to summarize recent events to highlight just how hard things are right now. We all know it, and are feeling the heaviness of the world.  The word I hear most often in my work is “overwhelmed.” It makes sense. The world is overwhelming right now.  A problem solver by nature, I’ve spent the better part of the last  year studying and thinking about how to help people feel less overwhelmed and bring joy back into their lives. While organizing our physical environment (where we Dwell) brings us a sense of calm, I’ve identified five additional areas that are equally important ingredients in a well-balanced life. I’ve been waiting for the right time to share these pillars. It is clear to me that time is now. The Create Calm Lifestyle is built on six foundational pillars: 

• Nourish – what we choose to put into our bodies
• Move – the ways in which we engage our bodies
• Restore – practices for rest and regeneration
• Dwell – how we interact with our physical environment
• Connect – how we create meaning through community
• Prosper – how we provide for ourselves and our families

I believe that each of these pillars needs to be nurtured in order to truly thrive.  Let’s face it, most of us have been in survival mode for more than  two years. Yes, the world is challenging. But there is so much that we can do on a daily basis to improve the quality of our lives and those around us.  So, let’s begin to create calm. Together. Where do we begin? With how we Nourish our bodies.  We all know the importance of having a sturdy foundation for our home. In order for our home to be a true oasis, we actually have to be in a good place mentally, physically, and emotionally. How do we do that? Well, I believe it starts with what we choose to put into our bodies. As the saying goes, garbage in, garbage out. We cannot  fuel our bodies with crappy food and expect to feel good or even think clearly. In order to create a calm body and mind, we need to Nourish our bodies with real food and clean water. It’s really that simple.  Starting on June 1, Create Calm Lifestyle will begin “10 Days of Real Food.” The goal of this challenge is to strive to eat real, whole foods. Nothing from a bag or box, nothing processed. Why? I can think of no better way to create calm. Now, more than ever,  we need our brains and bodies to truly be nourished, so that we can operate from a place of calm. Our cells need the right kind of nourishment to provide steady energy, so we can think clearly during the day. We need all systems firing properly to help respond to the world with intention. (I’ve noticed that when I eat sugar/processed foods, I feel quite reactive. I get grouchy and don’t handle my stress well.) Most importantly, we need to reconnect with our bodies. We need to re-establish our instincts and remember that our bodies will always tell us what they truly need. But the body cannot do that when it is hijacked by sugar, processed foods, alcohol, or caffeine – all of which are highly addictive.  The body does not lie. By slowing down and tuning into what our bodies are telling us, we become aware of what we need to thrive. Please note – the goal is to strive to eat real food. We aim for progress, not perfection. There are no strict rules. The goal is simply to establish a consistent routine of nourishing our bodies with real food. That’s it. Enjoy your food. Share a meal with a friend, your family, your neighbors. Do what feels right to you. Just slow down, enjoy real food, and see what happens. I hope you will join me in this simple reset. Follow along on Instagram to see the ways in which I incorporate whole foods into my body. Be sure to comment and share your own tips and tricks! Let’s do this. Together!