I like most Americans these days I am just sitting here taking in all that's happening. I mean, we're in the middle of a major pandemic of two sorts. One is COVID-19 and two is extreme racism and police brutality.

With all of this heaviness on our mind, everything feels like it's spinning out of control for some people. Some people don't have a job. They don't know where their next meal is coming from. They don't have any money. And then to turn on the TV and see all of what's happening with the protests. It's definitely unsettling.

But with all of that, I wish everyone well, and I wish everyone would take a moment and just breathe and be still, just for a moment. Just enough to listen to the answers that are within so that we can act on them.

Because I think one of the things that is happening is that we're all so emotional; we're all so drained; and we're all so stressed that we're reacting to everything and if we're not reacting smartly, then it's all for nothing.

One of the things that I want to address as a designer is getting back to life and how do we do that? Especially if going to work now looks like working from home. How do we protect our home while inspiring daily productivity? How do we navigate having guests over? These are all topics I am continuing to explore and shift my focus to. 

Here are 3 easy tips you can implement into your home: 

1. Make the entrance to your home a place where you decompress. Leave all outside shoes at the door for right now. Have a beautiful chair or bench for you to take off your shoes, maybe a rug or pretty basket that guests can put their shoes in.

2. Set up a home office at home that is dedicated just for that purpose. Reserve a room (if you can) and keep all items off your desk that you don't use. Declutter.

 3. Open the Windows. If you have an opportunity to open up the windows and just turn the fans on instead of only relying on air conditioning, that's really helpful also in circulating and getting rid of germs and moving stuff out of the house. Also natural light helps with mood and productivity.

A quick check in to say thank you to everyone who joined my Masterclass, "Breathing Time" last month. Now more than ever, we need to find comfort in these times and I am excited to continue sharing this presentation so stay tuned for more.

As the design industry keeps changing, I'm looking forward to helping others with tips and strategies as we all navigate these uncertain times.