8 Small New Beginnings That Make a Big Difference

Anyone who's ever read our fortunes has probably noticed that we spend a lot of time thinking—mostly about different ways to shift our mindset, live better lives and evolve as human beings. 

I've always been into self-improvement, but the flip side of continually working to better yourself is, perhaps, the underlying idea that you're not already good enough. For me, it also means that I pretty much live in my head. (My boyfriend says that sometimes I go days without talking to him because of it.)

As the sun has started making its way back to New York City and people have begun reappearing on the streets after months inside, I realize how energized I am by the shift in light and life.

But what to do with all the newfound energy? Part of me wants to use it to "better myself" by reinventing the wheel and taking on unnecessarily ambitious projects that will never get done: Tear down everything I've built and rebuild it. Scorch the earth and start anew... 

This year I'm changing my narrative and challenging myself to think in terms of basic refreshes, rather than full-on reinventions. Rather than tearing things down because they're not good enough, how can I build them up into more glorious versions of themselves?

Here are 8 small things I've come up with to create new beginnings that will make a big difference. 

1. Embrace a new narrative. 

I've already hinted at one of the negative narratives that's always ruled my life: the idea that "Nothing is ever good enough— and I'm not good enough— so burn it all down and start over. Repeat"

We all have thought patterns that guide the things we do, the people and relationships we're attracted to, and the outcomes we get. 

If you don't know offhand what your negative narratives are, a good place to look is at that thing that makes you ask, "Why does this keep happening to me??" What outcome in life do you keep running into but don't want? Chances are high it's a result of a narrative you're playing out without knowing it. It's only once you catch it in the act and become aware of it, that you can change it and embrace a new outcome.

A subtle reminder I wear around when I catch myself devolving into old patterns. Shown in our Flowered Vines Fortune Locket.

2. Get out the paint and do some touch-ups.  

Now that we've solved the mysteries of life, let's paint some walls. I'm not talking about repainting your entire home, apartment or office; I'm talking about painting the little scuffs you've become blind to, filling unused nail holes and freshening up the place a bit. Make it somewhere you're proud to say is a reflection of you. 

If you're feeling really ambitious, maybe even introduce an accent wall. I've always had mixed feelings about accent walls until we recently painted one in the Fortune & Frame kitchen. We chose a bright teal and it has completely changed the energy of the room. And the amazing thing about paint is that if you don't like it, you can always paint it back. 

Our new kitchen accent wall on point!

3. Give your millions of throw pillows a new look. 

It's incredible what simply replacing pillow covers will do for the energy of a room. And the energy of the people who work, play or live in it.

For years, we've had a bunch of throw pillows that were throwbacks to another vibe. Recently, I decided we need do something with them. My first instinct was to donate them to goodwill and start over, but then I had a better idea: Get on Etsy and buy new covers that match our new vibe. 

Here are some of the new pillow covers we bought for pillows we'd had lying around for years.

 4. Add flowers and plants to your work and live spaces.

I don't think I need to convince anyone of how flowers and plants can change a space or your mindset, so consider this a simple reminder: Plants are awesome.

At the Fortune & Frame offices, we have plants in every room. One thing I was set on doing when we moved into our new office was creating a plant and flower wall in the room where we all work. You can't see it in the below pic, but there are two skylights above that shine light on these plants. 

When people walk into the room and see it, they immediately smile. That's just what plants and flowers do. Apparently they're also good for sound-blocking.

5. Clean the windows.

This is probably easier said than done for those of us who live in NYC and either have bars on our windows or have to hang our bodies halfway (or all!) out of our buildings to clean them (bonus: from a high floor).

No matter where you are though, you've got to figure out how to clean those windows. It's a super small thing that makes a huge difference and literally brings clarity to your thoughts, your view, and your people watching.

I promise that I practice what I preach. Here I am out on the ledge of our building cleaning our second floor window:

6. Go to yoga.

I used to be so disciplined about exercise. I'd go running or to yoga— sometimes both— at least 5 times a week. But as I've become busier, I've become inconsistent and careless about it.

Consider this a note to self: It's time to get back into a regular routine with exercise, and in particular, with yoga.  Your body is one of the most important foundations you have. If it's healthy, your life will be a lot healthier, too.

7. Get rid of the noise: exercise without music.

This is something I accidentally discovered and I want to shout it out from the rooftops: You should try walking, running or exercising without headphones. No music or podcasts directing your thoughts.

Go to the gym or outside and just listen to the everyday sounds of birds, cars, the streets, exercise machines, and most importantly, your thoughts about all of those things. 

You will inevitably realize how seldom you allow yourself to have unstructured thoughts about the world. With so much time focused on work, social media, the music we listen to, and people we communicate with, it's important to free up some space to think about whatever's happening in the moment, directly around us.

8. Be present. 

Related, but slightly different: be present wherever you are. Put your cell phone down and speak to the people you're with. For me, this is often my boyfriend. I realize how supportive of me he is, and how much he craves my attention in the rare occasions that neither of us is working. He is such an important foundation for me and I need to nurture that. Being present and available to him seems an easy enough ask.

What are the foundations in your life that could use more of your attention? What are the small things you can change that will make a big difference?