Category: Intentional lifestyle

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

The Beauty of Sustainable Lifestyle

Posted on by Coach Cher

CHAPTER ONE: Less is a Mess Until It’s Bliss

Simple living is more than decluttering a closet or downsizing a home—it’s a mindset that encourages us to slow down and live with intention. At its core, it’s about removing excess not only from our physical spaces but also from our mental, emotional, and spiritual lives. In doing so, we create space for clarity, peace, and deeper meaning.

Rather than measuring life by what we accumulate, simple living invites us to value the quality of our experiences, relationships, and inner growth. In a world dominated by consumerism and constant noise, it’s easy to confuse busyness with purpose. Simple living challenges this mindset, prompting us to reassess what truly matters. It suggests that a life overloaded with possessions, obligations, and endless striving can often feel empty rather than fulfilling.

By intentionally choosing simplicity, we begin to notice the richness in small moments: the warmth of a morning cup of tea, the beauty of nature outside our window, or the joy of an unhurried conversation with a friend. These are the often-overlooked treasures buried beneath the clutter of modern life.

At its foundation, simple living is not about deprivation. It’s not about giving up what we love, but aligning our lives with what we value most. It begins with asking: Do I need this? Does this serve me? Does this contribute to my well-being or distract from it? These questions help us intentionally curate lives that support balance and harmony.

Simplicity empowers us to focus our time, energy, and resources on what nurtures us rather than what depletes us. Ultimately, it offers freedom—freedom from the pressure to constantly consume, from the weight of comparison, and from the illusion that more is always better.

This philosophy opens a door to a slower, more mindful way of being—one in which we reconnect with our authentic selves. In this space, we are no longer defined by what we own or how much we do, but by who we are and how we choose to live. This chapter lays the groundwork for embracing simplicity—not as a fleeting trend, but as a fulfilling way of life rooted in depth, peace, and joy.

CHAPTER TWO: Your Stuff is Not Your Soulmate (Probably)

Let’s be honest: some of us are in committed relationships with our stuff. That T-shirt from 2008? “It still fits… emotionally.” The pasta maker you used once? “It might come in handy during the next carb crisis.”

But here’s the kicker—most of our stuff doesn’t love us back. It doesn’t bring joy; it just hogs our space and collects dust like it’s starting a collection.

The key to sustainable living is understanding the difference between wanting and needing. (Spoiler: You probably don’t need that third garlic press.) When we stop accumulating things like we’re trying to win a loyalty card from Amazon, we reduce waste, save money, and free up mental space.

Try this: The next time you’re about to buy something, pause and ask, “Do I need this, or am I just trying to impress the neighbor who owns a salt lamp and a Tesla?” If it’s the latter, walk away proudly. You just saved yourself from clutter and existential regret.

Living sustainably doesn’t mean you must fit all your belongings into a backpack and move to a treehouse (unless you’re into that). It means being intentional: choosing quality over quantity, and making space for what actually matters—like spontaneous dance parties in your living room.

CHAPTER THREE: Eating Green Without Turning Into a Kale Cultist

You’ve probably heard the phrase “You are what you eat.” If that’s true, some of us are approximately 47% potato chips.

Sustainable living starts at the table. But let’s clear this up: You don’t need to become a vegan monk who only eats locally-sourced moss. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Eating more plant-based meals, reducing food waste, and shopping locally can make a huge impact. Plus, eating veggies doesn’t have to be a flavorless punishment. (We’re looking at you, overcooked Brussels sprouts.)

Hot tip: Plan your meals before shopping. That way, you avoid buying 6 zucchinis you swear you’ll use but inevitably watch wilt into mushy regret.

And remember: composting isn’t just for hippies with backyard chickens. It’s a legit way to give back to the Earth—and it’s strangely satisfying to turn yesterday’s banana peel into tomorrow’s garden gold.

Start small. Swap out meat once or twice a week. Buy from the farmer’s market when you can. And yes, you can still have chocolate—it’s basically a plant. Probably.

CHAPTER FOUR: Energy Vampires and the Art of Unplugging (Literally and Figuratively)

No, we’re not talking about your overly dramatic cousin who drains your soul at family dinners. We’re talking about the other kind of energy vampire—the toaster that’s always plugged in even though it hasn’t toasted anything since 2017.

Our homes are full of sneaky energy suckers. Electronics, lights, heating systems—they’re often running on autopilot while we pay the bill. Sustainable living means becoming a little more aware of what’s on, what’s needed, and what can be turned off (hint: probably everything when you’re not using it).

But let’s zoom out for a second: unplugging isn’t just about appliances. It’s also about our minds. Scrolling social media until our eyeballs hurt doesn’t exactly scream “simple, meaningful life.” Try stepping away from screens once in a while. Go outside. Stare at a tree. Hug it, if you must.

Simple wins:

  • Switch to LED bulbs (they last longer and don’t affect your electric bill).
  • Use a power strip so you can turn off multiple devices with one satisfying click.
  • Air-dry your clothes like it’s 1992. Bonus: it’s free and smells like sunshine.

Remember, saving energy = saving money + saving the planet + becoming slightly smug in a good way.

CHAPTER FIVE: The Joy of Doing Nothing (a.k.a. Sustainable Sanity)

Here’s a radical idea: What if… You didn’t have to be busy all the time?

We live in a world that treats rest like a guilty pleasure. If you’re not multitasking with three to-do lists and a podcast playing at double speed, are you even trying?

Yes. Yes, you are. In fact, doing less can be the most revolutionary act in a world obsessed with more.

Sustainable living isn’t just about what we consume—it’s about how we live. Creating time for rest, reflection, and joy is just as important as composting or riding your bike to the store. Taking care of your well-being helps you show up better for the people and planet around you.

Pro tip: Schedule downtime like you’d schedule a dentist appointment. Call it “soul maintenance” if that makes it feel more official.

Sit. Breathe. Stare out the window. Let your mind wander without needing to fix, scroll, or hustle. You are not a productivity machine. You’re a human being—with permission to chill.

Because in the end, sustainability isn’t about sacrificing joy. It’s about making space for more of it—the real kind, not the kind that comes from flash sales and fast shipping.

Final Thoughts:
 Living sustainably isn’t about being perfect. It’s about small steps, conscious choices, and a willingness to laugh along the way. Whether you’re swapping plastic for reusable bags or simply learning to appreciate silence over screen time, you’re making a difference.

And if all else fails—just remember to bring the clothes in if it starts to rain.

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

Life Shifts . . .

Posted on by Coach Cher

When Life Changes, I Help You Find Clarity.

Life shifts — sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once.
Maybe you’re preparing to sell your home and need every room to shine with simplicity and warmth.
Or maybe you’re opening your doors to a loved one — merging two lives, two styles, and two histories under one roof.

No matter the reason, your home tells a story — and I’m here to help you write the next chapter.

As a Home & Office Organizer, I create calm out of chaos, beauty out of overwhelm, and flow out of frustration.
I understand how hard it can be to let go, to start over, or to make space for someone new.
But you don’t have to do it alone.

Together, we’ll clear what no longer serves you, redesign spaces that reflect your new season of life, and bring a sense of peace and purpose back into your home.

Whether it’s:

  • Preparing your home to sell quickly and beautifully
  • Creating harmony while sharing your home with family
  • Or simply finding joy and order again in your daily spaces

I’m here to help you breathe easier — one room, one drawer, one conversation at a time.

Let’s talk about where you are and what you need.
📞 Call, text, or email me today — your new beginning is waiting.

860-941-8630 / organizercoach98@gmail.com / www.lifestylebydesignsblog.com 

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

The Transitions in Life

Posted on by Coach Cher

The Transitions in Life

For something new to begin, an old part of ourselves must sometimes end.

Growth often necessitates the transformation of our inner selves, a process that, while natural and vital, can be painful, confusing, or disorienting. These feelings of confusion and disorientation frequently signal an internal shift, a phenomenon common throughout human life as we progress from infancy through various stages of development. Each transition requires us to bid farewell to a former identity, the self we cultivated for that specific period.

These identities can be deeply intertwined with relationships or careers, and when an internal shift occurs, these external aspects of our lives may become unsettled. A closer examination of these surface-level changes often reveals a deeper, internal metamorphosis. For instance, we might spend a significant chapter of our lives constructing a protective shell to heal from past trauma. 

However, a time may come when this very shell feels restrictive and confining, prompting a desire to move beyond the sanctuary it once provided. The growing part of ourselves cannot thrive within the boundaries of the old self’s protective structure.

The process of shedding an old self and embracing a new identity can evoke a paradoxical blend of exhilaration and sadness. We can find inspiration in observing animals that molt or shed, making way for new skin, fur, or feathers. Keeping a symbol of transformation, such as a duck feather, can serve as a potent reminder that death and rebirth are inherent to nature’s evolutionary design. 

By surrendering to this process, we can release our past selves with love and gratitude, and with an open mind and heart, welcome the new, preparing for the next chapter of our lives.

Here are 5 simple rituals to help facilitate your new chapter of life:

1. Light & Let Go

  • Write down on small slips of paper the habits, regrets, or fears they want to release.
  • Place them in a bowl, safely burn them (or tear/shred them if fire isn’t an option), and say out loud: “I let this go and make space for what’s next.”
  • End by lighting a candle to symbolize illumination and fresh beginnings.

2. Threshold Walk

  • Have yourself stand in a doorway, imagining the side behind you as your past and the side in front as your future.
  • Step through slowly while affirming: “I step fully into my next chapter with courage and openness.”
  • This physical act of crossing creates a sense of transition.

3. Gratitude Release

  • At night, write down three things from the closing chapter that you are grateful for—people, lessons, or experiences.
  • Place the list in a small box or jar as a “memory capsule.”
  • This honors the past while making emotional room for new experiences.

4. Vision Seed Ritual

  • Provide yourself with flower or herb seeds. Before planting, have them speak their intentions into the soil (e.g., “I plant hope, growth, and love for this new chapter.”).
  • As the plant grows, it becomes a living reminder of their new beginnings.

5. Morning Reset Breath

  • Each morning for a week, step outside, close your eyes, and take three deep breaths:
    • Inhale: “I welcome the new.”
    • Hold: “I am present in this moment.”
    • Exhale: “I release what no longer serves me.”
  • This simple daily ritual grounds them in renewal and readiness.

Here’s to new beginnings, Coach Cher

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

Loving Intentions . . .

Posted on by Coach Cher

How our loving intentions can transform our living space

Our homes are rarely perfect, and even if they meet our basic needs, we might still desire improvements in location, decor, or style. However, every home has the potential for beauty. By filling our homes with love, we can look beyond material factors, such as market value and design. 

Our conscious, loving intentions have the power to transform our living spaces, removing negative energy and replacing it with an ethereal beauty that is felt rather than seen. Our homes can become soulful and alive spiritual dwellings. Regardless of their outward appearance, they will radiate love, making everyone, including ourselves, feel instantly welcome.

Transforming a space into a beautiful reflection of your inner warmth is as simple as projecting love into it. With sincere intentions, you can infuse your home’s walls with your energy, emotional sensitivity, and generosity of spirit, making it a haven of affection, joy, laughter, and togetherness. 

You have the power to decide whether your personal spaces will be peaceful and quiet or lively and inspiring. Begin by cultivating self-awareness. This will help you view your home as an essential part of your existence, not just a place you return to at the end of the day. 

Consider your relationship with each element of your space, and remember that every room can serve a purpose in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Finally, lovingly thank each room for fulfilling your needs. As you become more mindful of how your home contributes to your well-being, you will find yourself increasingly wanting to love and be loved by it.

Appearance and other superficial qualities can be misleading. An aesthetically beautiful home may still feel unwelcoming. Conversely, a home that seems ordinary in every way can be as comforting and cozy as a beloved relative or friend. 

When you nurture and care for your home as if it were a loved one, it will absorb your tender intentions and project a love so profound that you will soon develop a deep affection for it.

Peace & Harmony, Coach Cher

We Design Space!

For more in-depth support beyond this article, explore my personalized coaching programs. Schedule a free consultation to discuss what’s preventing you from achieving organized living spaces. We’ll pinpoint your obstacles and create a customized plan to reach your goals.

I look forward to helping you transform your lifestyle.

Let’s Chat! Cheryl Camacho # 860-941-8630

A TEXT  gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call

Email: organizercoach98@gmail.com

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

As Unique As Your Fingerprints . . .

Posted on by Coach Cher

Your archetypes, as unique as your fingerprints, hold the keys to your life’s purpose and creative gifts.

Have you ever pondered why specific individuals, locations, and experiences captivate you? 

Have you noticed recurring patterns, unexpected twists, and moments that carry a deeper significance? 

Both ancient Greek philosophy and Jungian psychology suggest these occurrences are not coincidental. They are shaped by archetypes—active guardians within your inner psyche that subtly influence your beliefs, decisions, motivations, and choices.

Archetypes are more than just personality traits; they are symbolic roles chosen by your soul before birth to facilitate growth, healing, and the realization of your highest potential. 

The archetypes residing within you are as distinct as your fingerprints, offering insights into your life’s purpose, your creative strengths, and the profound meaning behind your greatest challenges.

The remarkable aspect of working with archetypes is their ability to articulate the intangible. They help you understand your patterns, your passions, and your struggles. Crucially, they affirm that your life holds meaning—that you are not flawed or adrift. You are on a soul-driven journey rich with purpose and wisdom. 

When you start perceiving your life through the framework of archetypes, confusion gives way to clarity, and your path forward becomes not only apparent but also profoundly motivating.

Peace & Harmony, Coach Cher

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

DAY BY DAY . . .

Posted on by Coach Cher

 

Navigating life becomes significantly simpler when we embrace the present day, rather than constantly focusing on the future.

Life unfolds day by day, not all at once. Each sunset allows us to rest, confident that dawn brings a fresh start, new perspectives, and renewed hope. The hours between sleep are ours to decide how we will live, learn, laugh, and grow. Experiencing life this way—one day at a time—makes it sweeter and more manageable.

Consider the future stretching out before you. Do you feel tension or stress about the journey ahead? Perhaps you’ve made a recent lifestyle change, like a new diet or quitting smoking, and the thought of maintaining it for years seems daunting. 

Or maybe you’ve started a new job or are newly married, and feel anxiety about your ability to succeed. Shifting your focus from years down the line back to the present day can bring calm and renewed confidence in your abilities. You might also discover an inner faith that the future will take care of itself.

How we engage with our lives today and tomorrow significantly impacts who we become and what we experience in the years to come. By remaining fully present in the day at hand, enjoying its offerings, and maximizing our energy, we’ll find ourselves perfectly ready and capable of handling any future when it arrives.

Here is your 5-Step Stay Present Plan:

Step 1: Anchor with Breath

Why: The breath is your built-in lifeline to the present.

  • Practice: At least 3 times a day, pause for 60 seconds. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6.
  • As thoughts come, acknowledge them, then gently return to the rhythm of your breath.
  • Mantra: “I am here. I am safe. I am enough.”

Step 2: Name What You See, Hear, and Feel

Why: Naming sensory input grounds you in your current environment.

  • Practice: Pick a moment during your day and say (out loud or silently):
    • “I see… (the light through the trees).”
    • “I hear… (the hum of a fan).”
    • “I feel… (the warmth of my hands).”
  • This invites your senses to sit at the table of now.

Step 3: Create “Now” Rituals

Why: Familiar rituals create sacred space in the present.

  • Practice: Choose one small, intentional daily act: making tea, stretching, lighting a candle, walking barefoot.
  • Do it slowly, fully focused on that act. No distractions. (I make my bed very slowly each morning – I purposely tuck every corner – flatten every wrinkle – it feels so energizing  to start the morning this way.)
  • Let it be your anchor to remind yourself: “This is my life. This moment is mine.”

Step 4: Notice When You Drift—and Gently Return

Why: It’s not about perfection—it’s about return.

  • Practice: When you catch yourself spiraling into regret or future worry, say this aloud or in your head:
    • “That’s the past/future. I return to now.”
  • Place your hand over your heart or belly to feel your presence. This moment is your restart.

Step 5: Practice Gratitude in Real Time

Why: Gratitude shifts the mind from lack or fear to abundance and peace.

  • Practice: Each time something brings you calm, joy, or clarity, say thank you in the moment.
    • “Thank you for this warm cup of coffee.”
    • “Thank you for this quiet breath.”
    • “Thank you for surviving, even when it was hard.”

 ♥ Bonus Affirmation: ~ “I don’t have to fix the past or predict the future to be whole. I already am. Right here. Right now.”

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

Holding The Line

Posted on by Coach Cher

Title: Holding the Line: How We Save When Everything’s on the Line

It starts with a sigh at the grocery store, standing over a cart that’s a little lighter than usual. The cashier smiles kindly, but behind that smile is another mother doing her own math—calculating the price of dignity in a world that keeps raising the cost. You clip the coupons, stretch every dollar, and trade brand names for store labels, not because you want to—but because you must. Because your kids need milk. Your parents need their medication. And there’s not a luxury to be found, only survival.

The fridge is no longer just an appliance. It’s a battleground of love and sacrifice. Dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a prayer you stretch with canned beans, rice, and frozen vegetables. You skip meals so your children won’t notice there’s less. You fill your pantry with wisdom from your grandmother, who taught you how to make soup out of bones and hope. She made it through the Great Depression, and now, with every bite, you remember her hands and her strength.

And now it’s not just your kids you’re holding up—your parents are slipping through the cracks too. The messages come in emails with cold words: “Medicaid eligibility review.” You sit with your mom, now frail and trembling, as you fill out forms that feel more like trials than help. You plead with bureaucracies while worrying whether you’ll have to choose between insulin and electricity.

SNAP benefits are being cut for families like yours. It feels like someone is tightening a belt around your soul. But you don’t crumble. You stretch meals, plant tomatoes in coffee cans, and teach your children to find joy in the little things: the smell of warm bread, the power of sharing a single apple.

You hold your head up at the food bank, because there is no shame in feeding your family. You trade recipes with other mothers and grandmothers in parking lots, exchange budgeting hacks, and swap winter coats at community centers. Because we are all in this together.

You cut out takeout, make your own cleaning supplies, repair instead of replace, and teach your children that being rich isn’t about money—it’s about heart, grit, and sticking together.

To every family fighting for their kids, their elders, and their dignity, know this:

~We will survive this.
 We come from people who faced breadlines and dust bowls, who turned their last pennies into the foundation for something better. They didn’t give up, and neither will we.

~This moment will not break us.
 We are the descendants of resilience. We are the children of those who made it through the darkness of the 1930s with strength stitched into every thread of their being.

~We will survive—because that’s what we do.
 We endure. We fight. We rise.

And when the history books write about this era, they’ll say:
“They came together. They gave what they could. They made it through.”

Just like before.
Just like always.
Together.

Peace & Harmony, Coach Cher

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

Motivational Monday

Posted on by Coach Cher

Walk like you’re not waiting for money—walk like it’s chasing you. That’s the mindset we need now more than ever. The years ahead will demand boldness, not hesitation. We can’t afford to tiptoe through life waiting for permission, abundance, or rescue. We must embody the energy of someone already aligned with success, someone who knows their worth and acts like the world is trying to catch up to them. It’s about walking with purpose, making decisions from a place of belief, not fear—because when you shift your mindset from scarcity to certainty, money, opportunity, and progress begin to move toward you. The future belongs to those who act like it’s already theirs.

Peace & Harmony, Coach Cher ♥

Posted in Intentional lifestyle
Posted on by Coach Cher

Transform your home into a sanctuary of supportive energy by cultivating a stress-free environment.

Our homes, often mere stopovers in our busy lives, can be transformed into true sanctuaries. Just as gardens require tending to bloom, our homes need care to become wellsprings of replenishment and beauty. By treating them as cherished treasures, we can shift their energy and foster a deeper connection to our personal space.

Consider your home as a mirror of your inner self. If its current appearance doesn’t align with how you envision yourself, it can hinder your ability to shine truly. Transforming your home to reflect your inner landscape doesn’t require a complete overhaul or significant expense. 

Simple actions can make a profound difference:

  • Curate your surroundings: Arrange items so that your gaze consistently falls upon the things you love most.
  • Embrace hidden treasures: Bring out cherished items you’ve tucked away, or use your finest dishes.
  • Make small repairs: Address minor issues that can accumulate and detract from your home’s appeal.
  • Declutter and organize: A cost-free way to reduce chaos and invite calm into your space.
  • Rejuvenate with purpose: View the rejuvenation of your personal space as a creative project that enhances well-being and connection.
  • Create space for newness: Donate old items to charity, opening up your home for fresh energy.
  • Streamline daily tasks: Simple strategies, such as storing bills in decorative boxes and designating a specific time to address them, can help reduce stress.
  • Ensure free flow of energy: Remove clutter to allow energy to move freely throughout your space.

Simplifying your home allows your imagination and energy to flourish. By prioritizing your home as the heart of your family’s activities, you gain the freedom to focus on what truly matters: time for yourself, time for loved ones, and time to replenish your energy, enabling you to share more and the world.

Peace & Harmony, Coach Cher

For more in-depth support beyond this article, explore my personalized coaching programs. Schedule a free consultation to discuss what’s preventing you from achieving organized living spaces. We’ll pinpoint your obstacles and create a customized plan to reach your goals. Email: organizercoach98@gmail.com 

Posted in Intentional lifestyle

We Need Compassion

Posted on by Coach Cher

Authentic empathy understands that the divisions we see between ourselves and others are actually not real.

Compassion hinges on acknowledging the profound link between ourselves and others. Genuine compassion sees the illusion in the barriers we create. While this deep understanding might be initially elusive, consistent practice fosters its development. Each instance of prioritizing others over ourselves moves us closer, and as with any skill, compassion flourishes in challenging situations.

Daily, we exercise minor acts of compassion when loved ones are irritable or when others make errors in traffic. We show forgiveness by striving for understanding, recalling our stressful moments. However, compassion becomes more difficult when we struggle to comprehend another’s actions. These situations prompt introspection, exposing parts of our psyches we may have repressed or denied due to societal stigma. This is where true personal growth begins, requiring us to examine ourselves and own the disowned aspects of ourselves. It is here that we have the potential for inner transformation.

This might appear daunting, yet when faced with circumstances that demand compassion, regardless of the difficulty, we can trust our preparedness. We can draw upon the developed inner light to guide us, connecting us to the hearts of others.

Peace & Harmony, Coach Cher

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”~ Mother Teresa