Colin and Justin: Living alone and loving it

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Taking ownership of your home (all over again) is empowering

Dealing with divorce or separation (acrimonious or otherwise) is surely never easy, but embracing the future in a post break up – reimagined – home might very well help those who’re newly single accept the past, whilst embracing a brighter, independent future.

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We’ve long since advocated that ‘home’ isn’t simply somewhere to live, it’s a spiritual retreat that, correctly played, offers comfort, safety and succor, walls within which to evolve as one’s truest, happiest self.

Leveraging home design as a method of ‘coping’, post separation, might seem simplistic, but for anyone embarking upon a newly single life, a balanced base is essential to allow the new you to shine.

Safe, organized space nurtures better decision making and emotional functionality. When relationships fracture, discord so easily crash lands with a hundred and one things to consider: who moves out, who goes where, child access, taxation, lawyers and potential property sales being just a few important considerations.

Whilst the foregoing would be difficult to ‘correct’ in a newspaper column alone, setting optimal balance (to make better of everything) will enhance your domestic ‘clinic’, with design as – at least part of – the cure.

Here are the ten commandments of home happiness as a single.

Accept that what’s past is past. However difficult it might seem, the key to moving forward is letting go of that which went before. Detaching from shared possessions is key: it’s hard, but it’s true. When you learn to let go, you’ll breathe more easily.

Purge the past. Decluttering is too lightweight a term to employ in these circumstances, but, nevertheless, editing the past to provide space to regrow is wildly important.

The process will streamline your existence and provide more you time. It’s a no brainer: being able to find a CD or book when required is an absolute joy.

As is knowing precisely where important paperwork resides, so it can be accessed at short notice. Tidiness takes the stress out of home organization, which, in turn, frees up time to concentrate on self betterment. And you, mark two.

Ring the changes as the best form of recovery. Paint out gloomy colors, update dark fabrics, wash windows and let light and positivity flood in. When your backdrop looks and feels fresher, your psyche will be boosted and your confidence will improve.

Make your home style match your lifestyle. If you felt like a stifled creative when part of a couple, but now enjoy the thought of crafting or flower arranging, create a work station in a spare bedroom or utility room to allow your single person dreams to blossom.

A spot of self-indulgence is good for the soul, and taking ownership of your home (all over again) is empowering.

Know your worth. Create an ‘achievement wall’ loaded with certificates and qualifications, and layer in photos of the period during which you felt most successful.

Reminding yourself of self worth will help fortify your emotional status as you transition from a two to a one.

Relax. If only for five minutes daily, retreat to a comfortable spot to clear your head. Turn down music, switch off the TV and be at one with your thoughts.

Moments of clarity such as these allow you to rebalance and plan ahead. Little things, huh?

Find your style. Indulge yourself (and your nest) by clipping magazine pictures of homes to which you truly aspire. Setting a ‘target’ will provide a reminder that the future has potential and that your journey (even in singledom) can flourish.

Love yourself… all over again. Engage a brighter future by igniting a love affair with yourself, and with your home. If finances allow, invest in a great sound system or a new sofa.

Sure, these are material ‘things’, but feathering your nest (without overspending) is morale boosting. And, at times like these, you need all the ‘reward’ you can get.

Plan ahead. Instead of languishing in the past, buy a diary and start mapping out the future: forward thinking and goal planning are paramount. Seasonally adjusting your home will ensure your space remains at its freshest best.

Bring back the fun. With your space gently tailored, now is the perfect time to cultivate new friendships. And the perfect time to start filling rooms with life and laughter.

So for what, precisely, are you waiting? Without further ado, reach for the paint brush and plot your way to an eminently brighter future. Little things, huh? Yup, you’ve got this. When, that is (on your terms) you’re ready to move forward…

Watch for Colin and Justin on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Find the Colin
and Justin Collection in stores across Canada. Visit www.colinandjustin.tv