Discontentment can be a motivator in life – in relationships, in a career, or even as a person. And while it can change your life for the better, a Calgary whole-life coaching expert says when feeling discontented isn’t pushing you into a better place, it’s time to reflect on changes that will help to drive, rather than discourage you. Your home is a great place to start.

“Oftentimes your home is a physical representation of what’s happening on the inside. If your space is disorganized, then it might be a reflection of your brain, or what’s happening emotionally for you,” says Christopher Lawrence, Founder and CEO of Change My Life Coaching.

Once we begin to realize this fact, it’s easier to understand that contentment isn’t always an inside job. “Sometimes, people think they need to start on the inside — when we feel stuck or in a rut, or we’re discontent — sometimes it’s actually about starting on the outside.”

He says it is too familiar to think we need a bigger space, a bigger couch, or more things to fill our space when in reality, we need to clean up, organize, or even purge our space to create value in our home.

“Maybe what our space needs is to be simplified enough so we are encouraged to go out and meet people, to create experiences,” he adds.

Here are Lawrence’s top three tips for creating and maintaining a home of value:

Three Ways to Get Rid of Discontentment, Starting with Your HomePawsitively Purposeful

Consider four-legged friendship. Or find a new bestie with scales. Gills are a great quality in a close friend, too. Although it might not be something you expect, Lawrence says research continues to show pet owners live longer. It’s also a fulfilling experience. “It’s a way of giving back, it’s something outside of yourself, and it’s a way of contributing,” he says. It is also a way of creating discipline with something that clearly relies on you, but that’s easy to commit to with a being that loves you so unconditionally.

Turn Off the Tube

Lawrence says creating a space for relaxation is important to whole health, with research continually pointing to the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and reflection. But Lawrence says people should be choosy about this important space. “Not in front of the television … maybe not the bed either,” he suggests.

One Special Piece

Rather than fill your home with “stuff,” Lawrence says it’s important to place value on your home instead. “Choose something that reminds you of your values — the core of who you are. Maybe that’s words on a pillow, a piece of art, or even a big stone.” The items you choose to place in your home become a physical representation of your preferred mental state and can be incredibly helpful to diminish discontentment in your life.

Most importantly, Lawrence says, it’s vital for people to understand that their home isn’t just a place to fall asleep at the end of the day. Being in a home that truly represents you will contribute to your contentedness. “Nothing starts without action, so why don’t you start with your home.”

Look around you. What objects speak to your values? What will you bring with you when you move onto a new space full of possibilities?

Register at battistella.ca/nude to discover our newest condo development with a minimalist flair beginning in the $190s.