U.S. MILITARY H BOOK EXCERPT 8TH OF A SERIES

THE RESILIENT WARRIOR

CREATING A SANCTUARY WHERE YOU LIVE

BY GWEN LAWRENCE

Book Editor's Note: Featuring self-help, mental health, and mind and body tactics from a variety of sources — veterans, former and active U.S. Marines, Navy, Army Rangers, Green Berets, family members and caretakers — The Resilient Warrior is collaborative collection providing needed wisdom for complete well-being for all of us. The first step to thriving is surviving, and the first step to surviving is knowing how to get what you need, when you need it. The following excerpt of this essential self-help guide to living a healthy, resilient, fulfilled and better life is the eighth in a series that EP Magazine has featured over the last several months.

Prioritize your personal space and make it your sanctuary for health and well-being. In my experience of working with warriors, I prefer to give them ways to address all their senses. We all have different ways of manifesting PTSD and trauma, so I feel that by giving options, I stand the best chance of helping them to cope. It is about creating a sanctuary in your own home or room, no matter what socioeconomic situation you are in. You have the power to create a space that is safe and brings complete joy. Your eyes must be able to relax in your home.

Execute a plan to token your home. Your home should represent you in every way, not what people have gifted you. Obligation to display things that may have even a remote negative feeling is not where you want to be each day. You should engage every sense when arranging your home, what you see must be pleasing, what you hear must be in alignment with your vibration, what you taste must be delicious, everything you touch must feel cozy and comfy, and of course your home must always smell good.

Find a place for everything, and take time in the morning to make your bed and straighten up. I know for me personally; I cannot take on my day with clients or projects if I know my kitchen is a mess.

Maintenance is the key. If you make one cleanup day a week, it could prove to be an insurmountable task. Instead, daily maintenance and a comprehensive chore list is the way to go. Quarterly, go through your drawers, cabinets, and closets