I finally arrived at my parents’ house yesterday, and although my body is kind of shutting down, forcing me to rest (it seems I caught a cold), my mind is always running at full speed. I know some teachers say you should clear your mind when meditating, but for me, that’s not possible! There’s no “empty, quiet space” for me—I can only focus. I focus on my breathing, on floating in space, on healing water, or on my energy work.

So right now my mind is already preparing for my projects in January. This is my second year working on the VIP lounge area, which is an open-concept design with some restrictions. I have to use items from one specific company, and there are also technical limitations on what is possible. Last year, I used all the best pieces, and it looked amazing. So now I’m thinking, what else is there to use? It has to look different but still maintain the same elegance.

At first, the restrictions kind of cluttered my mind. I mean, the warehouse items have their limitations too—it’s not like I have worldwide options available! ? But then I started to look at these restrictions as “trash” that needed to be cleared out. Like, okay, I can’t use this or that, or do this or that—then out it goes. And now I can see much more clearly what’s left, what’s possible, and what can be made and combined into a masterpiece. When I stopped seeing them as limitations, they started to widen my perspective instead of narrowing it.

I reminded myself to think outside the box—or better yet, to see that there is no box at all. And although one idea popped into my head right away during the meeting, I had been struggling with the overall theme and design. But then I remembered they had some gorgeous cherry tree branches, and everything suddenly clicked.At first, one voice in my head said, “Really, Kadi? You want to use cherry tree branches in January?” But another voice quietly replied, Shsss… see this as the New Year’s blossom, symbolising newness and freshness.”

A well-decorated space should inspire people, and at least for one night, make them forget what’s happening outside. With cherry tree branches, crystals, and lights, it already looks freaking amazing in my mind. I also heard the company owner loves the color red, so combining that with the other red elements I had in mind should enchant all the guests.

I’m not sure what else my mind will come up with, but this idea already excites me. Anyway, I’ll try to get some bed rest while I’m here—though I’ve heard that today a man in a red suit is coming, sure the kids will be overjoyed!

I’ll leave some pictures from last year’s decorated space so you can get a sense of where the dilemma lies. ?