The Plunge: POETS
Welcome to The Plunge: Your Daily Dive into Christian Wellness.
This edition of The Plunge is about managing the influences of your environment.
Your surroundings help to shape you. The people, objects, events, times, and spaces (POETS) define your existence. By curating them, you curate yourself.
Your environment is the reality shaping your thoughts, emotions, and actions. A positive space fuels your fire, cuts down stress, and drives you forward. A negative one? It drags you down.
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." —Proverbs 13:20
Translation: Your environment isn't a backdrop; it's the story. Surround yourself with wisdom, or be overcome by foolishness.
The Elements of POETS
People: Who you surround yourself with is crucial. Positive, supportive people elevate you. Negative ones? They’re a dead weight. Cut them loose.
Objects: Your stuff defines your space. Clutter creates chaos. Clean, organized spaces create clarity. Keep what inspires, ditch what distracts.
Events: Your experiences shape you. Engage in events that align with your values and goals. Everything else is noise.
Times: How you spend your time reflects your priorities. Manage it well. Waste it, and you waste your life.
Spaces: Your physical surroundings influence your mood and productivity. Make them work for you, not against you.
Reflective Questions
People:
Who lifts you up? Spend more time with them.
Who drags you down? Set boundaries.
What qualities do you admire in your relationships? Cultivate them.
Objects:
What items bring you joy and serve a purpose?
What causes stress or clutters your space? Get rid of it.
How can you incorporate more meaningful objects?
Events:
What activities boost your well-being and growth?
What feels obligatory but misaligned with your values? Cut them out.
How can you engage in more inspiring events?
Times:
How do you spend your time? Does it reflect your priorities?
What routines make you feel productive and fulfilled? Do more of those.
What time-wasting habits need to go? Create a better routine.
Spaces:
Are your spaces organized and conducive to productivity?
What changes can enhance comfort and reduce stress?
How can you create designated spaces for different activities?
Benefits of Curated Surroundings
Enhanced Motivation: A supportive environment fuels your drive.
Reduced Stress: An organized space calms your mind.
Increased Productivity: A well-structured environment sharpens your focus.
Improved Well-Being: Positive interactions and activities uplift you.
Research in Environment and Behavior shows that your surroundings significantly impact stress levels, productivity, and overall well-being. A curated environment enhances mental clarity and reduces anxiety1.
Practical Steps
Evaluate Relationships: Seek those who support and inspire you. Limit time with energy-drainers.
Declutter and Organize: Simplify your spaces. Keep only what’s necessary and inspiring.
Engage in Positive Activities: Choose events that align with your values and growth.
Manage Your Time: Prioritize effectively. Focus on what matters most.
Create Inspiring Spaces: Design spaces that reflect your style and goals.
Craft your life with the precision of a poet choosing words. Your surroundings shape your reality. Make them count.
Thanks for reading. As always, in Christ, engage, adapt, and overcome.
Remy Sharpe
Evans, G. W., & McCoy, J. M. (1998). When buildings don’t work: The role of architecture in human health. Environment and Behavior, 30(1), 28-36.