Saturday, May 21 2022 - Welcome
  • ABOUT
  • PRESS
  • CONTACT
Black House Blue Sky
A creative lifestyle blog by Michel McClamrock Van Devender.
  • THE GOODS
    • THE GOODS

      YOU CAN NOW SHOP OUR CUSTOM DESIGNED +…

  • OUR HOUSES
    • OUR HOUSES

      THE HOME EDIT: PAIRING DOWN + LIVING WITH…

      OUR HOUSES

      HOME TOUR: OUR MODERN BLACK HOUSE NEW BUILD…

      OUR HOUSES

      NOTE CHANDELIER: UNIQUE LIGHTING FOR THE HOME

      OUR HOUSES

      OUR MODERN BUILD: STYLE

      OUR HOUSES

      NEW HOUSE UPDATE: WE HAVE DRYWALL

  • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR
    • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: I WANT TO LIVE IN A…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      SUMMER IS COMING: THE BEST IN SWIMMING POOL…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: NEW HOUSE 2.0

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      BLACK KITCHEN CABINETS: DESIGN TREND OR NEW CLASSIC?

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      KEEPING IT INTERESTING: MAKING A STATEMENT WITH YOUR…

  • STYLE + FASHION
    • STYLE + FASHION

      ALL THAT SPARKLES: HOW TO ADD PRETTY SEQUINS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: ERIN WASSON…

      STYLE + FASHION

      21 FAUX FUR COATS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: JENNA LYONS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      EASY, EFFORTLESS STYLE: ENTER THE MAXI DRESS

  • FOOD + DRINK
    • FOOD + DRINK

      SIMPLE ONE POT HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP

      FOOD + DRINK

      NOT GONNA LIE, IT’S THE BEST CARROT CAKE…

      FOOD + DRINK

      THE BEST TURKEY BURGER RECIPE FROM BLUE APRON

      FOOD + DRINK

      OUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN DINNER: HOW TO MAKE MUMMY…

      FOOD + DRINK

      A SUPER EASY PEACH CRUMBLE WITH GRANOLA TOPPING…

  • TRAVEL
    • TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN MONTAUK, NEW YORK

      TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN NEW YORK CITY: ACE…

      TRAVEL

      STAY IN STYLE: NEW ORLEANS

      TRAVEL

      TRAVEL FINDS: A STUNNING NEW YORK CITY MODERN…

      TRAVEL

      GET OUT OF TOWN: HIGH POINT NC FURNITURE…

  • LIFE + ETC.
    • LIFE + ETC.

      HOW TO MAKE EASY NATURAL EASTER EGG DYES

      LIFE + ETC.

      OUT OF INSTAGRAM JAIL: RELEASE DATE 3-24-2022

      LIFE + ETC.

      INSTAGRAM JAIL: WHY I’M OKAY WITH MY DISABLED…

      LIFE + ETC.

      SKIN CANCER: WHEN YOU LEARN YOU HAVE MELANOMA

      LIFE + ETC.

      DIY: HOW TO PAINT LEATHER + VINYL WITH…

staying motivated

LIFE + ETC.

MOTIVATE: JANUARY MANTRA WITH ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND

by Michel Van Devender January 2, 2020

A New Year Begins, Again

In our house, January is a time to reflect on the past year, adjust the sails, dream big dreams and set intentions for the new year. Ahhh, I love the feeling of a fresh start and clean slate that comes with each January. Don’t you? I feel energized,  inspired and motivated by all of the opportunities for love, for change, for learning and for growth. 

The Intention, The Reality

Yes, this is me all feeling good, pie in the sky, pumped on January 1, proudly waving my well thought out, neatly printed “Intentions for 2020”, feeling so proud and accomplished. Oh, how I love myself at this time. My little voice inside says, “High five… damn girl, you got it tooogether, and you’re going to do great things this year.” But, what happens seven to ten days into the month, after the hyped energy fades? And let’s be honest, making the beautifully crafted list is the easy part, right? Believe me, I know this from last year and from the year before that. Will I unconsciously revert back to my old, comfortable routines and habits? Will I slow down long enough to have some self awareness rather than merely going through the motions and charging forward aimlessly? Research says YES to the first question and NO to the second, and apparently this happens to most of us, so I guess we’re all in good, mortal company. Hence, the the rush to the gym with the “eye of the tiger” enthusiasm on January 1, followed by a slow, steady decline in attendance as the month progresses. 

Change Is Hard Sh@#!

I know because I’m the blond, middle-aged mom of three right there beside you on the treadmill at the gym (and in life), internally (and sometimes externally) kicking and screaming in resistance, and that’s when I’m at my best and capable of the good fight. Other times, I’m waving a white flag in defeat, either consciously or unconsciously. The struggle is real! With a basic understanding of human behavior and some level of self awareness, I know it’s not an easy or solo endeavor to change old patterns, habits and behaviors. Over time and through trial and error, what I have learned is without God, intention, a good plan, execution, accountability and other supportive people, well, nothing will happen or change. And even then, as a human, I’ll slip back here and there, beginning again and again, looking to the Divine for guidance and grace. 

Breaking It Down

With all of that said and acknowledging the challenges, I’ve been brainstorming ideas and strategies for how I will stay on track and remain inspired for all of the months in 2020. Breaking down my intentions into measurable action steps helps me plan for reaching my goals. I’ve been looking at my list and identifying themes, actions, desired feelings and then attaching a word that will help me focus my energy and attention. I have friends who chose a word, a mantra, for the entire year, and I love that idea. Adapting this practice, I am pairing a word with each month that captures my mantra for that month… a different one for each month of this year. I see these words less as concrete goals, rather as tools for finding focus so I can achieve my goals. 

January Mantra

So, here we go… my word for January is MOTIVATE! The get moving and keep moving kind of motivate, for the entire month of January and for the entire year. And also, motivation to inspire, create, love, connect and grow! May this be your best January and new year yet! May all of your hopes and dreams be realized! Sending you so much positive energy and love! Thank you for honoring me with your presence on this blog! If you feel so inspired, please drop a comment below.

💙🖤,


Essential Oil Blend

As a complimentary practice and as a way to further enhance the monthly mantras, I will be creating an essential oil blend with the hopes of inspiring the desired, corresponding mood, emotion or feeling. 

0 FacebookPinterestEmail
Load More Posts

Hi, I’m Michel! Welcome… so glad you’re here :)!

Most Loved Posts

  • 1

    WHAT MY FALL DREAMS ARE MADE OF: A-FRAME CABINS

    November 9, 2021
  • 2

    THE DREAMIEST OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES YOU’LL LOVE

    May 11, 2021
  • 3

    THE BEST GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITA RECIPE

    May 5, 2021
  • 4

    DARK HOME EXTERIORS: 17 BLACK HOUSES YOU’LL LOVE

    May 28, 2021
  • 5

    HOME TOUR: 5TH STREET

    April 28, 2020

Pinterest Inspiration

@blackhousebluesky

Get On The List

Want to stay in the know with what's new around here? Simply subscribe!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

@2022 - Black House, Blue Sky. All Rights Reserved.


Back To Top
Black House Blue Sky
  • THE GOODS
    • THE GOODS

      YOU CAN NOW SHOP OUR CUSTOM DESIGNED +…

  • OUR HOUSES
    • OUR HOUSES

      THE HOME EDIT: PAIRING DOWN + LIVING WITH…

      OUR HOUSES

      HOME TOUR: OUR MODERN BLACK HOUSE NEW BUILD…

      OUR HOUSES

      NOTE CHANDELIER: UNIQUE LIGHTING FOR THE HOME

      OUR HOUSES

      OUR MODERN BUILD: STYLE

      OUR HOUSES

      NEW HOUSE UPDATE: WE HAVE DRYWALL

  • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR
    • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: I WANT TO LIVE IN A…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      SUMMER IS COMING: THE BEST IN SWIMMING POOL…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: NEW HOUSE 2.0

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      BLACK KITCHEN CABINETS: DESIGN TREND OR NEW CLASSIC?

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      KEEPING IT INTERESTING: MAKING A STATEMENT WITH YOUR…

  • STYLE + FASHION
    • STYLE + FASHION

      ALL THAT SPARKLES: HOW TO ADD PRETTY SEQUINS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: ERIN WASSON…

      STYLE + FASHION

      21 FAUX FUR COATS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: JENNA LYONS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      EASY, EFFORTLESS STYLE: ENTER THE MAXI DRESS

  • FOOD + DRINK
    • FOOD + DRINK

      SIMPLE ONE POT HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP

      FOOD + DRINK

      NOT GONNA LIE, IT’S THE BEST CARROT CAKE…

      FOOD + DRINK

      THE BEST TURKEY BURGER RECIPE FROM BLUE APRON

      FOOD + DRINK

      OUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN DINNER: HOW TO MAKE MUMMY…

      FOOD + DRINK

      A SUPER EASY PEACH CRUMBLE WITH GRANOLA TOPPING…

  • TRAVEL
    • TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN MONTAUK, NEW YORK

      TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN NEW YORK CITY: ACE…

      TRAVEL

      STAY IN STYLE: NEW ORLEANS

      TRAVEL

      TRAVEL FINDS: A STUNNING NEW YORK CITY MODERN…

      TRAVEL

      GET OUT OF TOWN: HIGH POINT NC FURNITURE…

  • LIFE + ETC.
    • LIFE + ETC.

      HOW TO MAKE EASY NATURAL EASTER EGG DYES

      LIFE + ETC.

      OUT OF INSTAGRAM JAIL: RELEASE DATE 3-24-2022

      LIFE + ETC.

      INSTAGRAM JAIL: WHY I’M OKAY WITH MY DISABLED…

      LIFE + ETC.

      SKIN CANCER: WHEN YOU LEARN YOU HAVE MELANOMA

      LIFE + ETC.

      DIY: HOW TO PAINT LEATHER + VINYL WITH…