343 Days ’til 40: Your OWN Space

My oldest daughter is the inspiration for this post today.  She was HORRIFIED to learn that I wrote about PMS yesterday, “Mom, that is SOOO embarrassing!”  she said.  She is 10.  I then asked her what topics she felt I should be writing about.  She replied, “What a great idea, I can come up with good things for you to write about!”  One of her first suggestions was to write about getting your own room.  This is very important to my daughter, as she currently shares a room with her younger sister.  My oldest is desperate for her own space.  Thus, the title of today’s post.

This past week I wrote about the need to hibernate, to get away from life.  I believe that having our own space can create an oasis of hibernation from the chaos that swirls around us in our daily lives.  Most individuals do not have the luxury of their own space, be it an office or bedroom or entire home.  Most people have to share a room – with a spouse, partner, roommate, sibling, etc.  Sharing spaces with other individuals can be exhausting, as each person brings with them differing habits, desires, and expectations.  Negotiation becomes the norm when co-habitating in a shared space.

However, sometimes we all need a space free of distraction, demands and need for negotiation.  We need a space where we can relax and unwind without input from others.  How is that possible when we live in small homes and are often forced to share work spaces in addition to sharing our space at home?

I believe the key is to create a space that is yours, no matter how small, and no matter how temporary.

• The bathroom can be your own space during the moment you are in it.  Lock the door, light some candles, and take a LOOOONG bubble bath.
• Your car is your personal space – blast your favorite music, and decorate the interior to be reflective of your personality.
• The yard or garden of your home can be a personal space – add a special bench, blanket or stool to make it your own.
• A desk in the living room can be yours – particularly if your family or roommates respect it as your sacred space (i.e.: they do not touch it)  and there are times when the room it is in remains quiet.
• Plugging into your MP3 player and blasting music allows you to have your own space wherever you go, as you can tune out the world around you.

Why do you need to create your own space?  I believe it is a critical way to rejuvenate your soul.  In our crazy, fast-paced world we most build in breathing space.  If we do not catch our breath, we will suffocate.  You are too special, too important, too sacred to allow yourself to succumb to the chaos of this world.

Today, 343 days ’til 40 I am going to consciously remember my space.  I will work to create a variety of personal spaces that give me an opportunity to unwind, center, and replenish my soul.  By giving myself this space, I will be in a better position to serve others.

~400daystil40