Personal Space

Sometimes, I just need to get away!  In a house with two kids, I need a place to think, breathe, and yes, be alone!  It seems, that more times than not, people are somehow always around me. Regardless if it’s to write, eat, read, sleep or even the bathroom, the more I yearn for alone-time, the more they seem to follow.

Does this remind you of your life at times?  If it does maybe it’s time to create your personal space.

 What is Personal Space?

Somewhere that you can go to have complete privacy.  Free from phones, kids, family, pets, technology, or anything that interferes with your quest for peace. Your creative corner could be a closet, space in the basement, or anywhere you can call your own sanctuary.

My Saturday Project Was Finding and Creating My Space

I found my space in the basement.  A space about 6x8, just big enough for me!  Because it is in the corner, I had two walls and then an open space. The challenge became how to close up and create walls cheaply.  I went to JoAnn Fabrics and purchased heavy couch fabric in a beautiful green.  I sewed the fabric into a curtain and cut holes in the top to hang from the ceiling. I used PVC pipe, wires and nails to attach to the beams in the basement to hang the curtain as an enclosure.   While this took some time, trial and error, it was rewarding to see it begin to become mine.

 Next, I selected paint for the two walls. Since the curtains I made were a deep green, I chose a bright yellow to perk the room up.  I then went to Burlington Coat Factory and found a great light green ottoman that fit perfectly!  I painted an old bedside table and stuck that in there with a lamp. The result ROOM DONE!

Once you have created your space, name it. Insist that everyone in the house know the name of your space.  This makes it personal to you and for others, it lets them know how important it is to you.  Make sure they understand that when you are in (name) respect your need for privacy.

Set-up boundaries and rules for your space to keep it safe for you.

Rule:  This is my space, please respect it whether I am in there or not. Do not come in uninvited.

Boundary:  If the curtain is open, you can come in.  If it’s closed, please respect my time and need for peace.

Realize that your space can affect your mood and stress level. Give yourself time to unwind, relax and enjoy.