Creating A Place for Mom
The kids have their own rooms, your husband has his den or the garage…well, where’s your personal private space? A place that’s just for you, and no one else. Have you got one? Well, here are some tips for creating, or enhancing, a space in your home “just for mom”!Do You Have a Space?
Some people have large homes, and others don’t, so it all depends on using what you’ve got. If there’s an extra room in the house, well then, problem solved! Just fill it with things that express your own personal style, and everything you need for a positive “time out”, and you’re set! If not, you can still make it happen. There’s always a way to create an area, even a corner, that with a little creative design, and some clearly expressed rules, can become your own private domain!
Call Dibs!
When you’ve decided on an area for your personal sanctuary, let everyone know about it. It should be clearly understood that this area is for you alone, and the same rules apply that apply to other family members personal areas: Knock before entering. Don’t enter without permission. You may also want to declare your space off-limits, depending on what you keep in it – scissors aren’t exactly toddler friendly! This will prepare your family, letting them see how important this private time and space is to you. That way, they are more likely to respect it.
Personalize It!
Sure, the whole house may be your own “interior design”, but this space is just for you. As the sanctuary it should be, it should surround you with things that give you comfort. Pictures, knick-knacks, bright or soothing colors, candles or incense, a comfy chair or a nice desk – whatever helps you to relax. Even if it’s just a corner of the room, that corner can have your chair, a small table, a lamp, and something on the wall that all define this as a special and different space. Folding screens are also a great option, and they fold away when not in use.
Fill It!
Now that you’ve made it yours, fill it with the implements of your down-time: Books, knitting, sewing, magazines, your computer, a chair massager, a blanket, a small dvd or music player – you know best what you need to recharge!
Use It!
Rule number 1: Use your space! Regularly! Schedule it in! Don’t just use it when things get tough. If you use it when you feel good, you’ll fill it with good memories, and those are invaluable to comfort you during hard times. There’s also some evidence that if you take time for yourself regularly, the hard times don’t hit you nearly so hard! So go on! Relax! And teach everyone in your family that “time out” isn’t necessarily a bad thing!
