As children, we sought out comfy little hidey-holes almost by instinct. A favorite spot might have been a branch halfway up a backyard tree, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves. Or maybe we had a secret cave inside a closet where we went on imaginary adventures with a storybook and flashlight. It was all ours, and it was great fun. Pets like to find and claim cozy little spaces around the house, too!
When we grow up, though, it’s not so easy to find places that feel like our own comfy space. Maybe we’d like to sit and relax with a cup of tea and a good book on a rainy weekend; but there isn’t even enough room for a teacup on the kitchen table because it got so full of clutter, and someone else already took the couch and settled in to watch TV. And of course, sitting in a tree or closet while reading the book is not something a grown-up would even think of doing! So, instead of enjoying a restful afternoon, we end up cleaning off the kitchen table again…
That can go on for many years while we assume it’s just the way adult life goes. But eventually, after neglecting our need for restful places, we start to develop symptoms of Comfy Space Deprivation—stress, tiredness, and general blah feelings. Fortunately, there is a cure. Instead of letting everyone’s junk pile up all over the house until finding a place to sit feels like a game of musical chairs, we can take control and get the house organized the way we want it.
Yes, we still have the power to create comfy spaces, just like when we were children! Although we probably wouldn’t want to hide in a closet like our six-year-old former self or climb up on a shelf like a puppy, even if we were small enough to do it, there are plenty of other options to creatively decorate our own cozy little corner—a bamboo screen, a cheerful painting, our favorite music, and maybe a new chair if the budget permits. All it takes is a bit of time and imagination!
Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to “give this planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.” Visit her site to find more Nurturing Thursday posts and a list of frequent contributors.
Really like this! We do need the comfy spaces, almost more than when we were kids! 🙂
Yes, very true — when we were kids, we didn’t have as much on our minds.
Hi Meg, I understand you, it’s very important to have a space of our own, a place where we can create or hide when necessary, to have a time with ourselves. Love your post!
Thanks Elizabeth — I’m glad it resonated with you!
I am all for finding those comfy places, and taking advantage of them … let’s do it!! 😀
And sometimes comfy spots can be found in the most unexpected places…
You’re absolutely right, Meg ~ after sharing cramped and messy spaces with others for more years than I care to count, I’ve recently bagged an entire room for myself and it’s bliss! The dining table is still piled with clutter, the dog has claimed the space under the stairs and my man seems to spread his stuff wherever it lands! LOL! But I can escape to the outside building (my Kaboodle) and create or write or just stare out of the window ~ and I get to choose my own music. I wouldn’t be without my faithful companions but just being in this private space is absolute bliss! Great Nurturing post, thank you! 🙂
Yay for you! And I like how you named the space you bagged for yourself. 🙂
My Uncle who had 5 kids use to call those places hidey holes. Sweet
Thanks Carol — I’m not sure where I first heard the term, but it certainly fits.
Even when you live alone.you still need a little nook to to read, meditate, pray.. I go to the balcony.no cant clutter there cause its exposed to weather. .:)
I too need to declutter…heaps! We don’t have good recycling systems n I hate to throw out what will lie forever on a garbage dump. Just found a technical college that will take old electronics etc for training. Hurray…huge lot “to go”!
Good for you, Rosanne, finding a place to take the old electronics! And I agree that it’s just as important to create comfy spaces when living alone. Sometimes people don’t bother to decorate when they’re alone because they feel that nobody will see their apartment anyway, but that strikes me as an awfully depressing way to go through life!
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