Creating a Sanctuary in Your Home
Do you have a special place in your home that you go to read, pray, meditate, listen to music, knit, or just sit and think? A place that is devoid of distractions that could pull you away from time spent nurturing your soul?
Whether you spend five minutes or an hour a day in this space, I have found it’s an important time to set the pace and the tone for your day.
Perhaps you have a cozy chair in a quiet corner that you enjoy your coffee each morning? Maybe you transform your kitchen table to a space to journal by candlelight when the house is dark and quiet? Do you have a special spot in your garden or on your porch? Maybe you’re able to devote an entire room to your personal sanctuary?
It’s not the size of the space that’s important—a corner in your house with a chair and a reading lamp will do. Looking for something a little more private? Transform a small closet in your home by clearing it out, put a bunch of throw pillows and a big comfy quilt down, turn on the light, close the door and enjoy your 15 minutes of undisturbed solitude.
Creating your space doesn’t have to cost anything extra either—take what you have and utilize it in a new way: Repurpose an old basket to hold your journal and books, take the candles and the quilt you have packed away and use them.
On the other hand, don’t be afraid to invest in your space if you are able.
If you find the perfect chair, rug, journal, coffee mug, candle, or music CD to make your space special, then treat yourself. This is bound to be one purchase you won’t regret!
You might even consider creating a “portable space.” My bonus mom finds restoration for her soul while beading jewelry. Because she likes a change of scenery while at home and also because she travels quite a bit, she has a tray that holds all her beading materials that she can easily carry around, whether it be to a quiet corner while staying at a bed and breakfast or visiting a friend’s house, or to a special place on her patio at home.
If you haven’t created a sanctuary in your home, I encourage you to do so today!
Need some inspiration in creating your space? Check out Pinterest (try keywords “cozy corner”) or Houzz online for ideas, flip through magazines, or have a design-savvy friend over to help you set up your space.
Here’s a picture of my current space where I read, write, pray and sip on coffee every morning:
I would love to see your special space! Would you please take a picture and email to me? Tell me where the space is located and what you love about it most.
Have a great day!
Jill xx
Love the term bonus mom! It’s so positive.
Thanks, Fab! Love my bonus mom!
After reading your blog, I am intentionally creating a space in my new house. Thank you for your insight.
I can’t wait to see your space Annie!!
Dear Jill,
I just discovered your blog today while searching for help for single empty nesters… A link on Pinterest led me there… And synchronicity did his job… I just asked my daughter if I could use her old vanity as a desk and she said “Of course Mommy, create yourself a beautiful little sanctuary…”
Of course I cried…
You have a very lovely and inspiring blog, thank you so much…
Estelle, love the idea of the vanity being your desk! Please send a picture. Thanks for reading the blog. I appreciate your encouragement! By the way, how are you holding up as an empty nester?
I could not agree more with this! I recently focused on cultivating a home office space that I LOVE. It makes me hop out of bed in the morning because I know I get to spend time in a space I enjoy. It’s worth the energy and investment to create that special sanctuary.
So true Steph! I’m the same way about my space…can’t wait to get up in the morning! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.