One thing I've discovered over the years, is that people never have enough space. And I'm not talking about space to store their stuff, but space in which to set themselves apart from the busyness of the world.....to stop their bodies from being in constant motion. I think most of us feel as if our "on" button has been stuck in the on position for years, and need to give ourselves permission to switch it to the off position. Doesn't mean you have to ignore others, quit your job, leave your spouse or change you name, though some of those options may be needed at some point and time......but it does have more to do with being aware of your need to step away to regroup, whether you need to gain strength and energy back, or you need to ponder some issues that need to be resolved.
Now of course the ultimate place in which to do this would be a cabin in the middle of the woods, or a seaside retreat with no one around, but what happens when those places are not an option, or you're even in a space that is shared with someone else and need desperately to get quiet and still? Well, there are other options if those places are not available. If you're able to leave your home, sometimes it's helpful to just go for a drive, sit in the park, or find a comfortable place in the library to sit and just be still and quiet. The ultimate of course is a couple of days away from the rest of the world, but much can be gained from 20 minutes of time set apart from your own particular busyness.
Sometimes you have to do whatever is needed in order to at least feel you have your own space in which to dwell, whether those around you understand or not. That shouldn't be an issue. The more you start to take care of yourself, the more those around you will appreciate and respect why you are choosing to make adjustments in your life. After all, taking time for yourself has sort of a ripple effect, in that it refreshes, rejuvinates and retores, so that you are better able to cope with the demands in your life, which include those around you.
People and responsibilites take an enormous amount of energy, which wear us down, most often unintentionally, but it doesn't have to steal our ability to enjoy our life or have peace. It does however mean that a certain degree of self care is needed in order to protect that peace, because God didn't mean for life to be perfect, but He also didn't mean for us to run ourselves ragged, with no time to nurture selves as well as others. Bottom line, if we don't nurture and care for ourselves.....we really have nothing to give to those we love and care about.
So I encourage anyone to search for that space that you know you need in your life. Whether elaborate, or a cubby in your bedroom with a chair and lamp, or the front seat of your car parked by the lake.........just a space where you can slow down the pace, and allow yourself to just be. No television, no radio, no book, no people, no phone......just you and a few minutes of still and quiet. You will soon be raving about "Your Space".
