❤︎The series of entries from the beginning of November thru December will be short essays on parts of my life that I may have taken for granted, but have come to realize are simple, true gifts that nurture my soul. My conscious, daily gratitude has opened my eyes and heart to the small wonders, everyday tasks that are simple gifts. During this season of thanksgiving, I hope to awaken the simple gifts you already have within.

Organized Chaos….A term I used to described my classroom when I was a teacher. Scattered business at first glance, but managed activities when you took a closer look. I now use this endearing term referring to the busy life that at times invades our home, yet in a manageable form simply because my Type A personality needs to have organization. With the nature of having 2 teens, a middle schooler, a dog, oh and a husband, our home has ‘stuff.’ And while I try to make sure only stuff with purpose is in our home, things collect. This is not calming for me. I need less visual stimulation, less clutter, and less noise. But where do I go?

My house doesn’t allow the luxury of my own ‘room’ and I realized I don’t need an entire room to call my own, but crave an area that’s just mine….all mine! For now, it’s a small writing desk in our living room (I say ‘for now’ because I am notorious for rearranging furniture in any home I’ve ever lived and that’s primarily because as my family grows and ages, our needs change and the spaces need to adapt to work most effectively and efficiently for us! Disclaimer: it drives my family members bananas!!). This little area has become a sanctuary.

I happened upon Shauna Niequist recently and read 4 of her books in one week! I just related to so much she wrote about and her style made me feel like we were chatting over a cup of coffee! I took Shauna to my sanctuary one afternoon and chuckled when I read one of her essays. “One thing I’ve found in all the places we’ve lived, you always find your space, your little corner, and we all find those spaces for different reasons” (I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet, 178). Maybe it’s inherent in our nature to find a cozy spot that gives comfort, security, and for me, creative freedom. I didn’t fully realize that one reason I was drawn to my desk was that I wanted to write more. My mini-space nurtures my soul and in essence, my writing.

It took me years to realize that I a window seat nook, a comfy chair with a side table, and a craft table in the basement were all small places that I had found to renew my spirit and energize my soul. Sometimes we look for grand gestures for calm and connectedness, but often times it simply takes a mini-space carved into your home that may have been overlooked or passed by a hundred times.

My gift to you…go create a spot just for you! No sharing allowed!! Get thrifty and imaginative. Don’t spend much time, just make the space. Make it known that this new mini-space is yours and start enjoying it! I’d love to hear where you found your space and how this gift keeps giving… ❤︎