Find Peace Within

To the common eye, this is simply a cute little patio area. But to those of us that are full-time caregivers it is a full blown sanctuary. This is my little piece of peace in my backyard and was the first step to rediscovering me. Like most, the pandemic forced me to retreat to my house and all the things I did to get in my me-time virtually disappeared. Brunch with friends, the hair salon, traveling, shopping, sorority events-it all went away in a blink of an eye and I was left looking around like “what do I do now?” So I did what many people did-I retreated to my bed, Facebook, and my refrigerator. And in the process I found 25 pounds and lost myself.

I was focused on keeping my little family safe within the walls of our small 3 bedroom home and the only place in the house that I had any peace and quiet was my bedroom. From the time I woke up to the time I laid down at night my little room was all I had. It was where I slept, worked, and ate. Within those four walls I began to feel like the room was closing in on me with nowhere to escape. Enter the Facebook group Black Women Who Love Outdoor Living! Anyone who knows me knows that I have NEVER been an outside person, but something about the beautiful spaces that I saw others creating sparked something in me. I decided that if others could create a safe space just for them then so could I. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got started with creating my little bit of peace within my home. It was a process, but I found that I actually enjoyed DIY projects and now I’m obsessed with redecorating. On any given day (that Houston weather decides to cooperate) you can find me on my deck laying on my couch watching movies on the outside screen, having a nice glass of wine, drinking my morning coffee, or simply listening to music and enjoying the quietness of nature. It has truly become my peace within.

If you are a caregiver and find yourself suffocating in your home during this pandemic, I challenge you to find your piece of peace within your home. Whether that is a fixed up backyard, a redecorated room, or a folding chair set up in the garage find you a place where you can go just to be with your thoughts. My favorite caregiver quote is “you can’t pour from an empty cup” (see my previous blog for more information on that topic). In order to be there for others, you MUST put on your oxygen mask first and yes, that incudes in your own home.

Oh, and tell your significant other, your parent, your child, and even the dog if you have to that your area IS OFF LIMITS!