I Need Space

I always wanted to have my own space where I could have my own things, do what I wanted, especially have a little privacy.

We have 5 children, so all the rooms were always occupied by them. When we bought our house, I set up a small office for my husband in the basement, so he could have his own space, where he works from home or after work. He spent a few hours every afternoon in it, he loved his little space, everyone in the house knew that this was his office and we couldn't go in there, rather we had to respect his space. When one of our boys' bedrooms became available, I made it his office, so he wouldn’t be in the basement anymore. He really liked this idea better since he had more privacy.

Likewise, I wanted to have my space too. My husband always said, “The entire house is yours, I only have my office.” But in reality that is not the case, I wanted a small place that was only mine, where I could be alone, have some privacy and be able to do the things I wanted to do.

After all of our sons moved out after college, our daughter wanted to make the big move to our finished basement, but she was only nine years old. We still used the space for visits or when my relatives came from Peru for a few months. And did I mention she was too young? Well now, she is 16 and we finally let her use the space. Because of Covid-19 I had to work from home for a while and I didn't have a place to set my computer, so the move now made sense.

It only took 7 years, but finally a private space and I love it. I have redecorated everything to my liking from paint to paintings, to furniture to supplies, even a new dog bed for the dogs to lounge. This space really brings me a sense of calm and happiness

The time spent in my office revolves around:

• the occasional work project
• translate documents for volunteer work
• writing these articles
• journaling or writing in one of my notebooks (my weekly diet plan and workouts)
• scrapbooking
• painting
• sewing
• exercising
• watching tv
• and sometimes just nothing, just spend time in there

I use my space to relax, to think, to be alone. I think this is good for my health, makes me more productive and it makes me happy, I can do whatever I want here, since this is where I am right now, and I like that my husband and daughter respect my space and time.

Having your own space is a great privilege, I know that not everyone can do it, but if you can do it, believe me you should do it, it’s magnificent. It does not have to be a room, it can also be a corner in the kitchen, in the living room or dining room, a hallway, a closet, or even down a staircase if there is space, you can turn it into a space just for you, and let the family know that your privacy has to be respected.

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