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Make Space: Carving Out Your Slice of the Universe



Having a place to retreat to or a place to truly call home is one of the most important things in life that many young people overlook. I think that the notion of being free makes us forget what it's like to have a home.

Who do you suppose decided birds are free? They can fly wherever they choose...but if there's no branch for them to return to they might regret having wings, don't you think? Perhaps true freedom is having a home to return to. 
~Unknown

The moment I realized I wanted to move out I had no second thoughts, I was ready thanks to my mother training me vigorously on how to care for myself and why it's important to break away and become my own person.

Moving out isn't always a necessity in creating your space, though having more than just your room can make it easier. (seriously guys please stop trying to live by your own rules when you not paying for anything) I have seen other apartment spaces and the spaces of people still at home, and while most were just right in helping me feel that the person loved being there and were making it work, others left a lot to be desired.

I've seen no furniture, no decoration, no personality, and some places that were way too empty for someone to be living in. Whether you share a space or have it all to yourself you should always try to make it yours.

The stress of adult life is enough as it is. You're living the reality behind paying bills and rent, feeding and clothing yourself, working, and many other sacrifices and financial obligations you didn't have when you were with parents or family (to those of you still in this position I'm sure you have responsibilities too). But the bottom line is that coming back to just any old space in order to gather yourself, decompress, and destress, just doesn't cut it.

There are so many ways to make a space, no matter how big or small, your home:

  1. Decorate And do it your way. Ask your parent, landlord, or roommate for permission, ideas, or help in painting, wall hangings, and even changes in lighting.
  2. Clean No one wants to come to a cluttered space after a long day. Tripping over empty soda cans *coughs* beer bottles and clothing is not cute. 
  3. Get a Pet Get a hermit crab if that's your only option... If you dread going home, look into the option of getting something you have to come home to if you want it to stay alive. 
  4. Have a Get Together Nothing lifts your pride in your space more than when other people are granted access and the opportunity to make you also feel good about your space. It's your sanctum; showing your friends that you trust them enough to let them into your home is almost like holding the golden key to the hottest club around.
  5. Surround Yourself with Comfort Triggers Break out the thumbtacks and scotch tape if you have to and put everything that makes you feel good in sight. I have a wall of every artwork I've ever drawn myself or ripped out of a magazine (no matter how obscene) 
Get to work people. The smallest changes in your surroundings can have the biggest influences on how you feel. So go! Go carve out your slice of this big, bad universe.
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