Me, A Dog, An Invisible Cat & Hardwood Floors.

Certainly, the above title doesn’t do the experience justice at all. Months ago, a good friend of mine asked me to housesit while she took her family out to California for a timely winter escape. I joyfully accepted, as I knew the favor would mean much to them. As the time for their vacation drew near, I began to grow nervous. How would I make it to open lab as I have been when I am residing on the west side for a week, Going to open labs is not easy for me, I despise it and although I have been trying to change it, something within me always stalls getting out of the house. I almost wanted to take back my agreement to do it. Then she bribed me with her sweet computer, fully loaded with all the software I would need to avoid driving across town to be productive. I could remain exactly where I was and get plenty done.

Serenity! That wasn’t the only thing that was great about my little vacation I was alone. People may not know this about me, but I love quality alone time far more than anything else. It was fantastic, being in such a space conducive to creativity and exploration. I enjoyed being productive on my own. Me, a dog, an invisible cat, hardwood floors, and all of my many ideas.

This time alone was productive in many ways, ways that don’t necessarily produce visible results. Inner productivity, the kind of productivity that inspires, creates dreams, encourages change. I spent time in splendor, beautiful wall colors, comforting scents and many hours of new music on Pandora.com. This time got me thinking about my own home, how it feels to me. While it may be no one’s fault, my home doesn’t possess the energy I experienced throughout the week. It got me to thinking about how I need to change that.

Living with roommates can be tough at times. I adore my roommates, but I have a problem when living with people. I end up wanting to socialize or feeling that I “should be” socializing. Really, I should be producing and creating. The television is no doubt on the majority of the time at my home. During my week long “vacation” I didn’t turn the TV on until the 7th day of my stay. Okay, I did turn it on to exercise, but to me that just doesn’t count. I also spent hours in silence, which truly was golden. I was able to get in touch with my inner dialog, think fully and carefully about many things. Mainly, what I want in a space and how to go about getting it.

While I may live with others, friend I adore, friends who have lives and enjoy TV I always have my bedroom ~ something I have taken for granted many times. It will once again become my productivity lair. Although small, in this space the television doesn’t exist, in this space I can take all the learned things with me and enjoy all of the quality alone time I possibly can.