Dec 10

Dec 10 My special place

Waaay back when I was in junior school (I find it remarkable that I can remember that long ago when I have trouble recalling what I did yesterday), our homework one day was to write about ‘My special place’.

Somewhere in our homes that we loved to be. Where we felt peaceful and safe. Where no matter what else was going on in our days or our lives, our minds could be still and our souls could be soothed. Where we could rest, dream, scheme, reflect, escape or simply be. (I’m fairly sure the homework setting wasn’t couched in quite those terms when I was 8 or 9, so indulge me on the adult interpretation).

We all really need a special place right now

God knows, we’ve all needed a place like that more than ever over this past tumultuous year, haven’t we? A spot where we feel protected and cocooned from the madness around us. I know I have.

I also know that it turns out my special place isn’t just one spot. It’s somewhere that changes with the weather.

Turns out I have two

Since I bought it earlier this year, the egg-shaped swing chair in my garden has become my favourite outside special place. A spot where, whenever the temperature is remotely warm enough to sit there, I feel both cocooned by the fabulously comfy cushions, and blissfully soothed by the gentle swinging motion of the suspended seat.

As soon as it’s too chilly to chill outdoors, I retreat to my indoor special place. This spot ticks all my special place boxes. A snuggly sofa. Tick. Plenty of cushions to arrange however I want them. Tick. A luxurious cashmere throw to keep me snug. Tick (thank you to two of my lovely friends for such a gorgeous 60th birthday present). Perfect light for reading. Tick. Somewhere to have my cup of tea close to hand. Tick.

The special place I love to snuggle in when it’s chilly outside

I know a lot of people whose special place is their bed, and that would certainly be my fail-safe back-up (no big surprise that all my special places come complete with cushions or pillows). A quick survey amongst my friends reveals that to be the joint favourite spot, along with versions of my comfy sofa. A hot bath was also high up on the list.

But there was also someone who likes to sit in her car with the radio playing whatever music best suits her mood at the time. And another who retreats to her potting shed in all but the most freezing temperatures, and just, well, potters.

Different but the same

Like everything in life, special places are different for everyone. But they share the same restorative, calming effect. And the same sense of leaving you feeling more composed and able to face the world refreshed.

As for my childhood special place - that was an enormous chestnut tree in our front garden with a sturdy, wide branch I could easily climb up to, and where I would happily sit for hours, my back resting against the trunk, contentedly reading, day dreaming and sometimes even dozing (I know, it’s a wonder I never fell off).

I may have outgrown the tree, but I’m happy never to have outgrown the sense of peace and comfort I get from spending time in my special place(s).

Where’s your special place? I’d love to know.