“I’m so glad I’m home!” That’s the sense of relief I want you to experience every time you walk into your house. Think about it like moving from driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, with blaring horns, and level ten stress level, to pulling onto a beautiful tree-lined street with birds chirping and the smell of honeysuckle wafting through your open windows.

Despite being a room where chaos often reigns, your bedroom is one space that should always be an oasis and safe haven.

Of course, I see tranquil bedrooms (one of my clients, Lori, has that), but, frequently, they’re anything but serene! Places intended for sleep and downtime frequently become gyms, offices, storage facilities, or TV rooms. Often, I don’t see anything except clutter. These aren’t spaces that whisper, “come on in, relax, unwind.” Instead, they shout, “you’re not going to feel peaceful in here!”

Do you ever pile clothing on a dresser with the intention of putting it away “later” only to get tired or overwhelmed and leave it there? Eventually, you stop “seeing” what’s there—it’s simply part of the background. The same goes for magazines, crafts, and office supplies that end up in the space, all perfect examples of “The Sock on the TV Phenomenon.” 

Creating calm doesn’t just happen. It requires intentionality. Having a restful place to retreat to at the end of your day is critical.

If you live with others, in addition to your serene bedroom, it’s essential to create solitude. You may need to be creative about how to achieve that because it’s unlikely you’ll be told, “you deserve some peace and downtime.” You have to make it happen.

Don’t be hesitant to be alone. In the constant din of other voices, it can be tough to hear yourself. Creating solitary time can, at first, be like meeting a stranger and figuring out if you want him or her in your life. When creating your sanctuary space, avoid the traps of thinking, “what should I be doing instead of sitting here?” or, “if I’m here hanging out with myself, what am I missing out on that others are doing?” 

Do you spend so much time rushing through life “doing” that you never get to the “being”? Having divisions between your “public” and “private” self helps create balance. If only for ten minutes each day, shutting off the outside world helps you connect with who you are at your core.

Rumi, a 13th-century theologian/poet, wrote, “a little while alone in your room will prove more valuable than anything else that could ever be given you.” I agree!

So, get rid of the clutter, pare down what you have stuffed in dressers and closets. Remove electronics (they negatively affect sleep). Be discerning and display only what makes you smile and bring you joy. Put a small (live) plant on a table. Make your bedroom a priority and the calmest place you can.

Creating a restful and renewing bedroom invites you to slow down and “turn off” the outside world, and that helps you enjoy your Peace-Full Home.

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