What Is Your Happy Place?

3 min read

I remember the first time I walked into my happy place—it was like taking a deep, cleansing breath after being underwater for too long. The pressures of work, the demands of family, and the never-ending hustle of daily life melted away the moment I stepped through the door.

This wasn’t just a home; it was a refuge where I could reconnect with myself and regain my balance, and as I’ve navigated the tumultuous waters of my fifties, I’ve come to realize just how crucial it is to have a happy place to return to.

Midlife can be a strange and challenging phase. You’re caught in the crosshairs of ageing parents, growing children, and the relentless pursuit of career goals. It’s a time when you start to question everything—your choices, your path, your purpose. For me, these questions came with a sense of urgency that I hadn’t felt before. Was I doing enough? The answers didn’t come easily, but having a happy place to retreat to make the quest for them a lot less daunting.

My midlife sanctuary is a sunny, cosy studio by the sea near Rome, my home town. It’s not grand or luxurious, but it’s mine. The walls are lined with books I’ve collected over the years, and the shelves are dotted with trinkets from travels that marked different chapters of my life. There’s a worn-out armchair in the corner where I love to curl up with a good novel, and the kitchen, though modest, is where I’ve cooked countless meals that filled the house with warmth and laughter.

What makes this place so special isn’t just the physical space, but the feeling it evokes. It’s a space free of judgment and expectations. It’s where I can let my guard down, embrace my flaws, and rediscover the parts of myself that get buried under the weight of responsibilities.

When I’m here, I’m not defined by my job title, my roles as a parent or partner, or the societal pressures that often dictate our lives. I’m just me.

Midlife is often depicted as a crisis, but I’ve come to see it as a pivotal opportunity. It’s a time to reassess and realign, to let go of what no longer serves you and to make room for what does. And having a happy place to do this work is invaluable. It’s a grounding force, a reminder that amid the chaos, there’s a corner of the world where you belong unequivocally.

Creating a happy place doesn’t require a complete life overhaul or a big budget. It’s about curating an environment that resonates with your soul. For some, it might be a bustling kitchen where they can experiment with new recipes. For others, it could be a garden, a park bench with a view, or even a quiet spot in a local café.

The essence lies in finding a space that brings you joy and peace, a place where you can let go of the external world and connect with your inner self. The key is to prioritize it, to recognize its importance, and to allow yourself the time and permission to retreat there when needed.

In my happy place, I’ve found clarity and I’ve learned to appreciate the journey rather than fixate on the destination. I’ve reconnected with passions and hobbies that I had sidelined for far too long. And most importantly, I’ve cultivated a sense of self-love and acceptance that had been overshadowed by years of putting others first.

It’s where I remind myself of my achievements and set intentions for the future, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.

When I’m surrounded by the things that inspire me—whether it’s a stack of my favourite novels, a soothing playlist, or even the sight of my plants thriving—I feel a surge of creative energy. This environment allows me to delve deeply into writing, reading, or simply daydreaming without distractions. It’s in these moments of tranquillity that my best ideas often emerge, like CrunchyTales!

So, if you’re navigating the complexities of midlife, I urge you to find your happy place. Make it a sanctuary where you can breathe, reflect, and just be. Because in the end, it’s not just about surviving this stage of life—it’s about thriving and rediscovering the joy that lies within you.

My little corner with its books and warm light is more than just a physical space; it’s a symbol of my commitment to maintaining a balanced and joyful life. In a world that often demands so much of us, carving out a sanctuary of happiness is an act of love we owe to ourselves.

What’s your happy place?

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