“If something bothers you, focus on the solution or the desired outcome, not the part that has you spinning out in the middle of the night.”
– Jen Sincero
Hello HerCampus Community!
A lot of us have recently been evicted from our college campuses, and have had to move everything out of our university housing.
Given the current state of the world, it is safe to say each of us may be experiencing our own forms of chaos. We have been uprooted from the norms we have created. We are now faced with establishing a new normal.
That being said, in times like these I find it helpful, too. As Jen Sincero states, “Focus on the solution or desired outcome.” For me, I needed to focus on how to be happy in the space I was given. So, I set out on a mission to make a space my own! It is my hope that by writing this article I help each of you find some sort of stability during these trying times.
Some Context:
Last winter break I moved home for the month. I have changed a lot during my time in college, needless to say when I walked back into my childhood bedroom I was met with a wall of memories, which I did not want to remember. Knowing I would have to live in a space that belongs to a shadow of myself, I knew I had to do something about it. It is my hope that you may be able to have some sort of adaptation of what I did that you could apply to your own living situation.
Something to Note:
I am very fortunate to have my own room at my family home. I recognize that every situation is different and many people may be navigating a lot of shared spaces. This article can still apply to you! The physical actions of moving objects in or out of space helped me connect with space in a way that allowed me to have a sense of control of my surroundings.
1. Out with the Old and in with the Now
Think of this as a detox. Take a look around your space. Are there awards from the middle school science fair on the wall? Perhaps you have a closet full of clothing that is reminiscent of former fashion sense? It’s time to take back your space, the past made you who you are today… but that doesn’t mean you should be constantly reminded of the cringey days of middle and high school.
If it’s not who you are anymore, or is causing you some sort of anxiety, get rid of it! Now, I don’t mean throw it all out. You can, but I’d recommend putting the positive memories in a storage box, and possibly donating the clothing you no longer want or need. Find a way to move the old out and the now in.
2. Rearrange!
Now that you have moved out of the past you can address the space you are dealing with. Ask yourself what you are using the space for. What do you need and is it possible to make it happen? If your space is a bedroom rearrange it. If you’re working in a living room, find a way to bring more energy to the space that is fitting to you.
Get creative with it while keeping in mind what you need!
In my case, I am a big fan of playing video games. In order to accommodate my hobby I needed a space for my consoles (PS4 and Nintendo Switch) and my monitor. I did not have a desk that would be able to work so I did some exploring around the house. I found a 6-foot foldable table, covered with spiderwebs, in the garage. After meticulously washing the heck out of that thing. I converted it into my makeshift gaming desk!
3. Finishing Touches (my personal favorite).
Now that the old is out, and space has been rearranged, it is time to make it yours. This can be done in many ways.
I found it helpful to focus on textures, colors and smells.
I have unearthed a new passion for plants. I brought my 10 plants home from college and made sure they were nicely placed in my space where the green pop of color could easily be seen. I also searched my home for the biggest most fluffy blanket and draped it over my bed. The last item I made sure to include was some incense to burn! I love the smell and luckily I had brought some home from college.
I found the key to reclaiming a space was to focus on how you are interacting with that space. It is most important to be resourceful. Use what is already sparking joy and bring it to the forefront. So get out there and do what you can to find some stability! It’s out there, even if it’s small.