Finding Your Place and Embracing Your Space
Hello Lovely Community,
How often do you pause to reflect on your place in the world, your home, and your work? So many of us instinctively put others first—supporting colleagues, friends, and family at the expense of our own time and space. This week, I invite you to consider the idea of finding your place.
Your Space at Home
Do you have a place that’s just for you? A spot where you can breathe, think, or simply be? Whether it’s a cosy reading nook, a desk by the window, or even a quiet corner with a candle, having a space that feels like yours can help you reconnect with who you are. As part of decluttering our home, we carved out spaces for each of us—somewhere I can roll out my yoga mat easily and a space for us to relax in the evenings without being surrounded by toys. This isn’t selfish—it’s an act of self-kindness.
Your Purpose at Work
At work, how often do you engage in tasks that align with your personal goals and values? It’s easy to get caught up in meeting everyone else’s expectations. But making space for something that fuels you—even a small step like saying no to something that drains your energy—is powerful.
I’d love for you to reflect on this: how often are you making space for yourself in your daily routines? What would shift if you did this more often?
The Power of Kindness
Kindness starts with ourselves. If we’re not treating ourselves with compassion, it becomes harder to extend it authentically to others. One of my PGCert peers, KP Parker, explores the beautiful link between mindfulness and creativity through poetry in their piece, Unfolding: Meditation Through Poetry. I found it both grounding and inspiring—perhaps you will too: Read the blog post here.
Exploring "Opposite World"
Have you ever felt out of place or like you’re living in an "opposite world"—where your strengths and passions feel at odds with the environment around you? Nick Petrie’s concept of Opposite World sheds light on this dissonance and how to navigate it.
In his research on high-performing people who avoid burnout, Petrie discovered that many have an "opposite world"—an activity or hobby that puts them in a mindset completely opposite to their work mode and recharges them. He shares examples from readers, such as:
Hiking through jagged terrain, where focus on the path allows the logical brain to relax.
Playing the guitar as a creative escape from structured work.
Road cycling, where monitoring heart rate and the environment provides a mental reset.
Cooking, which contrasts with a logic-heavy workday by engaging creativity and senses.
Petrie grouped these opposite worlds into six zones: physical exercise, artistic expression, nature, animals, volunteering, and home tasks. What resonates with you? Which activities truly recharge your energy? Reflection and experimentation can lead to one of the most impactful discoveries of your career.
Personally, I’m exploring this idea through Rachel Jeffcoat’s Your Anthology Misses You course from Wednesday. Rachel’s poetry has always spoken to me deeply (her poem Four Years floors me every time), and I hope this experience will rekindle my love of poetry. Writing and reflecting on poetry feels like reclaiming an essential part of myself, offering nourishment and connection.
Your Invitation
This week, I invite you to create small pockets of space just for you. Whether it’s journaling, a mindful walk, or reading a poem that resonates with you, see how it feels to lean into your own place—with kindness.
Let me know what resonates with you or share your reflections—I always love hearing from you.
With kindness and encouragement,
Helen
P.S. If poetry is something you love too, or if you’re curious to explore it, let me know. I’d love to connect more around it!
