Finding space for yourself can be challenging. We live in a four bedroom terrace house. It’s big but there are six humans and a dog living here. To quote Madness there is always something happening and it’s usually quite loud.
I long for time to potter through the house without doors banging, dogs barking, telephones ringing and the sound of monkeys squabbling about whose turn it is to be the purple dragon. It is the dream. I daydream about hotel stays alone.
I do have a secret weapon. The bathroom door lock. We had one fitted when my Mum moved in. The previous lock was just a loud holler for people to get out.
The bathroom door lock changes everything, and I know I am late to the party. It’s a symbolic gesture that you are taking time for yourself. That you don’t have to be available while weeing “just in case” anyone needs you. I have done this. I have left the bathroom wide open to be available in case anyone needs me. I am serious and this is the way to high anxiety and crying for gin at 10.30 in the morning.
Peaceful ablutions are a human right so I’m taking back the bathroom and peeing in peace from now on. While I’m there, I may brush my teeth alone, without the dog on a viewing platform. I may even take in a brew and a book and have a bath. Or use a body scrub and take a long shower. The possibilities are endless but the door will be locked and I will be learning that I don’t have to be constantly available to all creatures and I’ll find out if that face mask makes me glow like a beacon as promised.