On Creating an Space for Your Purpose

Take Pen to Paper: Edition 86

May 16, 2024

Hello, returning and new readers!

In most of the houses we have lived in, the bedroom has been just that—a bedroom. The TV was only in the family room, and it’s still that way.

I’m sure you’ve read how keeping the TV out of the bedroom can help you fall asleep more easily. In other words, dedicate the room to sleeping.

In this newsletter:

The need for spaces dedicated to purpose.
Your environment is physical and mental.
The space you control the most.

Do You Need A Space Dedicated to Your Purpose?

I recently read two articles on creating a singular space for specific activities.

This is not always feasible, considering your space and budget. Although, that was not why our bedroom was just a bedroom. Without a TV, we didn’t have to worry about the cost or having room for the furniture. Lucky for us, we didn’t want a TV in the bedroom.

But I have often longed for a room or space dedicated to the many arts and crafts I dabble in. Currently, that space is on my dining room table in the same room I have my desk. (I wrote about it in Pen to Paper March 8, 2024.) Needless to say, my dining room table is usually not fit for dining, and my projects tend to drift to other pieces of furniture.

Having a dedicated space for arts and crafts, work, reading, or sleep does more than make the space more organized. It can signal why you’re there and remove distractions. Fewer distractions mean better focus and, hopefully, more productivity!

Your Space Is More Than Physical

The physical aspects of a space dedicated to a purpose are obvious. In theory, your space will invite you to read in a comfy chair, sleep in your quiet room, or write that report at your desk.

However, it can also remind you of what you don’t want to do because you’re behind, overwhelmed, or just not in the mood. Then, what do you do?

It doesn’t matter how you set up your physical space if your mental space is not arranged for your purpose.

Finding the focus you need may involve clarifying your priorities and steps. You can rely on routines or create them if needed. I became determined to complete my granddaughter’s Christmas stocking (in Pen to Paper September 8, 2023) I created a routine and made the project convenient to the space where I work on it.

If your task is something you do frequently, you may need to trust the process. I have a process for writing my newsletter. Although I often have doubts about the topic or experience, I follow my writing process and end up with a newsletter post like this one.

Setting the aspects of your mental space and your physical space gets you into “the zone.”

In art class, the instructor often talks about getting in “the zone.” We are in an art studio surrounded by examples of art. Our supplies are within reach. The teacher demonstrates the steps to take to reach our goal. We understand the project is for that block of class time. The combination of physical and mental space pulled together helps us complete a project during class.

The Space You Control

Generally speaking, you control both your physical and mental spaces. However, your mental space is in your control more than your physical space.

Of course, you can buy and rearrange furniture for your dedicated space if you have the space for it. However, I don’t currently have a room in my house to dedicate to arts and crafts. I’m limited in what I can do to control my physical space for my projects.

Mental space is another story. We all have control over our mental space. With a clear purpose, we can plan our steps, schedule time, and develop a routine or process to get into “the zone” for progress. Because my writing requires less physical space, I publish two weekly newsletters.

Now, without moving to a new space, I’m going to set aside my laptop and pick up my cross-stitch project.

I’m making progress!

7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good:

Does the room pictured above invite you to sleep? This swan bedroom is in the Maymont Mansion. The mansion is a well-preserved example of the Gilded Age in Richmond, Virginia.
Kaki Okumura writes one of the newsletters I enjoy. This post is one of the two I read about having a dedicated space. 🛌
I’m grateful for my dining room table because it provides space for projects or special occasion meals and reminds me of my grandmother’s house.
It’s good to understand what you control. Knowledge and acceptance of what you can and can’t control helps reduce frustration.
I’m grateful for my desk. It’s dedicated to writing and journaling. When I’m there, others know I’m working (and hopefully “in the zone”). 💻
Having a special space just for you doesn’t have to be dedicated to an activity. It can be just a place for you.
You might find extra time in your daily schedule to make progress on a task. Check out these charts on how we spend our day. 📊

Thank you for reading. This week, think about your purpose(s) and the spaces you need to make progress.

Until next time,

💚

Susan

What activity would you like to have a dedicated space for? Leave a comment and tell me about it.

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