Recharge: a nest to rest when you are tired - La Gazette #6
Hello friend,
Happy Friday! You made it to the end of the week.
I have mixed feelings for Fridays especially when the week has been a crazy race (mostly driving kids around…), my never-ending to-do list in hand, grocery shopping and dinner planning on my radar, running around like this poor white rabbit (from Alice’s dream in Wonderland), clenching my huge watch under my arm…
These mad Fridays feel more like the end of the road, than the promise of a sweet weekend.
no energy
no motivation
exhausted
drained
EMPTY
“No time for nothing!” Sounds familiar?
Life is busy, and that’s okay—it means our days are full and rich. But constantly burning the candle at both ends without pause leads only to exhaustion and burnout. You must stop. Take a breath. Give yourself the time to recharge—because without it, you won’t have the energy to enjoy the life you’re working so hard to build.
I am a wise old woman (of 46 years) and I have learnt to recognize the signs. I know I have given all my energy away and I didn’t make time and space to refill with Art, inspiration and creativity.
It is time to regroup and refuel my soul with creative juice.
For me it means withdrawing to my favourite corner of the house, a cosy corner, like a nest I have made, to rest, to draw, read and daydream when I am mentally tired.
It has a little desk and a comfortable chair to write you emails. I keep a good pile of library books always handy and a box of beautiful pictures of paintings I want to buy someday on blue shelves (gift from dear friends). Some of my favourite artworks keep me company. The light is warm and welcoming. I can see the garden through the window. In this quiet moment, I can find myself again, I can see Me.
I can reform the idea of myself, where I have been (silent memories kept by my favourite artworks) and where I want to go (sketchbook open, planning my future).
This sweet little corner is mine. I have reclaimed the space. I have erected a flag and a wall of plants to signal the boundary. I protect it fiercely because If I don’t, it will be cluttered and occupied in no time. After all, it is very comfortable! And I would disappear.
Do you have a cozy corner to rest when you are tired, my friend?
Create Your Own Happy Spot—Step by Step
1- Go on a treasure hunt: Take five minutes to wander through your home. Peek out the windows, notice how each space feels—where does the energy feel just right? That’s your happy spot!
2- Claim it: Clear out anything that doesn’t belong. Make space for yourself—this is your little retreat now.
3- Let everyone know: Announce your grand takeover! A simple, firm “This is my corner now, please keep it clutter-free” should do the trick.
4- Mark your territory: Build a cozy boundary with bookshelves, a rug, or even a cheeky strip of masking tape—this is YOUR zone.
5- Make it inviting: Find your perfect seat—an armchair if you can, a warm blanket, a good book, headphones, art supplies, and at least one plant to bring it to life.
6- Add a trusty sidekick: A low table, a stool, or even a stack of magazines—whatever works to hold your beloved cup of tea or coffee.
7- Set the mood: Soft lighting is key. A warm glow for evenings, something gentle for early mornings—it makes all the difference.
8- Feed your imagination: Hang a painting on the opposite wall.
A small one like this one maybe…
Purakanui bay. 2024
or if you haven’t started your collection yet, a picture of a painting you like and would like to buy someday.
(You can pick and print one of mine if you wish… it is ok for now…)
Let your eyes wander through the landscape of your soul. Feed on colours, textures, joyful shapes, and light.
9- Test it out: Sit back, take a deep breath, and soak it all in. You’ve just crafted your perfect little happy spot.
10- Enjoy—and repeat: This cozy corner is always here for you, ready to lift your mood whenever you need it.
Step back—voilà! Like pure magic, it’s ready. Why wait? Dive in, try it now, and feel the difference! And when you want that perfect moment again—just repeat.
Now that your batteries are fully charged, you can freely gift your time and energy to the people you love. The rhythm of your week shifts—you're more relaxed, more yourself. Even the to-do list and grocery run feel lighter because you know your personal haven—your sweet little island of art and beauty—is always there, ready to welcome you whenever you need to recharge.
Secret garden. 2024
Thank you for reading.
Warm hugs,
Marion V-W.