Making Room for the Best Version of Me

My room no longer reflected who I am.

This room is soooo 2016. The hot pink, zebra, AND chevron. Thankfully, the butterflies were gone by this point. I bet you can imagine what vibe teenage Madison had. I have a lot of memories in this room—good and bad—but it no longer reflects who I am. It was hard for me to embody the best version of myself in a space that I no longer felt aligned with. This room was tea for that era; let’s not graze over that, but it’s definitely time for a change!

My mom and I bought the paint a couple of months ago, when we had the grand idea to redo my room. Even though we had the vision and the tools to complete the project, something was still holding me back. At the time, I was in the process of applying to law schools and ultimately just felt lost, knowing deep down I did not want to go to law school. I had no time or desire to re do my room, my life felt like it was crumpling right before my eyes before it even started.

It wasn’t until I confidently voiced that I didn’t want to go to law school, that redoing my room became one of our best ideas yet. Once I acknowledged what I truly wanted for my life, I 1000% knew my room needed a change. We had all the tools we needed all along, it just took some time and grace to figure out what I actually wanted (there’s a deeper meaning in that). Thankfully, my mom was with me the whole way!

We painted the back wall a beautiful dark shade of grey and I could immediately tell a difference. I could think more clearly. I felt more comfortable to create and ultimately I’m so thankful to just be in a room that feels like me.

Here’s my inspo! I absolutely love the dark wall contrasting with the various shades of pink. It’s just so good. Shoutout @zn_homedecor for the inspiration!

Finished product!!! Mom is a HGTV warrior, so she already knew what to do! A modern day Suzy Homemaker!!!!!

The Art of Solitude

To celebrate redesigning my room, my sanctuary, lair, and safe space, here are some ideas for enjoying your own company, whether you live alone or with others.

  • Create a special routine

    I enjoy waking up early to do my morning routine before the house wakes up. Gives me a couple more hours of solitude. :)

    Every evening I go to my room at the same time to ensure I get my alone time. I usually light a candle, take a hot shower, then read or do a sudoku puzzle.

  • Date yourself

    My favorite solo date is the movies! I absolutely love going to the movies by myself.

    Movie dates can also easily happen at home. Send yourself an invite, have some snacks, put on your favorite pair of pajamas, and make it an experience.

  • Create a cozy space that's your OWN

    I laugh, cry, sleep, meditate and create in my room. Whenever I need an escape or just time to myself, my room is my favorite place to go.

  • Hobbies

    Start a new hobby! Hobbies are a great way to slow down and get it tune with yourself.

    Puzzling has been my go-to hobby and I have developed a deep love for piecing things together to create a picture. I believe my next venture will be needlepoint.

What does my perfect day look like?

When do I feel like the best version of myself?

What are 3 things I’ve always wanted to do?

What are my favorite parts of myself?

What makes me lose track of time?

Knowing who you are and what you enjoy is the first step in truly enjoying your own solitude. What do you like to do? Who are you by yourself? Here are some journal prompts to help you get started!

What would I do if I stopped waiting on someone to do it with me?

What do I value most in life?

What makes me feel disconnected from the best version of me?