Space, the final frontier.

“If video games have taught me anything, it’s that if you encounter enemies then you’re going the right way.” — Bill Murray
My husband and daughter are out of town visiting family. I’ve been home alone, enjoying solo time for the past 5 days. It’s felt so good that I’m getting greedy. I want the equilibrium I feel now along with my two favorite people in the house.
Sharing space with others — even the people you love most in the world — comes with compromises. Last week I came home from a long day at work to find that my daughter and her friend had set up a shop in the room where I meditate and write. They set out folded piles of clothes and shoes, taping “price tags” to the wall. Did I revel in the adorableness of it all? Alas, I did not.
I felt space invaded, and I kind of freaked out (only my husband was there at the time, but he wasn’t into my stress reaction). I’m not proud of the behavior. I don’t like the part of my brain that wants everything to stay in its place. I wish I could zap it away.
Sadly, that’s not how brains work. We can shape our minds by focusing in new directions, but it takes time and lots of patience.
I wish I didn’t have the stress reaction, but knowing that I can create a metaphor that makes me smile, and that I can share it with some of you, helps.
If any of you are experiencing space invaderish feelings today, know that you aren’t alone. Perhaps we can zap them away together.

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