I took over a spare bedroom in our house. I have a desk with my computer, a futon where I can curl up with a book and my cat, a candle and little else. It is a protected space and when I go in there my husband knows not to bother me. Our house is so small that I can hear if something happens or if he really needs help, otherwise, I can escape and be with my thoughts. This has been a godsend for me as we have been on this journey. While PD is always a presence in our lives, when I am in this room I am in control, and I find refuge in that knowledge.

So, what do I do when I am here? I call it checking in with the world, but in reality it is checking in with me. I start by writing in my journal, venting negative thoughts from the day before or celebrating victories. Once my mind is clear, I visit my blog space and write for you all. It gives me an additional opportunity for contemplation, and I hope, may provide a new or different perspective on what being a CarePartner means for you. Finally, I check on my social media sites and connect with friends and family. Then, I am ready to move on and face the challenges of the world.

It is good having a space that I can escape to every day. I try very hard to make sure that nothing else invades this space, however right now there is a pile of clothing that needs to go to Goodwill and the cat litter box has somehow made it in here. We do live in a small house and necessity sometimes overcomes desires. But, I still have my desk, my window, and my computer, perhaps all I need to find my escape and to help me remember who I really am outside of the challenges of CarePartnering and my husband’s PD.