Sacred Spaces
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We’ve earned five minutes of blissful solitude.
By Jamie Collins
March 14, 2022
One of my ultimate dream home fantasies is having a bathroom all to myself—one that no one else is allowed to enter. The reasons behind this desire are both practical and emotional. For me, bathrooms are not merely places for hygiene; they serve as sanctuaries. I believe many women share this sentiment, and when we become mothers, our connection to this essential space intensifies, as it often becomes our sole haven.
It’s a Private Sanctuary for Tears
The bathroom serves as my go-to spot at work for a good cry and a quick reset. Picture Holly Hunter in Broadcast News, but a bit more subdued. If someone else happens to be in there shedding tears, there’s no embarrassment—just a shared understanding.
During the tough times when my children were small and my mother was battling cancer, I made it a point to shield them from my deep sadness, often retreating to the shower for those moments of sorrow. Now that my kids are older, I still find solace in the shower, where I can let the tears flow without anyone questioning why.
A Place to Seek Refuge
Sometimes, you just need to step away—from people, conversations, and expectations. It’s essential to unplug from constant demands, whether they’re from children, coworkers, or partners, and simply stop—like, really stop, without your phone. Even if you’re a mom, your coworkers should ideally respect your privacy, although I’ve had my fair share of exceptions. Just announcing, “I’m in the bathroom!” through the closed door can buy you at least five more minutes of solitude.
Of course, toddlers can complicate matters. A friend recently shared a hilarious exchange with her preschooler who barged in while she was using the toilet.
Mom: Can you let me poop alone?
Kid: No, I have to be here for safety.
Ah, the phases of parenting. In Phase 1, they storm in as if you’re simply at the kitchen table. Phase 2 sees them leaning against the door, constantly asking when you’ll be done (you can even hear their little breaths). Phase 3 arrives with teenagers who wait nearby, ready to jump out and surprise you the moment you emerge. At least by then, they’ve stopped barging in—thank goodness!
A Space for Reflection
At home, the shower is my creative haven. It’s where I brainstorm ideas without interruptions, have conversations with myself, rehearse imaginary chats with celebrities, and even practice my Oscar acceptance speeches. No one will ever know the thoughts that echo off the tiles.
This sanctuary works for work too, albeit with quieter musings. No one will mind if you step away to the bathroom, giving you a distraction-free zone to gather your thoughts.
A Corner for Self-Care
Tired of putting everyone else’s needs first all day? Retreating to the bathroom for a moment of grooming—whether brushing your hair or applying makeup—allows you to focus on yourself. It’s not just a delay tactic; it’s a chance to dedicate time for self-care, a rare luxury that nobody can begrudge you. Or so we hope.
It might sound selfish, but it’s not. We need the privacy of bathrooms because life is full of demands pulling at us. While I dislike broad generalizations, it’s often true that women bear the brunt of these demands. In most households, “Mom!” is the first call 99% of the time. Work mirrors this experience as well, regardless of your role. We’ve earned our bathroom time.
For further insights into self-care and more, check out this post on soup recipes. Also, for those looking into the realm of home insemination, Make a Mom is a great authority on the topic, while NHS offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In the chaos of family life, a bathroom can become a vital sanctuary for women seeking brief moments of peace. Whether it’s a private place to cry, a refuge from everyday demands, a space for contemplation, or an opportunity for self-care, the bathroom plays a crucial role in our well-being. Amid the constant pull of responsibilities, we deserve these small escapes.
Keyphrase: bathroom sanctuary for women
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