Every house has that spot, the place you automatically head to without thinking, the place your body just knows is home and for me, it isn’t my bed although that is tempting, it isn’t the kitchen as there's too much responsibility there and it definitely isn’t anywhere involving laundry. It’s my armchair! My chair, my spot, the throne. Hehehe
It’s not fancy, it doesn’t recline at the touch of a button or look like something out of a show home but it fits me. It was actually 2nd hand when we got it along with the sofa but it was like brand new. I've been sitting in it for seven years so I think it is holding up well. The cushions are perfectly squished, the arms are at just the right height and there’s a very specific dip where I sit that no one else is allowed to comment on. Everyone in the house knows it’s mine. They can sit in it but they know they shouldn’t and if they do, they’ll get the look.
It’s where I blog from most days with my laptop balanced on my knees and a blanket thrown over my legs even in summer, I think it is a comfort thing. This chair has supported hundreds of blog posts, half finished drafts and those moments where I stare into space wondering how on earth to word what’s in my head. All of my favourite posts started right here. No desk, no fancy setup, just me, my thoughts and my chair. There’s something about sitting here that makes the words come out easier, maybe because I’m relaxed or because I’m surrounded by the normal noise of home. This chair is my writing place!
It’s also my TV watching spot. Whether it’s rubbish daytime telly, something I’ve seen a thousand times or something dramatic that has me shouting at the screen like the characters can hear me. This chair has held me through laugh out loud moments and emotional ones where I pretend I’m fine while reaching for a tissue.
It’s where I’ve had some of the biggest conversations with my girls. Now that they’re grown our chats are different. Sometimes more serious than I ever expected when they were little. This chair has been the backdrop for talks about life, relationships, worries, plans, mistakes and everything in between. Some conversations start casually. Me sat here, one of them perched on the sofa and suddenly we’re talking about something important without meaning to. Other times one of them will come and sit on the arm of the chair or on the floor nearby and I know it’s about to be one of those chats. It’s where I’ve learned to listen more and to talk with them instead of at them. I've laughed here. Proper belly laughs and I've also cried here, quiet tears, angry tears. This chair has held me while I’ve been strong for my family and then broke down when I am all alone.
When I feel like I’ve done enough for one day, I come here, sit down and breath. Sometimes I scroll mindlessly, sometimes I plan things and sometimes I do absolutely nothing. It’s where I sit with a hot drink and let it go cold because I forgot it was there, where I snack and where I tell myself I’ll get up in a minute and then don’t.
There’s something nice about having a place that doesn’t expect anything from you. I can just sit here and be. This armchair has seen every version of me. Tired me, motivated me, emotional me, happy me and overthinking me at 11pm when the house is quiet and my brain goes into overdrive. I think that’s why it’s my favourite spot, not because it’s the nicest piece of furniture but because it’s part of my life.
It might be just an armchair but it’s also my creative space, my comfort zone, my front row seat to family life and my little bit of calm in a busy house and if you’re wondering no, you still can’t sit in it.
What or where is your happy place in your home?
