Senior Living

A Place to Be

Time spent somewhere cherished – even if it’s just for a few hours – can be a perfect opportunity to refresh and re-energize.

Certain places hold unique meanings. It could be a hillside with a winding path, a stretch of sandy beach, even a bustling restaurant. The location isn’t essential. It’s a spot with a particular connection and always seems to make you feel grounded, relaxed, and happy. And often, its places right on your doorstep – a bench in a busy urban square, a local library, or a park – offers the most fantastic sense of joy.

For example, that hillside walk might be special because its views never fail to bring you to a standstill, or it could be it recalls heartfelt childhood memories. A return to the same hillside or forest walk can be uplifting and help to clear the mind. As the essayist, poet, philosopher, and civil liberties advocate, Henry David Thoreau wrote: “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” There’s also the fact that being outside can improve sleep, boost levels of vitamin D, and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, a walk in nature is an opportunity to keep in touch with everyday beauty, something that’s often taken for granted, and an activity that can be done alone or with friends.

Others might find meaning and pleasure in a bookstore or gallery. The act of browsing books or taking time to reflect on a painting can provide breathing space and a chance to nurture the soul. The important thing is to find a place that has personal significance or brings joy. A local café’ could be a go-to spot, not just because it guarantees an excellent coffee cup. It might also feel special because of the easy way you can chat with the owner or barista about everyday life. It can feel good to be a regular, whether it’s at the local café’, a small grocery store, or the community library. Once inside, there’s commonly a warm welcome and a friendly smile.

Nostalgia can play a big part in why a location might be treasured, and the best thing is that a special place doesn’t even have to involve leaving home. For instance, my favorite place to be is sitting on my back porch in the furniture that was my mother’s when she lived in Boston, Massachusetts. The back porch sits up high on a hill with our land down below. I have plants, fairy lights, music, and always a good book going. I can enjoy this special place with friends, family, or a coffee cup watching the sunrise in the morning. I always feel at peace there and come away from sitting there refreshed and lighter.

You can build a place to be - It could be sitting in a cozy chair expertly positioned to listen to a favorite piece of music, sipping a glass of wine on a balcony with rooftop views, or relaxing in a gently scented bubble-filled bath. Close the front door, relax, and enjoy your special place to be.