My Sanctuary This Weekend: Home

Sometimes, the most thrilling adventure isn't an exotic trip or a jam-packed social calendar. Sometimes, the most exciting plan is no plan at all. This weekend, my calendar stretches out before me, a vast and glorious expanse of nothingness, and I couldn't be happier. The siren song of "home" is calling, and I'm answering with open arms. Pure, unadulterated, blissful home. It's exactly what my soul needs.

The very thought of navigating crowded spaces, engaging in the obligatory small talk, or even just being surrounded by a lot of people sends a ripple of anxiety through me. It's not that I dislike people, but sometimes, the world feels overwhelming. I need a break. I crave quiet. I yearn for peace. And for me, in this moment, that translates to the sanctuary of my own four walls.

There's an undeniable comfort in the familiar rhythm of my home. It's more than just a physical space; it's an extension of myself. It's where I feel safe, secure, and utterly, unapologetically me. It's where I can recharge my depleted batteries and reconnect with… well, me. The mere idea of spending this precious weekend anywhere else feels utterly exhausting.

The allure of the bar scene, the late nights, the forced interactions – it's all lost its sparkle. Been there, done that, got the hangover (both literal and metaphorical). These days, the cacophony of loud music, the crush of bodies, the pressure to socialize and perform a certain version of myself just doesn't resonate. I'm simply over it. The endless cycle of getting dressed up, going out, getting slightly (or more than slightly) intoxicated, and then trying to piece the night back together in the harsh light of morning feels… empty. My soul craves something deeper, something quieter, something more meaningful.

This weekend is dedicated to the art of self-care. It's about listening to the whispers of my inner voice, the gentle nudges that tell me to slow down, to breathe, to simply be. Maybe I'll indulge in a little writing – it's a creative outlet that allows me to process my swirling thoughts and tangled emotions, to make sense of the world and my place in it. But mostly, I plan on just being. Curling up with a good book and losing myself in its pages, letting the words wash over me like a soothing balm. Listening to music that speaks to my soul, letting the melodies transport me to another place. Maybe even indulging in a Sex and the City marathon, complete with popcorn and blankets, a guilt-free escape into another world. Simple pleasures, enjoyed in the comforting embrace of my own little world.

Of course, life necessitates the occasional foray outside. Groceries need to be bought, prescriptions need to be filled. But even these necessary excursions will be approached with a different mindset. These trips will be functional, not social. No lingering in the aisles, no unnecessary chit-chat. Just in and out, efficient and purposeful, back to the sanctuary of my home. Even these small trips will be a form of self-care, a conscious decision to minimize external stimuli and preserve my precious energy.

Some might perceive this weekend as boring, as a missed opportunity for excitement and adventure. They might envision me as a hermit, isolated and withdrawn. But to me, it sounds like heaven. It sounds like exactly what I need. This weekend is about prioritizing my mental and emotional well-being, about honoring the quiet wisdom of my body and mind. And right now, that wisdom is telling me to stay home, embrace the quiet, and simply be. To disconnect from the noise of the outside world and reconnect with the stillness within. And honestly? That sounds absolutely perfect. It sounds like the most exciting plan of all. It sounds like coming home to myself.

Justin Aaron Morris

Creative Designer, Visual Media Creator, and Writer based in Wisconsin.

https://www.justinaaronmorris.com
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The World Sounds Loud: When Crowds and Noise Overwhelm