My Backyard Became My Sanctuary
There was never a question about whether I wanted a pool.
I always did.
In fact, that's why I ended up buying the size pool I have now.
When I finally bought my house, my mind was still thinking "tiny home." I bought the size pool I had always imagined for that dream, even though my backyard has room for something bigger. One day, I'll probably upgrade to a larger pool.
But honestly...
This little pool has given me something I didn't even realize I needed.
It has given me a sanctuary.
One of my favorite times to be in the pool is early in the morning.
Before the day gets busy.
Before the phone starts ringing.
Before the endless list of things I need to do starts running through my mind.
Sometimes I'll simply float on my back, close my eyes, and let the warmth of the morning sun settle over me. The water gently moves beneath me, the birds are waking up, and for a little while, everything feels still.
Those quiet mornings remind me that peace doesn't always have to be searched for.
Sometimes it's waiting right outside your back door.
Then there's another time that I love just as much.
Golden hour.
The sun hasn't quite set yet, but everything begins to glow with that soft golden light that only lasts a little while.
I don't know exactly why, but something about that time of day always makes me feel incredibly blessed.
Maybe it's because the day is winding down.
Maybe it's because the light makes everything look softer.
Or maybe it's because I stop long enough to notice everything I usually rush past.
Whatever the reason, those evenings remind me how grateful I am for this little corner of the world.
My life isn't perfect.
I still have worries.
I still have bills.
I still have repairs that need to be made around the house.
I'm still building my business.
I'm still rebuilding parts of my life.
But when I'm floating in that pool during golden hour, I can feel the difference between having problems and letting those problems become my entire life.
For a few precious moments, they aren't in charge.
Peace is.
It's about creating places that help you breathe.
Places where your nervous system finally has permission to relax.
Places that remind you you've made it through things you once thought might break you.
For me, that's my backyard.
The privacy fence makes it feel like my own little retreat.
The sound of the water helps quiet my mind.
The sunshine reminds me that healing isn't always dramatic.
If you don't have a pool, don't think you've somehow missed the point.
Your sanctuary might be your front porch with a cup of coffee.
It might be a swing under a tree.
It might be a comfortable chair by the window where the afternoon sunlight comes in.
It might be a small patio with a few flowers you've cared for yourself.
It doesn't have to be expensive.
It doesn't have to impress anyone else.
It just has to be the place where you can exhale.
A place where you can sit quietly.
A place where you can think.
A place where you can heal.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves isn't more productivity.
Sometimes it's a peaceful place to simply be.
A Gentle Reminder
Creating peaceful moments is an important part of caring for yourself, but it isn't a substitute for professional support if you're struggling with ongoing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. If you need additional help, consider reaching out to a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
Trusted Resources
If you'd like to learn more about stress management and emotional well-being, these organizations offer reliable, evidence-based information: