Nadine J Walters – My Life

Day 2 Question to Myself: Where and when do you create space in your life?

My answer: Wherever and whenever I can! Now that I’m retired and my children have moved out, I finally have time to myself. But even though I have more freedom, I still carry the responsibilities of adulthood. To make the most of this time, I create a schedule—one that ensures I’m not wasting precious moments.

Sometimes I think that creating space can be misunderstood as simply “doing nothing,” but that’s not the case. If I’m spending my space on aimless activities, like endlessly scrolling through social media, that’s not truly creating space—it’s wasting time and energy.

Lately, I’ve realized I’ve been wasting more space than I’d like. Instagram, in particular, has become a major culprit. It’s all too easy to fall down the rabbit hole of watching viral videos, animal memes, and all the things that pop up in my feed. I’m actively working on limiting my screen time, but it’s a challenge!

For me, creating space is really about tuning into what my heart and body need. As an artist, I don’t always feel inspired, but I’ve learned to show up anyway. I sit down in front of my canvas or with my sketchbook and allow myself to pause—just to be. I stop the hustle of adult life and lose myself in the joy of creating. These moments of play and exploration are my spacious time, and I try to carve them out daily.

This kind of space-making is so important. It calms me, restores my energy, and helps me keep my sanity intact. I’m also part of an online art studio that meets twice a week. Having these set times to create with others forces me to commit to my craft. While there’s chatting and sharing, the real joy comes from being in the presence of others without judgment—just a quiet space to be, together.

Where do I create space? In places that bring me peace, quiet, and a sense of comfort. I find space on walks with my dog, Andy. I find it at my yoga studio (when I’m not teaching). I find it in the kitchen while I cook, and out on my back patio while I listen to the world around me. I even have special reading spots where I can settle in and relax.

I’ve discovered that space is all around me. It’s just a matter of slowing down, opening my heart, and allowing myself to settle into it.