Finding Peace & Quiet
Sometimes I need to hide in my own home. My house can get very L-O-U-D, and when that happens I crave quiet—real quiet, not just the absence of noise.
My favorite retreat is the shower. When my children were little, I used to close myself in the bathroom for a few stolen moments. It wasn’t truly silent then; there were knocks and tiny voices shouting, “MOMMY!! ARE YOU IN THERE? COME OUT MOMMA!” Now that my kids are older and more independent, I can slip into the shower and hear nothing but the steady rhythm of water. It feels like pure bliss.
Being around people all the time—especially the ones I love—can be wonderful, but I still long for genuine solitude: a space where I can think, breathe, and restore without distraction. Solitude isn’t simply the absence of noise; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with myself and find calm amid the busyness of life.
Over time I’ve discovered small, practical ways to carve out those quiet moments. Sometimes that means waking a little earlier to drink coffee alone before the household stirs, or stepping into a different room with a closed door for ten minutes of uninterrupted thought. Other times I take short walks without my phone, giving myself permission to notice small details and slow my mind.
Creating solitude doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be as simple as setting boundaries around certain times of day, asking for help so you can rest, or designating a specific spot in your home as your peaceful corner. Even routine activities—showering, folding laundry, washing dishes—can become restorative if approached mindfully.
When you intentionally seek solitude, you may find improved focus, reduced stress, and a deeper sense of presence. Quiet moments allow space to process emotions, to pray or meditate, or simply to breathe. They can refresh relationships too; when you return from a short retreat, you often engage more patiently and lovingly with those around you.
If you struggle to find time alone, start small. Block ten minutes on your calendar, tell your family you need that window to yourself, or negotiate a short daily routine that belongs only to you. Over time, these small practices add up and create a buffer against constant stimulation.
Solitude isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. It helps you show up more fully for others and for yourself. Whether your refuge is a shower, an early-morning hour, or a quiet corner of the house, protecting that space can make a big difference in your well-being.
Today I’m sharing reflections and simple strategies to honor our need for solitude and to help you find quiet in the midst of a busy life.