FORTitude

This gorgeous creation is an ideal place to cuddle in with nothing but a novel, a notebook, or a friend. Building little worlds within your home alters the space just enough to change everything.

An extremely social person by nature, sometimes I realize it's been days since I spent more than an hour on my own. Responsibilities to work, family, friends, and organizations have a tendency to pull me every which way. This feeling is not uncommon for most people, and I'd argue it's especially prevalent amongst women. Often from quite a young age, the behavior of pleasing, supporting, and comforting others is reinforced so strongly that women end up consciously or subconsciously trying to act as pillars for people in their lives rather than pedestals for their independent worth.

Everyone needs an oasis. As kids, we turn couch cushions into thrones, duvets into canopies, and cardboard boxes into caves. Our imagination spins ordinary objects into extraordinary lands where epic tails are written about our adventures. Forts, in particular, make excellent places to build new histories and futures sheltered from the watchful eyes of our parents who remind us of homework, soccer practice, or the untouched cello in the corner. As adults, responsibilities expand from math work sheets to credit card bills, and our imaginations often go from a rushing river to a trickling stream. All the more reason to create spaces where can escape into another world, even if that world is found in a book.

If you asked a pillar if its arms were tired, I'm pretty sure it would say yes. If you ask me if I'll ever stop supporting the people in my life, I would most certainly say no. Some of the greatest pleasures in life come from what we are able to give. However, giving more than you have to give isn't actually giving- it's taking away from yourself. Striking a balance is the trick- a task that isn't easy for anyone of any gender.

Finding time- and building spaces- that transport you to a world wholly your own can be oh-so-therapeudic and epically fun. Hit up design*sponge to see how this fort was made, or make it easier on yourself and try on of these classic moves:

1) Find a large cardboard box, turn it on its side, and sit in it. You'd be amazed what climbing into a cardboard box can do for the adult psyche.
2) Pitch a tent in your back yard and sleep there rather than your bed.
3) Play mermaid in your  bath tub. Seriously, it's super fun!