When I was pregnant with my middle child, I made what might be the most unexpected impulse purchase of my life — I bought a shed.
It started as an ordinary afternoon driving down Hull Street. There was a shed shop I passed almost every day, but that day I happened to get off work early. As I drove by, I thought to myself, Why not? Let me just stop and look.
Well… I didn’t just look. I left with a shed.
Later that evening, well into my second trimester, I walked into the house and announced to my husband, “I bought a shed!”
At the time, I didn’t have a full plan for it. I just knew that our family was growing, life was getting busier, and somewhere deep down I felt like I needed a small space of my own.
That impulsive decision eventually turned into something much more meaningful — my “she shed,” a cozy retreat just steps from home where I can relax, reflect, and recharge in the middle of motherhood’s beautiful chaos.
For moms who are constantly pouring into their families, having even a small personal space can make a big difference. Here are five tips to creating your own that I’ve learned since creating mine.
1. Claim a Space That Is Just Yours
The first step in creating a retreat is simply deciding that you deserve one.
For me, that space became a backyard shed. But a personal sanctuary doesn’t have to be a separate building. It could be a reading chair in a quiet corner, a small office space, or even a peaceful spot on the porch.
Motherhood requires so much of our time and attention. Having a place that belongs just to you can help you pause and breathe in the middle of busy days. On those days I tell my husband, “I’ll be right back. Going to the she shed real quick!”
2. Design It Around What Brings You Joy
Once I had my shed, I wanted it to feel warm, inviting, and reflective of my personality.
Soft pink tones, cozy furniture, warm lighting, candles, and meaningful decor slowly transformed the space into something special. Every piece was chosen intentionally to create an environment that felt calming and uplifting.
Your personal space should bring you joy the moment you walk through the door. The best part is that you can put whatever you desire in your space without having to consider if someone else will like it.
3. Create Simple Rituals That Help You Recharge
One of my favorite times to enjoy my she shed is early in the morning or late at night when the house is quiet.
Sometimes I light a candle, pour a cup of coffee, and simply sit in the stillness. Other times I catch up on work notes, journal, or unwind by watching one of my favorite shows. I’ll admit there have been plenty of Real Housewives binge-watching sessions in that space.
Those small rituals make the space feel peaceful and restorative.
4. Let Go of the Mom Guilt
Many moms feel guilty taking time for themselves. I felt that way too at first, but I quickly realized that stepping away for even a short amount of time allowed me to return to my family feeling more patient, present, and refreshed.
Taking time to recharge isn’t selfish — it helps us show up as the best version of ourselves for the people we love most.
5. Allow the Space to Grow with You
My she shed didn’t come together overnight. It evolved slowly over time. With each new piece of decor, cozy blanket, or personal touch, the space became more meaningful. As my family and life continued to grow, the shed became a place where I could reflect, reset, and prepare for whatever came next. Your retreat space will grow alongside you, and that’s part of what makes it special.
Motherhood is filled with beautiful moments, but it can also be overwhelming and nonstop. Having a small space where I can step away, even briefly, has made a huge difference in how I navigate the busyness of daily life.
My she shed reminds me that even in the middle of raising a family, it’s important to make space for yourself too. Sometimes all it takes is a quiet corner, a cup of coffee, and a few peaceful moments to recharge before stepping back into the wonderful chaos of motherhood.
