The Scene staff
Welcome to my office.
It’s the most peaceful spot in my home. It’s private, relaxing and quiet. It’s where I go when I need room to think. It’s where I find inspiration and motivation.
Maybe it’s the sweet aroma of the orange-blossom candles that gives me a sense of tranquility. Or the fresh, crisp air that blows through an open window. I can sit on my porcelain throne, thoughts flushing in and out of my mind.
OK, you guessed it. I’m talking about my bathroom.
It’s a place where most people go to release their inner demons, but it’s where I release my creativity. I have done some of my best work sitting on the toilet or leaning against the vanity.
I remember writing my very first college paper in the bathtub during freshmen year. The assignment was to write a three-page persuasive argument on the topic of my choice. At that time, I hated to write.
But I was drawn to the scent of lavender soap and the color of the white and sky-blue tub, which gave me an ocean-like feel. I grabbed a towel to rest my head on and went to work.
After completing the assignment, I felt as if I had just undergone a therapy session.
I have tried working many other places — coffee shops, libraries, parks, you name it. But the bathroom is my favorite retreat.
Growing up, my family would often get annoyed with me for spending long periods of time in the bathroom. When I announced that I was headed that way, my mother would sarcastically say, “Well Surudah (my given name) is headed to her office.”
The funny thing is, my mother was right. My bathroom visits were opportunities to get things done, whether I was doing research or just reflecting on my day.
Today, my family assumes I go to the bathroom to play on my phone. Even when I insist that I’m working, they’ll laugh. But the joke’s on them. They don’t realize how much I’m getting accomplished behind closed doors.
As midterms approached a few weeks ago, I started getting stressed out. Then my mind traveled to the bathroom, and I felt better immediately. It just shows you how a comfortable environment can affect your brain and mood.
What am I suggesting? The importance of thinking outside the box. If you are not finding the motivation to study, then change your environment and see what happens. Don’t limit yourself.
This can be applied to all aspects of life. Many times, when we can’t solve a problem, it’s because we are telling ourselves that there is only one way to do something. If a path isn’t relatable to a certain group of people, it must not be the right one.
My family may find it hilarious that I use the bathroom for tasks other than personal hygiene, but there may be people in the world who don’t think that’s odd at all.
I grew up with a family of five in a house with two bathrooms, which makes working in the bathroom seem even more absurd. But if I hadn’t overcome this absurdity, I wouldn’t have discovered that it’s a great office.
As weird as the idea may sound, try slipping off to the bathroom for your next project. Life is short, and we are living too fast. Escape when you can, savor every second and get uncomfortable.
If I had always stayed comfortable, I would have never evolved into the person I am today.
So next time your mind is constipated, go into the bathroom, shut the door and see what happens.