I've been thinking a lot about space lately. Not the Elon Musk kind of space, but the general space that we occupy. I've been ruminating on both personal space (Are you a close talker?) as well as the space in our homes and workplaces. How much space do you need or want? Does lots of space make you uncomfortable? Do confined spaces make you squirm? Today I want to talk a bit about space both in our homes as well as our own personal space. I think you'll see how they sync up pretty well.

I'm a bit of an introvert. While I love spending time with my friends, in general I prefer to not be in a large crowd and truly detest being in a room full of people I don't know. Stick me at a poker table with 6 or 7 of my good friends and I'm the happiest guy in the room. My roommate and I frequently land in our living room (sans TV) and spend an hour or 3 chatting about life, love, work, donuts and chocolate (you know, the important stuff!) over a glass of scotch. These are my favorite times of day. And while he enjoys these times as well, he also loves a house full of people and making connections. Variety truly is the spice of life.

When it comes to the home where you live, space is critically important. Some of you may recall that I lived in a 300 square foot cabin over in Lincoln for a handful of years. Obviously living in tight quarters is not an issue for me. Now, having lived in a couple larger homes, I truly appreciate having some space to breathe. I also greatly value the space "around" my home. Currently we live in a neighborhood, but my dream is to be on a couple acres with no neighbors in sight. As I'm typing this, I can see an obvious pattern. Space around "me" and space around my "house" are both important.

As you are pondering your own spatial needs, remember that it is not always how much space you have, but the manner in which you choose to utilize that space. I often venture into a co-working space in town and overhear a few random conversations and phone calls throughout the day. My solution for this space is to ensure that I have headphones and my own music to drown out those distractions. I can still participate in meetings and lunch with my buddies, but maintain my sanity (and productivity) by re-claiming that audible space between my ears.

The same is true if you live in tight quarters. There are a couple of great ideas that can make the most of the limited space you have and allow you to enjoy your home while you are there. The number one tip for those spaces is limiting the size of your furniture. This may seem obvious, but seeking out multi-use furniture will become a ninja-like skill of yours very quickly. Beds that have drawers underneath are priceless. "Kitchen tables that fold up (or double as a desk) are also vital for the work-from-home crowd, notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, David Cianciolo. "One of my favorites are the beds that are hoisted up above a desk and dresser, allowing the best use of that space with multiple functions," he continued.

Another recommendation for maintaining your sanity in small places is to ensure that everything has a home. I know I'm not alone when I admit that oftentimes stuff just gets tossed around the house. Whether it be magazines, mail, packages, books, (did I mention donuts!?), etc., it is important to give all of these things a place to live. Those popular plastic bins have become a god-send in my life. I have the "short" ones stowed under my bed and the "normal" shaped ones stacked in the garage. Tools, technology, kitchen items, towels, etc. are all comfortably (and cleanly) stored in their respective bins. Although I don't necessarily follow this mantra, it would be best if you touched everything coming into your home only once. Deal with it and put it where it belongs.

Lastly, it is really important to keep the surfaces clean in your home. This is more of a visual experience than actually worrying about the stuff you have. If the counter or table (or any flat surface) is clean and free from clutter, your eyes find that more relaxing and it allows you to "move" into that space. If the surface is covered in mail, newspapers and other "stuff", your brain can't move through it and the area feels more confined and small. You've heard me drone on about clutter and this is where that rambling rings most true. With your limited space, be sure what space you do have is clear.

I'll leave you today with the idea of taking a little time out of your day today and trying to be more aware of the space you have and the space you need. We can't all run out and buy a huge house with a huge yard, so we need to find creative ways to claim the space we need. That space can come from a simple walk to clear your head or, if you are like me, heading into the woods and surrounding yourself with nothing but trees. Most importantly, work to become more aware of your spatial needs and take the time/space for yourself.