Safe spaces a refuge for life's stresses

The other night, a friend and I went to the rec center. We wanted to play some basketball, since it's a good workout and it has been a while since I've played. Basketball has always been a sport I enjoy both playing and watching, and now that the NBA has returned, there was obviously some itch to play that I had to give in to.

When we arrived, there were intramural games going on and both courts were full. So, we waited for a little bit, played some racquetball, and made our way into the gym. Then, sitting on the second court, I saw it: two goals, one ball, and many students dressed in various soccer jerseys and sports wear.

There was no way past it; I had to play. It was perfectly set up for me. So, we joined in, and it was a fantastic time. Students from all sorts of different backgrounds whose roots are based in different countries and continents all brought together by a game everyone understood. There were no hard feelings about what happened in the games, no real hopes lost when faced with defeat; there was only joy at the prospect of playing such a wonderful game.

Now, I did not have the best of winter breaks. While I remain positive as best as I can and take care of myself – and while I believe I have dealt well with the situation – there are always times when I need a refuge. We all need a refuge; some sort of safe place where the only feeling that can possibly exist is contentment.

But, in times of crisis or negativity, it can be difficult to want to go out and find that refuge. You feel as though to have fun is unfair, and the things you enjoy become slightly less appealing. It is natural and, for the most part, temporary.

With schoolwork, jobs and the people around us, stress and negativity can be found everywhere. The important part of getting over this is not necessarily constantly looking for your happy place, but always being prepared to slip into it. Soccer is one of the most important things to me, and no matter where I go or what my job is, I will always find a way to make it part of my life. I did not go to the MRC that night looking for it; soccer found me.

The things that we truly love have a way of finding us, but we can only enjoy them if we let ourselves slip into the safety they provide. Whether it is on the field, on the court, in the living room with friends, in front of a TV with controllers in our hands, or in the kitchen with the sweet aromas of our favorite dish, our safe places are everywhere. The trick is to be willing to simply do what you love and let it take you away.