The Art and Power of Making Room
By: Natasha M. Cheatham
Come on—in the Room. But first…let me clear the way.
I just renewed my website. It cost me more than what I had budgeted for because there was an additional fee to reclaim my domain. It’s mine (again). And all is well. Sharing this is about more than the reclamation of my website domain though. Too often I’ve experienced unnecessary frustration or hardship because I failed to move in the timing God—life itself was asking of me in that moment. Had I renewed my domain a month ago, when I thought about it, I would have avoided the additional fee. And now I’m realizing, had I shared what and when Spirit moved me to before, I wouldn’t be stuck in a creative block now.
For the longest time, I’ve been trying to create and curate content in a way that teaches something, fits neatly within a particular topic, and serves some clearly defined purpose. I’ve been struggling to use Patreon as a platform. Struggling to be consistent in a way that feels authentic to me, and gives my community something other than my experience/opinion to walk away with. I’ve always desired to share in a way that inspires and provides tools for practical application.
Structurally, I understand why. Creatively? It has been stifling. Gratefully, I finally reached a place where I desire to create for the sake of creating. Not in a banal attempt to feed the algorithm or a content calendar. But to intentionally make room & share with intention too. To celebrate that and challenge myself, I’m committing to sharing something daily throughout the month of October.
Mostly because I’ve been working on a documentary turned archive project. Partly, because my phone is full. And as frustrating as that storage full reminder is every time it pops up on my screen, it is a deafening message telling me that I cannot keep creating more while holding on to everything I have already created (and have yet to share). Journal prompts, seasonal ritual guides, and templates to name a few.
So, here I am…clearing space and deciding what I want to keep. Much needs to be organized by project. Some things I’ll let go altogether. And then there are some memories and moments, I want to keep to myself. It’s a bit unnerving how going through the digital and physical remnants of my life left me feeling grieved and nostalgic. I have been documenting my life for years through photos, videos, files, and notes. So many notes, so many journals… Some of it will live in a digital archive here on my website. Some of it I’ll share on social media. And some of it will eventually become something else: A film. A gathering. An essay. A book. Maybe a podcast episode. Or a development project.
Right now, I don't know all the ins and outs. I haven’t figured out where everything belongs yet. And for once, I am content with not knowing. I just need to make room. In sharing, I’ll do my best not to make every photograph, every experience into content along the way. Sharing these things simply because they matter to me is my way of showing gratitude that I am living the life I once prayed for. And that realization has become part of a much bigger process of decluttering.
Making Room for What’s Already Mine
There is no person, thing, experience, opportunity, or version of myself missing from my life. I refuse to chase or force anything. I am making room and preparing space. Some things may belong in my life from a distance. Some things will arrive when timing and circumstances better align. For now, my focus is on tending to what is already here. I’m done making my life a endless audition for the things I want. I can trust that everything that is for me comes to me. Everything always works out for me. I believe it. I know it. And now? I am finally starting to live like it.
Part of living like it is admitting that I’ve been in survival mode the last two years after a chronic condition and surgery left me feeling weak and with little means to care for myself. Part-time gigs, one-off contracts, and loved ones have carried me in a way that has shown me God truly has my back. Now it’s time for me to grow up in a way I’ve been avoiding for quite some time: I’m an adult woman being run by a child’s mind.
I no longer want to be an adult child running amuck and wondering why I can’t seem to get right. Currently, I am looking for a full-time gig that will best utilize my skills/talents, reflects my values, and will enable/empower me to better invest in the life I have built. A life I want to maintain, expand, and then maintain some more. I am not starting over in my career. I am pivoting and building from what is already here. And that may have been the catalyst to my best mindset shift so far.
Making Time for God with Tea
Freeing myself from the trenches of clutter has led to other areas of my life being decluttered too. My mind is clear and my space is tidy. Aside from the days it looks and feels really lived in haha. When the day is done, I’m closing tabs and celebrating the accomplishments from my ta-da list. Because the more I declutter, the more I realize that I am not simply trying to get rid of stuff. I am making more room for God in my life. Making room for more joy, play, and pleasure. For the financial ability and abundance to meet my needs and fulfill my desires.
Not because I want to spend for the sake of spending. No, I want to experience more of life. Travel more. Invest more. Give more. And be of greater support to my kinfolk and neighbors in times of need. I am making room for the expansion of this life that God and I so beautifully co-created. So, whether it’s the start of a new day or the ending of the day passed, I find myself taking a moment to be still. I make tea, sit, and allow myself to just be in the beauty and presence of God.
That’s why I’ve been documenting it while I live it. And now I’m finally ready to share it. Because I don't want to wait until everything looks “polished enough” to publish. I want to tell this story, my story while it is happening. And making time for tea has turned this decluttering process into a daily ritual of letting go. A sacred space of becoming.
Hospitality Starts At Home (With Self)
Since I started my nonprofit, I have been dedicated to creating spaces where people feel welcomed, cared for, and restored. Where they are given the space to simply be. It’s no wonder why hospitality and real estate have been calling to me throughout my life. This vision has been the throughline of my work, no matter the sector. But before I continue to offer hospitality to others, I’ve been learning how to be hospitable to myself. How to sit with myself without immediately trying to produce something or fill the silence. I had to learn how to be kind to myself. To love myself. I am still learning every single day, asking: “What can I create, steward, and share that helps my life feel more livable?
For now, I need to create, steward, and share sacred spaces. Spaces to be, to breathe. To live. To notice. To receive. Spaces for creating without knowing what the creation is for. I believe that once I have the capacity to practice that kind of hospitality more regularly, both personally and professionally, I will know another level of peace and success.
Welcome to Hospitali-Tea with Tasha Marie
I believe this is part of why I keep coming back to the idea of a podcast. I’ve ruminated over scopes, topics, & titles for a podcast for years now. It wasn’t until recently that it clicked: I can use this space and opportunity to practice what I believe. Whether recorded virtually or in person, hospitality comes with the experience. We’ll take time—15, 30, or 45 minutes before we record to get comfortable, make tea, and let go of any energy that doesn’t serve the moment. Enabling us to be fully present with ourselves and one another. Because this will be so much more than a podcast. It is a chance to showcase the principles of restorative hospitality. Not solely for future business endeavors, but because this is who I am and how I love as a person.
Hospitality is my faith in action. I appreciate you riding along on this journey with me.
With love,
TM 💚
Like what you’ve read? Don’t forget to let me know what resonated with you in the comments.
I create content and share my life experiences to show how I tapped into my intrinsic power and turned my pain into purpose through recovery. I’m grateful to still be here. And as long as I am blessed to be alive, I will be a blessing to others.
For more content and conversation, come take a breather at The Rest Stop on Patreon.
References, Resources, & Inspo
Adult Child by Julian Cross
Productivity Hack
Ta-Da List
Related: Nomadic Nature - Part II: Letting Go & Creating Space for Freedom
