The power of the cottage...

I dropped in to see my friend E last night.

I don't get to spend as much time with her as I would like, but when I do I always walk away from her house feeling grounded and calm.

She has the most wonderful cottage annex attached to her house where she bases herself, which is filled with twinkly lights, pink fluffy cushions and an air of tranquility. I am aware that I am not describing this little pocket of warmth adequately enough; the soothing power of 'the cottage' actually knows no bounds.

You can walk in, uptight, stressed or over wrought and immediately feel the blood pressure in your body stabilise. Settle yourself onto a big white sofa with a cushion that would make you sneeze if it tickled your nose and you are onto a winner.

She has lights everywhere, twinkling, winking and sparkling and she even has a mat on the floor which has tiny star lights in it that makes you feel sleepy just by stepping on it. It was raining when I arrived yesterday, so hearing the pitter patter of the rain on the roof when you are in comforting and peaceful surroundings makes you regress slightly; that you are being cared for by a warm mothering figure who may just make you a hot bowl of soup and pop a duvet on you to help you really snuggle down.

Of course, testament to the ambience of 'the cottage' is E herself. I can assure you, she isn't the typical mother figure. She is an empowering woman whose advice I respect immensely.

She grounds me without even realising she does it. If you can imagine that your stress levels have an arrow pointing to the warning sign, then as E talks this arrow slowly but surely ticks itself away down back to nothing...stress reducing, you settle into the biggest cup of tea in the world and it is easy to see why conversation doesn't have to be a priority under the power of 'the cottage'.

I am honoured that she chooses to have me as a friend in her life, because I am in awe of her as person (but in a very positive way.) She delivers advice in a calm voice, has an insight of others and why they do things and an indescribable nurturing nature about her...without being suppressive.

She is also incredibly empowering and encourages me on every level to be the best I can. E understands why I, at times, feel like I have failed and shows me that what I see as a failure, is in essence a lesson to be learnt.

E and 'the cottage' should be on prescription. Everyone should have the opportunity to feel the arms of the cottage surround you when you feel wretched or sad. The cushions massage your anxiety away and the lights soothe away any pain.

It is the best antidote that I know of, and is almost as therapeutic as the warmth of the sun.