If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
It wouldn’t be my first rodeo-upping sticks and moving somewhere, home or abroad, to start afresh.
Having two, one or no dogs sharing my life, I’ve done it countless times. It’s liberating, scary, and truly exciting.
Getting to know the natives can take a while. It’s easy to forget for a moment they are eyeing you. Seeing where you fit into their picture. I usually give it about a year to not feel like the new kid on the block.
If money were no object/limitless, I’d like to live in central London, adjacent to Hyde Park.
Other thoughts took me to the edge of an English market town, where I could open my front door and walk to the shops one way or a beach the other.
Most of us are familiar with the saying,’ The Comfort Zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there’
And it’s true. But for now, I’ll stay exactly where I am in a little comfort zone, which has alluded me for the longest time. I have plenty of previous experiences stored up to reflect on if I wish..and never forgetting I always keep an empty lot if I have new seeds to plant.
It was still dark outside when Patch was nudging me to get up. I’d had an early night, so it was no hardship.
We set off torch in hand to the closest green space and little wooded area. It was mild and calm. The birds sounded relaxed as they chatted idly. The light mist made me think of the soft Irish rain that gets written about in literature. The smell of nature this morning was divine. Crab apples scattered on the ground were bumpy and slippery under my wellies.
But I was feeling a bit down. Sad, even.
Whether Patch sensed this or not, I have no way of knowing. But instead of walking back home to collect the car to take his adventure further afield, he kept on walking. He was clearly on a mission. I felt relieved. Straight into a long walk suited me just fine.
I had been giving some thought to today’s DP. Principles that define us, and got to thinking sometimes however much you try to be the best version of yourself, there’s no pleasing some people.
Where this train of thought had come from, I have no idea, but being out with my trusted companion in the fresh air as the day was breaking was the very best thing to be doing.
Patch led me on a walk for over an hour. We saw lights come on. Cars leave drives. Dog walkers aplenty. There was traffic, but there was no rush.
It’s light now but overcast. Another grey Monday morning for many. All those lives, all those stories.
When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?
There are times when you have to be the grown-up in the room..and other times there is room to be something else.
When your charges need direction or affection, when their wellbeing and safety is your priority, then the grown up is there. Willing, able, capable reliable. Down-time opens the door a little for the child within to appear and join in the fun.
It’s about getting the balance right ( I guess we could say that about anything, everything in life). Recognising and acknowledging the time and place.
I have no idea if everyone has their child inside still active. No idea at all. But I am grateful mine is there, in the wings, just waiting to escape from time to time.
*Note to self when looking for images to accompany a blog post, it’s probably best not to put ‘ adult’ in the search box.
What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself?
You will be forgiven for glazing over today. Mostly, I like to keep my posts bite-sized but sometimes it’s impossible. It may be one of those days…
It’s interesting to read the replies to the DP’s. All our thoughts and memories in a big melting pot called living. How will my fellow bloggers define ‘ the hardest personal goal’ ?
Amongst them will be the souls who are just grateful to have survived this far. This I understand.
A few days back, we were asked how we would cope if we lost everything. I failed to mention the time I had walked away from home and a relationship with just the clothes on my back…Tough? Yes..
After a while, struggling to keep my head and dignity above water, I went overseas. I was away for years. When I did come back to the UK, I had a pup and an adult dog in tow. Street dogs I had bonded with and was not going to leave behind. ( Animals, I understand. Humans not so much.)
Luckily, I had managed to accumulate savings, but the flights for Tony and Joe from India. ( BA Cargo were stars) and six months in quarantine ( I believe things have changed since then) didn’t come cheap.
Having been a nanny at the top of my game and the mother of all references under my belt. I was sure it would help. And I had six months to find somewhere for us all to go. Right? I stayed in a small hotel in central London as I believed then it would be easier to go to and from interviews. I’d never be able to take a nanny role again with two dogs, but there were other jobs with tied accommodation I could do.
( I had to stay with my dad and his fourth wife at one point for a while = nightmare and another story which will remain buried. It was soul-destroying. Totally)
Despite being signed up to some fabulous and not so fabulous agencies ( another story or six) It took a year and the last of my savings to secure something for the dogs and me.
And so it went on forever, it seemed. I could have tugged my forelock and kept my head down and stayed in some jobs longer, but you know how it is.
To be fair, there was one lovely job with an elderly chap. I was gutted when he passed away. But I did get to keep his dog.
The jobs came and went, and I was with a difficult employer on a farming estate. All the other staff were obedient and had been there years. I simply couldn’t hack it.
And then it happened a complete fluke combined with stars aligned, and I finally managed to retire with the keys to a lovely rental, in the middle of dog walking nivarna and a landlady sent from the heavens.
A front door of our own, such a long time coming. Sure, I’ve had to tighten my belt, but things that make me happy cost nothing… Walks in the deepest of nature, birds bathing in the fresh and slightly warmed water I put out for them. Amazing skies, the sunset and sunrises, trees, smiles, and a few passing words with people on the street. All the dogs in the hood whose names I learn before their guardians. The changing seasons. Growing things, pottering around. Writing. Gratitude.
And then I have Patch. His Nibs 🐾🐾 who lives here rent free, because he can.
The list just kept on growing. An ideal week, you ask. WP come on! There is plenty to do and plenty to see… but do you know what?
I’d settle for a guaranteed week of no incidents or accidents, no drama, no shocks, or nasty surprises….plus good health for all. Wouldn’t that be something?
I was all set for a ‘ typical’ day, which was a bit silly to start with -Just shows us how we take this living thing for granted.
A minor tech issue ( not so minor in my world) set the day off a bit differently. No, that’s not entirely true His Nibs allowed me to sleep until about 6.30am. ( After getting us both up in the night by whining to go out. A gap in the fence has recently appeared, so heavens only knows what had managed to slither through. It’s cat central round here, so maybe Reggie from down the street was in for a mooch about? Yes, he could have come over the fence, but that’s cats for you.
In most people’s books tech issues are not issues. A simple adjustment and everything is cool.Thing is at Primary we had one small TV in the whole school. Wheeled into the classroom on a tall trolley, from the Visual Aids Room. Soo, digital is not second nature, sadly.
Anyways I got to grips with that and heard the letterbox rattle. There on the mat was one of those plastic bags from a charity saying they would be round our way on Friday. Funny that as I had hoping one would come my way as I had a few bits and bobs already to go, in a bag by the door. Perfect!
Because of said tech issue we were late going out. That was a lucky thing as I saw someone I hadn’t seen for a very long time and I had wanted to touch base. Another tick,perfect.
I drove us up to a lovely green space we enjoy going to. Patch surveyed the estate and got back in the car without having to be bribed. Tick, perfect.
Bouyed up by a positive vibe I fed us and then went out the front to tidy up a bit. Did an hour or so and now I’m very pleased with myself. Tick perfect.
And it’s not even noon yet.
Recently I was reading about how time passes faster as you age. You’d think it would slow down a bit, wouldn’t you? All thinks considered. I agree time goes by in a flash and tbh it’s a bit freaky when you’re not quite ready for it.
Still not quite noon and the morning so far has allowed me to do quite a lot of stuff. Funny that.
There are so many facets to Self Care, it’s tricky to know where to start. I guess fuel. A balanced diet is the obvious way to go. Word on the street the Mediterraneans have it sorted. We all know crisps, cakes, biscuits and the like call to us from behind the kitchen cupboard door. So very hard to ignore. This week walnuts and pumpkin seeds went into my shopping bag as an alternative. A tad costly though.
Keeping hydrated is important to fend off lethargy. Extreme thirst can be quite deliberating.
Exercising the grey matter, whilst the rest of your body….rests.
A decent night’s sleep. Don’t we all crave this? Of course, should a cat have the audacity to tiptoe through the garden, Patches kicks off, waking up the whole neighborhood, who all have their windows open during this glorious weather.
Another element to self care could be presentation? Not going out like you’ve dressed in the dark….but comfortable and clean clothes always feel good, don’t they? And if you love what you’re wearing all the better!
Another thing to make you feel good? Has to be laughter. The more the merrier. Definitely the best medicine.
Talking of merrier, consuming zero alcohol is going to make your GP happy at least. Otherwise moderation is probably advisable.
To love and be loved. Fresh air, exercise, light… and if you have a spiritual vein, fabulous!
And now if you will excuse me I shall go and run a bubbly bath and light a scented candle, maybe a glass of something fizzy on the side. Oh, it’s only 10.58 am. Better not..
IN THE BOOMER PIGEON HOLE? 