What principles define how you live?

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.