Walk

 

2020 was the year of the walk. And so is 2021 so far. 

I love where I live, on the edge of the countryside. Within five minutes' walk, I am on a nature reserve and farmland. For the last couple of springs I've revelled in the fields, hills, woods and streams. Apart from the occasional dog-walker, I've had it to myself.

But these days I restrict myself to wandering around town. There are too many visitors to the countryside, and the paths are narrow. I sometimes wonder if I'm the only person in this area to be taking the COVID precautions seriously? So few people will move aside or allow adequate space when we pass. It's safer to stick to the pavements and step out into the road if people won't budge.

The other day I was longing for the countryside so thought I'd risk it but soon discovered the path was busy with small groups. I'd have needed specialist breathing apparatus to get safely past them all. So I turned aside and nipped down a very muddy field path. I was ankle deep in liquid mud. Just as I was thinking, 'This is deep,' my welly got stuck. In pulling it free, I fell over backwards with a loud squelch and a splash. Adi had to hose me down in the garden when I got back home.

This afternoon was so bright and sunny, I headed for the canal. It was pretty quiet human-traffic-wise and I was able to enjoy the swans and ducks. Being out in nature did me good emotionally and mentally.

Time

 

This New Year I've decided to take part in Five Minute Friday again. It's been a while but I used to join in every week. It involves writing for five minutes without pausing to edit on a given topic.

This week's topic is: time.

With the events of 2020, time has become more precious to me. So many things have changed. 

I was chatting with my practice nurse this afternoon about the fact that now if I want to do something, I do it. I try not to procrastinate. I am too aware that things can change at any moment. One day I could be well, the next not.

I'm not being morbid or negative. But I came face to face with my own mortality last year and it has made me think differently about things.

I love walking and now, if there's a side path I fancy exploring, I go down it. Before, I would have thought, 'Oh, I'd like to explore that at some point, I wonder where it goes.' 

If there's a letter to be written, I write it.

I wonder if actually, I've made life less stressful for myself? I'm now getting on and doing those things that I used to put off indefinitely but which can end up weighing on your mind.

I'm also taking time to give priority to the things I love doing like the aforesaid walking and also reading, baking and watching favourite television series like Downton and Porridge. Spending time with God has become precious rather than a chore. I really want to connect with Him and to hear Him speak to me.