The last few weeks have been very surreal and unreal in many ways - don't worry this is not a deep philosophical woe is me post. It is a statement of fact. The weather has been a series of heat waves and my old BLS - brown leather chair syndrome made a return for practical and sensible reasons, to make sure my wrist healed properly. Over the last few days life has really begun to feel slightly more normal. I have realised my definition of my normal changes more often than the British summer weather. I have grown to love that state because I don't have to conform, be worthy, look a certain way, do things I don't want to - ok I do still have to clear up after the dogs and some house work however, when I am feeling rough I can be as curmudgeonly, grumpy and moany as I like - the dogs don't care as long as they get fed.
It has only taken me 66 years to understand that my normal can now include taking my time to do things. I spent so many years rushing here, there and everywhere, trying to do everything, rarely taking a break that it became ingrained in my psyche, liken having to be worthy. My only guilty break, if I was working from home, to have my lunch break watching Neighbours when it was on BBC 1. Working from home could be tough. I didn't switch off, the lure of the computer would call me at all hours of the day and night. I started working from home over 30 years ago, my first computer needed a floppy disc to boot it up and my phone just made calls and kept a list of contacts, memories. Hopefully, there are more tools and strategies to help people get a proper life/ work balance and the views it is an unproductive and easy life way of working have been dispelled.
Yesterday Mildred and I did a tour of the communal garden. I loved the 20 minutes we spent mooching around, taking photos of the wild life even in the rain. We saw Jersey Tiger Moths, slow worms, Roman snails and loads of birds dodging the rain. Although there were no rabbits 🐇, they were hiding out of the rain.
Nature and being outside can make you feel good, if you have the time to look around. Others have written far more eloquently on the subject than I ever can, so I won't disturb the rabbit 🐇, fox 🦊, badger 🦡 or otter 🦦. Since I was a child I have felt at home outside not just in rural environment. When I was about 12 after we moved to London from the countryside I would get the Northern Line (Underground Line) and head for the City of London on a Sunday. In the late 60s early 70s it was quiet at the weekend all the bankers and stockbrokers were in the suburbs at home or in the West End enjoying life. The City became like a deserted forest of imposing old buildings linked by trails, the occasional clearing such as Finsbury Square and a massive stream aka The Thames, it was peaceful and calm.
Now I am old I can take my time, there are few deadlines, and if I want spend a day watching rubbish films on TV, I can. Unfortunately not Neighbours or its successor Doctors on the BBC they have finished. It has taken a few weeks of enforced ‘laziness’ to finally recognise it is not laziness - just a different normal life.
Some Substack recommendations on growing old, on health and other things
I love her Conversation With Ageing Part 2 post, is an inspiration both with her writing and her daily posts, is so positive about ageing, a doctors perspective on being a carer, an inspiration on following your dream and the reality. There are many more which I will recommend over the coming weeks.
This weeks post has been a real ramble. I have not quite got into the rythmn of writing two Substacks. However, I have loads of ideas for both and am taking my time to write the more detailed and meaty posts. I hope you will bare/bear with me. Thank you for reading.
This weeks prompt:
What in nature makes you look in wonder?
When did you last feel like that?
Is there something else that gives you a feeling of wonder? It could be amything.
If you have enjoyed my ramblings and haven't already, please subscribe to my Substack or recommend it to others.
Hey Jo. I too marvelled at a Tiger Moth at the end of last week - aren't they incredible? It's the second one I've seen this summer - can't remember seeing them before. And they sit and sun themselves for a long time so you get to wonder at their amazing colours - perfect x
Really enjoyed reading this Jo and thank you for mentioning my page. I sat watching the stormy clouds for ages yesterday evening. What a spectacle! I fully relate to separating from the thoughts we have about being 'lazy' when we're just enjoying living life at a different pace. I want time to allow my brain to slow down, so I have space and clarity in my head. I've absolutely no desire to be overly busy or to rush around anymore. Enjoy your week and take care xx