Time Out

Recently, I took time out. I checked out. Mentally and physically.

I was hit by an electric bike, knocked off my feet a couple of weeks before Christmas, and because of the NHS crisis in the UK, decided not to bother with A&E. The bloke was drunk and probably doing around 20 or 30 mph. I hurt my spine, legs, face, head (I had a headache for a week) arms, teeth. It all hurt. So I checked out, stopped, gave in. 

It made me appreciate how lucky I was. Nothing broken. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be elderly or the vulnerable and in need right now.  I am clearly made of rubber.

When I stopped, I paired down my life. What did I really need. Turns out, it is not much, and those things don't cost a thing.

I wasn't sure whether to bother to blog on this. But wanted to share how much I enjoyed the so called 'little' things. Lighting a fire. Baking. Looking after my family. Sleeping. Watching great TV.  Going for a walk and listening to winter bird song. Walking in the snow. Hearing the wind in the trees. Smiling at passersby. Laughing with friends. The so called 'little' things, aren't little. We all know that. So often pushed aside by the 'cut and thrust' and 'media hype' of how to live. The nonsense we are forced and goaded into following. Often thrust upon us by the worst of humanity.  If only the quiet gentle people were our leaders. Sigh.

I listened to an Adam Buxton podcast, and on it, Richard E. Grant spoke about losing his wife to cancer. It was terribly moving as it was clear he dearly misses her so. She told him, just before she died, that she appreciated that he would be sad when she was gone, but to try to "find a pocket of happiness" in the day. Look for that golden nugget to hold close. Richard said it saved him after she died. And those nuggets he spoke about were the same things I mentioned. Just appreciating the beauty around us.

I spent a lot of time stroking my dog too - while I was particularly horizontal - who didn't leave my side. This is a photo of Moobear snuggled up in a duvet on the sofa this Christmas.

Hope 2023 is good for everyone. I know I shall be more consciously looking to find a pocket of happiness in every day. I hope you find yours too. 

​Cxx