WINTER BEHIND US

The last few hours of winter have been a time of reflection of the past three months. A winter started in Europe, having spent the first day of winter in both The Netherlands and Belgium. An experience we will always remember with both good and bad memories. When The Netherlands was basically shut down and we had to make the most of a sometimes awkward and uncomfortable situation. But such is life. We learn lessons along the way and make the best of it.

Sometimes we learn that the things we thought were going to be good for us were things which drained our energy to the point of resentment. And when we finally make the decision to take charge of our lives, we find a renewed source of energy. A new path to take. One which is ours to make. Even a small change can make a great impact on our lives with consistency and determination.

This morning started with our having extra time for ourselves. Not having to drive anywhere. No shopping. No kickboxing. Just a quiet day at home which began with my staying in bed and reading the third Manon Bradshaw novel. A luxury of time and an escape to England within the lines of a book.

Breakfast was later than usual on a Saturday morning. A Dutch baby pancake with strawberries and coffee. A moment taken to be grateful for being able to enjoy a slower breakfast and conversation with my son. No rushing. No stress.

The afternoon found my son ‘working out’ with his Oculus Quest. He has observed, as have I, that he gets more of a workout playing virtual reality games than he ever did at kickboxing class. Something he feels in his arms mostly as he swings them around for far too long during the weekend days. On the other hand, I spent a few hours sitting on a hard wooden chair in my room studying. Learning new skills for a better future.

It is only when we take charge of our lives and decide to not only make a change, but actually go through the process of doing the work, that we move forward on the path we wish to take. Consistent and deliberate actions, even the small ones, are what will get us the success we desire.

After my studies, I went for a walk across the street. The sun ready to say its farewell to another day. And now, with winter behind us, we look forward to a new season with new possibilities.