JANUARY BLUES
It's Saturday today. The last day of Jan. The weather has suddenly turned colder. It's overcast, cold, wet and I feel really happy. I'm happy but sad at the same time because January is over. Yes, you did read that right - Jan has been my most consistent and favourite month that I can ever remember. My log cabin in the woods month. My partner, Cathy feels the same. Jan is a long month - and this one felt really long! That's because I've squeezed an extra 3 quality hours per day in. That's 90hrs or the equivalent to just over two extra work weeks !!! It's actually felt more like 3 months in one, because I've been aware and present in mind for as much of it as possible.
2014 was a fun year, but a lot of it was out of my control. I was socialising and partying a lot and the weekends were filled with laughter & friends or sleep & recovery. It was hectic with little respite, so come December, I was drained and at a low ebb. I looked/felt tired and my body was knackered. I needed a regroup and some focus. That's why I've loved January 2015 so much. I've relished every day. I've gone to sleep contented and tired after a full day and been excited to get out of bed again in the mornings to learn, improve & assess my progress. I've been doing things that I love to do and I can feel a new path laying out in front of me. Again, I'm reading more of Geoff Thompson (thank you Geoff for being my life adventurer, explorer & guide), I've just read a whole passage on his life where he's taken the exact same steps I am making myself right now! He's at this place of great wisdom today after investing 10 years focussing on his path and I'm so lucky to have re-affirmation this is my right path because he has so kindly shared this knowledge with us. My aim is to continue my new focus throughout the rest of the year and beyond and maybe I'll be in a position of great wisdom akin to Geoff and also doing the things I love every day a lot sooner than 10 years time. However long it takes, I'm ready to embark on this journey and enjoy each day as it comes.
Making The Most Of It
I've been hearing a lot of talk from those around me - negative stuff about January, the weather and life in general. I don't think they even know what they are saying. They can't wait for Monday to be over, can't wait for the weekend, can't wait to get back into bed, can't wait for January to be over.
It's sad... I want to shake them! They're in the prime of their life and wishing it away, failing to appreciate what each moment of the day brings and missing being in the moment.
A Break In The Clouds
A good example of appreciating the day happened this morning. Leaving the comfort of our room at an early hour, I marvelled at the extreme changes in weather from the day before. Embracing the cold wind and hail, I felt exhilaration as we walked in the maelstrom. Suddenly, the clouds parted and 'God's fingers' - golden rays of sunshine - burst through a break in the clouds for a fleeting few moments. I stopped to soak up the moment and capture it on my camera, while other people around me bowed their heads and pushed steely on - looking miserable, caught up in their own thoughts and completely oblivious to the amazing and beautiful event taking place.