Reset on the Road

I like lists. I like a plan. I like to know how my day is panning out and feel a sense of control generally.

So I learned an important lesson yesterday morning in accepting, embracing and rejoicing even, the undeniable truth that we don't have full control in day to day life.

It was no biggy - a small change to a meeting in the afternoon, a moment thinking about everything that's on my to do list, and then just getting the harness and lead on the dog for a walk ... individually, just little things, but collectively they shook the foundation of my expectations for the day.

So I stomped out of the house - eventually- angry that either I'd have to do a shorter walk to stick to schedule or reconfigure my day yet again.

No sooner had I left the house and walked down the road towards my happy place- the ancient woodland which has become my absolute sanctuary - I bumped into a local friend with her dog.

She was walking home and I offered to walk with her (through the local streets, and a detour from my much needed sanctuary of the park). But I felt it was the right thing to do; she lives alone having been widowed tragically early about ten years ago. So we walked together along pavement and next to tarmac and cars speeding by. "I guess my spiritual reset would just have to wait" I thought.

As we talked and caught up, I shared my frustrations about the day already, and she shared hers too. As we walked and talked, I literally felt the anger release from my shoulders. By the time we reached her house (and continued chatting outside for a bit longer), my inner self had reset and I was back on track for a positive day.

I have written before about the powerful impact of nature on wellbeing, and this encounter reminded me of the powerful impact of human relationships on wellbeing too.

I actually started writing this blog yesterday, whilst waiting to give blood. The wait time was far less than I expected so I didn't have a chance to finish it until just now - the next morning.

It gave me space to think further and deeper about the message that needed sharing from the experience and I am truly grateful that the day actually ended up working out exactly as it needed to be.

My 45th blood donation, a few family errands and a delicious lunch stop before the postponed meeting in the afternoon which I wouldn't have had time to do had the plans not changed!