Roads to Joy

When we were fortunate to acquire the little bolt-hole across the border, we didn’t realise quite what a solace it would be. The weight of responsibility somehow seems more pressing when we’re home, but here across the open-plan living, dining and kitchen space it’s a temporary break from all that.

Writing duties carry through, however, and I’ve got a few of them today. But no loft clearance, or sorting through old papers. A few days to recharge the physical and emotional batteries, and we should be the better for it. After a morning on the keyboard, a walk beckons, perhaps in the mossy woodland. This capacity, to walk up the road and enter the woods within minutes, to enter a quiet and natural space, where the wind doesn’t buffet us about, is a real blessing for the rejuvenation of our mental health and equilibrium.

As much as we love our home, we have to recognise that there are benefits to quietude in a different context. So we’ll be delighted to indulge, while we can, and take quiet care of ourselves.

That feels like such a joy, I’m excited to be looking forward to the day! But meanwhile, the fire is warming us up, and we’re awaking as cheerfully as we can. Joys increasing, when one looks for them, for sure.