When you look at the state of the world (and the weather) at the moment, especially in the media, it could be easy to think that we’re nearing the end of days.
So perhaps it can be difficult to see that there is good in the world and things for which you need to be grateful.
I was lucky enough to have one of these mornings recently.
So, what happened?
I popped into the city for my weekly morning wandering around, having coffee, writing stuff and absorbing the city-ness. I work from home so I can flex my working hours. It means that I can choose when I work but it also means that I sometimes need to work at weekends to compensate for ‘leisure time’ in the week.
The weather was glorious and perfect for ‘purposeless walking’.
Met up with an old friend for breakfast.
Met some new people in a coffee group. It’s always nice getting to know people’s stories and making friends, especially when you’re foreigners here.
Bought a book of Pablo Neruda poems and a Spanish text book. Both to help with my Spanish classes.
Went to my favourite record shop to get the Delines album ‘The Sea Drift. My most favourite album of the last couple of years.
Got some cupcakes as a little present for Mrs Departures.
And then I drove home to Mrs Departures, our dog Gracie and three cats to our house in the countryside just outside Granada in Spain, a city that I really love.
Since first moving here in 2014, I’ve felt a connection with this place that I can’t explain. I still feel that and still can’t quite believe we live here.
In the big scheme of things, none of the above events are particularly unusual or special, but perhaps this is why they have more significance than ever.
It’s too easy to just take things for granted and go from A to B in life without thinking. Many do (me included from time to time) and then anaesthetise themselves with the usual vices.
But sometimes there is good in front of you if you take the time to see and appreciate it.
And it doesn’t have to be anything big. It can be the littlest things. Like simply having a coffee or getting a book.
So, all in all, I’ve had the best morning and am feeling very grateful indeed. Wishing you the same…
Foto de ABHISHEK HAJARE en Unsplash
Away From The Noise 