The rain woke me. Its soft pitter patter pinging against our metal roof. Pulling me out of slumber.
I’d had a restless night. Stomach pain keeping me awake for far longer than I would have wanted. My body telling me that I have been working too hard lately. I needed rest.
The rain was a blessing. It meant that I was in no hurry to get up and allowed myself a few moments to come to. I decided to put on a short mediation, using my favourite mindfulness app, Aura. I’ve never meditated first thing before and it was a revolutionary experience. As someone that often wakes with anxiety, I let myself lean back into the cushion of my still warm bedding and just breathe.
I treat myself to yoga on weekend mornings, rather than the more strenuous workouts I tend to choose on weekdays. Some morning, I rush through this. With it occasionally feeling like a nuisance. This morning, I revelled in it. I allowed my body to flow and release all the aches of a busy week. Watching the grey sky begin to lighten with a spring dawn.
I deliberately hadn’t set plans for today. This felt very unusual. I hadn’t faced a day that wasn’t carefully time-blocked for weeks.
This meant that I took time over my breakfast. Sipping on my lemon and hot water as a scribbled thoughts in my beautiful new journal. Listening to the soft snores of a Labrador snuggled on the sofa behind me.
Finally, Skye got her walk. This happens rain or shine. I piled on my waterproofs and braced myself for the rain that was pelting from the sky.
To my delight, the rain eased almost as soon as we ventured out of our tiny home. Relenting to a soft mist that gently caressed the beautiful Scottish landscape.
I decided that this was a day meant for romance. I am a big fan of romantisizing the simple moments of life. Embracing the inner child inside that lives for stories.
I donned my favourite fairy-tale outfit. My green pinafore that makes me feel like I’m living in Anne of Green Gables. I made a pot of tea, and set about making a cosy nock for myself on the sofa.
A candle was, of course, an absolute must. I am burning through my ‘Winter Forest’ one at present, making way for spring scents to come. It set the perfect atmosphere for this rainy day.
I couldn’t decide on what I wanted to read. Rather than depriving myself, I plucked 3 from my bookshelf and piled them next to the sofa. The Secret Garden and Enid Blyton’s ‘Enchanted forest’ being two of them. I find such comfort in reading children’s books of times gone by. A beautiful escape.
Rather than sipping on a green smoothie, which is my usual mid-morning snack, I decided it was a toast kind of day. Tea and toast was the ultimate comfort food in my family. Whether you were sad, feeling under the weather, or it was simply a miserable day outside, this was a failsafe.
I was thrilled to remember that I had marmalade in my pantry. I’d swiped a tiny glass jar of it during breakfast at the posh London hotel I’d recently stayed in. The perfect accompaniment to a large slice of sourdough toast.
In amongst reading, I journaled whilst listening to playlists of music from period dramas. Letting the words from my pencil harmonious with the gentle piano. Relishing the warmth of a heavy blanket and Skye’s head on my lap.
Days like this are precious. Often, I prefer to fill my day with more activity. Whether that be a fitness class, a long hike with Skye or building my creative career, I enjoy an energised and full life.
However, it is so important to remain in tune with my mind and body. I needed time to pause. Reflect. Spend quiet time alone. Escape from life’s stress into stories. Allow the rain to wash away all my worries and to-do lists.
Just living a gentle, romantic Saturday in my beloved Scottish home. What a privilege.
I just finished reading The Secret Garden, for the umpteenth time - I am 51. This time though, it was a beautiful laser cut designed edition which was my 51st birthday gift from my son. It is a hefty hardback and it brought me cosy comfort as a I read it last week too. Bravo for listening to your inner voice and enjoying what you needed most.
We all need time for quiet. It may seem to others, or even to ourselves, that we aren't doing anything, but in reality we are. We are answering the call of our mind and body to slow down. Always be ready to listen and follow.