It’s been a while since I sat down and wrote anything. A consequence of not spending enough time outside, I feel, having let work and other big life changes draw me into the comforts of instant gratification. Usually, in the form of sitting on the sofa, Netflix keeping me company.
I made a conscious decision this week that I would change this. I’ve hardly done any exercise recently, and blame this for what’s been demotivating me in general. I tend to feed on exercise, almost as if it fuels me. So I decided to get back into a routine of running 3 times a week. I’ve managed 2 of those runs this week, but even still, felt sluggish and trapped by a desire to stay warm and comfy.
Today when 5 pm signalled the end of work I logged off with every intention of going out on another run. Intentions didn’t last long and instead, I headed downstairs and put the kettle on. Cup of tea and hot cross bun to hand, I went out into the garden and propped myself on a camping chair facing towards the bird feeders at the end of my garden. Armed with my camera, I thought I would just sit peacefully for 20 minutes, wait for a couple of birds to come along to feed and snap away.
Now that we’re creeping towards spring, I can steal a little time after work before it is dark, so really need to start using this time wisely.
As I sat and sipped my tea, the last golden rays of sunlight crept over the fence and lit up the top of a conifer tree. I could hear the birds chirping at a distance out of sight, and caught the occasional Great Tit flying overhead, disappearing away into a neighbouring field. I kept hoping that perhaps one of them might just stop to feed and I could get a good photo, an optimistic, but worthwhile exchange for the time I was spending sitting here. I catch glimpses of them all day out the window. Swishing in, stealing a bite of mealworm before disappearing in a flash. Sat in the corner of the garden, only meters away, was obviously not helping persuade them close, however.
As I finished the dregs of my tea, it became somewhat obvious that my luck was out. I came with the intention of catching a moment of wildlife but instead had to settle for an isolated shot of colour and nature spilling out of a garden pot.
I felt a little downheartened but quickly pushed this to the back of my mind. I’d managed to catch 20 minutes of peace and serenity, in the chaos of a working weekday. I might not have got what I come for, but the little, quiet break helped clear my head after a long week.
Get Up Go Outside 