So this is it, the first post. I sit here on a cold wet Wednesday morning at 5:35am. I am trying to revisit an ‘atomic habit’ of waking early, before the kids school run begins, to start something that has been in the consideration bucket for a long, long time. At this stage, it isnt clear where this blogging journey could take me. I have kept the plan vague so as to not be too prescriptive.
Kelly would have been bemused but supportive. She was used to me starting these things that others may not have. Going back to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in my 40’s, waking at 4am to get some work done, joining the neighbourhood watch. Kelly was what I would define as a ‘straight up’ individual. She had simple pleasures – a love of the quieter, less rushed things in life. Painting, reading a book, taking a drive with the family, going for a run. She didnt need to be pushing herself to accomplish new things. Loving her kids and enjoying the day to day was enough. Since her passing I have come to realise that in many ways, these things can be enough. When everything else is stripped away, what do we really need to be content? Not very much when the truth is told.
When the chips are down and life’s purposes begins to be considered, I am finding that it is these simple things that we often crave. The sounds of somebody’s voice for example. Having not had a conversation with Kelly in 6 months, I find myself yearning some time together to just talk. A simple thing but one of the things I miss most.
So what is the take away here as my first post comes to conclusion? I think it might be that I must push to accomplish my goals and try new things… but also remember to stop and smell the roses. Certainly to cherish the simple things in life, the things about our loved ones that we often take for granted.
Kelly would have laughed if I said that to her now. Luckily I can still remember her voice. It would be saying – “Mathew it is too early for your philosophy. Go and get the kids up and get them ready for school”. Yes Kelly, I am on it.