Today I read a question somewhere, asking what you’re looking forward to. I didn’t have an immediate answer and I don’t think I have one yet. I don’t know if I should be concerned about having nothing to look forward to, so I want to give it a bit more thought in today’s writing. In the past I used to look forward to an upcoming vacation to receiving books I ordered. At the moment I don’t have any traveling planned and I try not to order books for a while, since I still have plenty to read. So what am I looking forward to? Right now a relaxed workday with not many emails would sound really good to me. A day where I can be just very productive and enjoy my work. Let’s do that tomorrow. So, I’m looking forward to Monday.
On my way to the train station I got the thought that it might be smart to pay a little extra today for a first class seat. That turned out to be correct, because the train is very busy today. Most seats in the second class, where I usually sit, are filled. I’m enjoying sitting on one of the bigger red chairs in the first class. I listen to some old music, something like Buena Vista Social club, have a book on the table in front of me and just wrote for a while in my journal. It feels luxery and special to sit here and I surely enjoy it. I don’t take it for granted and know that it’s a privilege that I have this opportunity. I love traveling by train and this makes it even more enjoyable. There is something peaceful about sitting back, looking out of the window and seeing different landscapes passing by. I think back of how I rode with a steam train in America a few years ago and what an experience that was. I hope to take more special train rides in the future.
The day is almost over, just about ten minutes left. It was a full and long day and I didn’t came to write earlier. That makes me think about what else I didn’t came to today. I didn’t read as much as I’d like either, but that’s usually the case. I always want to read more and learn more. And keep writing 100 words every day of course. Fortunately I’m just in time. A bit like Cinderella, I have to be done before midnight. Laying in my bed, ready to call it a day I reach my writing goal of today.
Someone asked me what the 8th wonder of the world should be. That made me realize that I don’t even know all 7 current ones. I know that the Taj Mahal is, because I read it in a book recently, but what should the others be? I’ll look them up later, but if I would have to choose them I would probably go for natural things like Yellowstone or the Sequoia Trees or the Mount Everest. Because no matter what man makes, it will never even closely compete to all the beauty of the natural world around us. Those are the real wonders of the world I think.
While the world around me keeps spinning, I sometimes feel like I’m standing still. Friends are getting married and have children and I’m still single, all by myself. I’m not complaining, because life is pretty good, but I’m observing how life is changing. It’s not that one way is better than the other, it’s just different. I think it’s also a matter of trusting that I’m on the right path for me. Trusting that I’m right where I’m supposed to be, not behind or ahead. The right things will come at the right time. While the world keeps spinning I also continue moving ahead, at my own pace.
The lights are dimmed, the fireplace is crackling and some slow jazz music is playing on the radio. Laying on my couch under a comfy blanket I’m completely content. The day is almost over and I can relax now. Whether it was a productive day or not doesn’t matter anymore at the point. Today is coming to its end and tomorrow is a new day. Right now I can just enjoy this moment with a cup of tea and perhaps reading a few pages in a book before I go to bed. I think this is what they mean with winding down. Bringing the day slowly to an end.
He didn’t like where he was in life. Struggling, tired and losing motivation. That’s when he met the wise guru. “It’s supposed to be uncomfortable”, reassured the wise man. “If it was easy, everyone would do it. The challenge is here to help you grow. You have to get through it and will rise as a leader, as a strong man.” The young man considered the words while the guru continued, “Don’t pray for an easy life, pray that you’ll get stronger. Too much comfort will make you weak, while the right amount of discomfort will turn you into the strong person you wish to be.” This was reassuring to the young man and a smile appeared on his face. “To conclude: you are right where you need to be for you to become all that you can be.”
I planned to have an active day, taking the train to the south and go for a long hike, but just as I left the house something told me to turn around. I know that listening to your gut feeling is usually smart thing so I happily went back home. There I got the idea to clean up the Christmas lights and the gallery. I first made myself up big cup of coffee and then went to work. Funny how taking a break can also be active. It’s a few hours later now and I’m sitting at the couch with a cup of tea and an accomplished feeling. I’m glad I listened and am taking a break today.
He was supposed to be his best friend, the one person who would never let him down. The one that got his back. Not tonight, he didn’t stand up for him, didn’t help him when he needed it, not reminding him that he was more valuable than this. He let himself down. And he was quite aware of that at the end of the evening and vowed not to let this happen again. He knew he was better than this, that he could spend his time better and not let others make use of him. He wondered how often one needs to make the same mistake before learning the lesson. He hoped that he would not make the same mistake again, but would have his own back the next time, like the best friend he was supposed to be to himself.
Walking in an unknown street of the city I notice how many coffee places there are. On every corner there seems to be another small cozy cafe. I have no idea where this street will end, but I love walking in this unknown neighborhood. The sun is still out and it’s a bit cold outside, but with my big winter jacket and my warm hat I’m very comfortable. Afternoons like this one are mini adventures. In a week where most days are quite structured, this is breaking out of the routine. Being outside and discovering new places, what a joy.
