Reflections

Finding strength in looking back, forward and in the here and now.

So, the big festive event is over for another year. However you spent yours, I hope it was blissfully peaceful and packed with wishes fulfilled.

Shhhh….quiet please!

I spend the quiet time between Christmas and New Year going for refreshing walks, doing a bit of decluttering and catching up on reading, which is neglected during the days leading up to the 25th. My walks over the last two days have been fog filled. The air has been damp and there has been a biting chill only December can deliver. It was tempting to stay indoors, snug and blanketed, but the fog lured me out of my warm comfort as I’ve always found this type of weather intriguing.

Noticing and reflecting

Damp air clings. I passed a spiders web, full of water droplets which seemed like mini weights on the delicate structure. Yet, they rested on the web without any damage, I could even see my reflection in some of the bigger droplets as I took the photograph, my green coat and the trees surrounding me, giving clues to where I was and what I was doing. What can we learn from this? For me, staring at the spider’s web, I was reminded to have a strong belief in what we build, knowing that, if the right structure is there, we will be supported.

Looking back, forward and in the moment

The web also illustrated the many complexities of life. I reflected on the year gone by, the lessons learnt from the positive twists and turns and the understanding of what needs to be different next time. I looked closely at the droplets and thought about my wishes and dreams and how they can be manifested. I realised that flexibility and belief that all will be well should stand me in good stead. I stopped in the moment and understood that my greatest joy comes in the tiny occurrences that illuminate my daily life. They bring a fullness within, they will never be repeated so have to be enjoyed as they appear. So, I will keep looking out, seeking beautiful nature scenes in life that make my heart sing.

I did a little research on why fog forms. Thanks to the UK Met Office, I learnt that there are many types of fog but, ultimately, it is when the surface areas of the atmosphere are cooled causing a suspension of tiny water droplets. If dense enough, fog forms and this brings an obscurity of visibility. For the public we can say that if we can’t see 180m ahead, then we are in fog (it is less than 1km visibility if you are in the air). Fascinating stuff!

You have to raise your awareness when it is foggy.

When walking in the fog, I love the notion that you can’t quite make out where you are going, not being able to see too far ahead. But, when a familiar route is before you, there is no need to panic, trust your instincts and past experience and just go for it. This is a bit like going into a new year. Just like being in fog, you can fear the unknown or you can embrace it and let the mystery unfold as you take tentative steps forward, knowing your experience and inner wisdom can guide you. Along the way, you may spot wonderful avenues to explore, admire other’s creations and be inspired to have a go yourself. Alternatively, you can just keep going, knowing that soon all will become clear and a path will be shown once again, when the time is right.

My ultimate lesson for the quiet time between Christmas and New Year is that nature decides how it should be and we as humans must adapt, take care and respect the natural phenomena that come our way.

Many thanks!

And so, another calendar year is nearly over. I want to thank you all for being part of my nature loving community during this, my first eight months writing the Substack way. I really do appreciate all your reads, comments, likes, shares and connection. I have lots planned for 2025, I look forward to sharing my love of nature with you in the coming months.

I am curious:

What plans have you made for 2025 that will move you forward to a place you wish for?