This year has started in a nice and relaxed way for us; a bit of a contrast to how last year did. I certainly intend it to be a good sign for the future as change is definitley in the air. Well, saying in the air is probably underselling it a bit so let’s say it’s well in the planning and application. As already described in a previus article, I have aims for this year and a stronger desire to make them happen; both in terms of wellbeing and also in terms of enjoying life and taking away those things that can adversly affect these.
We’ve made the most of our time this christmas by getting out and having some nice long walks. Prior to christmas, I couldn’t do this because my recent leg injury didn’t allow me to do this and secondly Northern gas networks are ponderously working their way around our town replacing gas pipes. I love walking and intend to do more of this to help build up my fitness and increase my health and wellbeing. We’ve just been out on a walk this morning and it’s been wonderful; certainly good to enjoy the simple things in life. Maybe life has been gradually becoming too complex?
I was also dreading going back to work next week. Maybe this is just due to the fact that I’ve had a good christmas break. Possibly, but on reflection, I can turn this outlook into a more positive one. I’m now looking forward to it in respect of managing things a whole lot better and making sure that the times I have outside work really count. It ties in with the whole maxim of ‘working to live’ and really making the most of every moment.
Wehn I’m out walking, I tend to use the time to reflect on situations and/or plan ahead for the future. Yes, I do concentrate where I’m going too, but on a walk like today’s, there was no pressure of a busy city centre or a bustling train station to contend with. I was thinking about confronting fears and to what extent we should do this to get the most out of life. One of my biggest dislikes (well maybe that’s a little strong) is trying to socialise and navigate in very noisy and busy environments. I would rather avoid them because I just feel out of control and disorientated in them. Good examples of such things are very noisy pubs, clubs and streets. Yes, I need to navigate through leeds to get to work, but that doesn’t necessarily involve too much communicating with others, which is a great help and a way of managing the situation. Don’t get me wrong, I love meeting other people and in the right environments, I’m as happy as anybody to sit and chat away. However, put into a room with pounding music and a whole big crowd of people then I know I’d rather be somewhere else as it just doesn’t work for me and it does put me hugely on edge.
Sad, because there are situations, where you do need to access such environmens as it does support the wishes and intentions of others. How much then in these situations do you try and confront your fears and try to manage the situation? I do try but I must admit I find it hard. Maybe then this is why I have a great deal of joy on the radio where the dynamic is so much different.
I don’t have an answer to the confronting fears question at present. On the one hand, there is a good argument for avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable because it can help to make life more enjoyable. However, there is an equally plausible and logical argument saying that fears need to be confronted because it can really help to open up opportunities and to access various social situations. I get both sides; at present though I’m more inclined to follow the former pathway but I know I need to do better with the latter.
Now, I think a relaxing weekend is in order before the work routine starts on monday.
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