Being Content

everything is a choice so be happy with it

I happened to read one of those snappy posts somewhere on either Substack or Facebook that said something along the lines of

Don’t get to old age and regret never having written that novel or memoir or something [can’t remember the something}

Not the exact quote but something along those lines. One of those things that is meant to either motivate one to get writing or make one feel guilty about not having written.

But then I got to thinking - ok so I haven’t written that novel or that memoir [though I have started many :)] but in that time of not writing I have sent many encouraging texts and emails to friends and organisations. I’ve stopped to chat to many people in the park or on the beach who just want to talk to someone about their lives. I’ve gone for many coffees and lunches with friends and listen to their lives and shared my own. I’ve also cooked many meals, washed many kitchen floors and hoovered many carpets. I’ve worked in many jobs and travelled many places. I’ve had great fun teaching and encouraging others to write.

We were on a road trip this weekend and got talking, hubby and I, about “doing the good works God has set out for you” and both had a different point of view. His is very much of the sentiment of that being a getting on and doing things, of being able to have set things that in stone to say “this is what I achieved”, whereas my sentiment is now [and it wasn’t always this way] more of the waiting to see what falls into my path and just being content to flow whether anyone else notices or not.

Like the photo of Renly at the start I want to have time to smell the garlic, to potter along enjoying where I am. I may never write that book [though never say never] or achieve something that “ripples across the world” but what I would like when I’m at the final point of my life is to be able to look back with contentment on what I’ve been and not be sad for what I haven’t done.

So enjoy your motivational slogans but mine is going to be

enjoy the journey whether you achieve anything anyone notices or not

============================================================================

These posts are free but you are welcome to Buy Me a Coffee or similar