Retreat…
Sometimes you have to retreat, refresh, recharge before you can move forward. That’s what these 10 days have been about for me. I am tired, battle weary so am retreating from my daily life to recharge the batteries and hopefully come out the other side with a little clarity and stronger – ready for the next phase on the road to recovery.
Day one I wake up early so decide to do some chores. I am not in a hurry to get going. I have decided the first 3 days are all about rest and catching up on sleep. I pack my stuff – clothes, food, guitar, books – and head out around 10 to pick up the key and get a few things along the way. I stop for a cuppa with my dear friend and then I am on the road. It is not far – a mere 40 minutes from home – but what a peaceful spot to be in. Love this place and am thankful for the kindness that allows me this get away.
I unpack the car, put the food away, make a cup of tea and sit in the sun just enjoying the serenity of the place and a good book. I pick some roses – i am content for the first time in a long time. I skip lunch, and head out for a little stroll. Not far from the house is this little bench overlooking the river. It’s in a secluded spot and no-one else is around. I clear my head of all thoughts and just listen to the birds and wind in the trees, appreciating the view of the river in front of me.
Tears start to run down my face – it feels like I have been holding back a dam of them for so long and now have the freedom and space to let them flow. A friend sent me an article that really helped me with an issue that I have been battling with for weeks and I am so thankful for her thoughtfulness in sending it to me.
I decide to head back and have a nap – like I said, rest is my agenda for a few days. I have an early dinner, a cup of hot chocolate, then take a sleeping pill and head to bed and it’s not even 8pm yet.
The first few days I get up late, have breakfast and a cup of tea. I go out on the deck and read. There is nothing on my agenda. I know there are too many people around the river mouth so forgo a walk there deciding to wait for the long weekend to be over before I venture out. I am happy to just rest and read. I make lunch and dinner when I feel like it – ignoring the clock mostly – and turn in early.
I am loving the bird-life around the place – all shapes and sizes and colours and sounds. A couple of kookaburras are in the tree nearby. It is so peaceful here and I am again thankful for the use of this little haven. Once the sun has gone down it is fairly chilly and I am pleased I remembered my hot water bottle. I am feeling the stress melt away.