I’m fortunate to work on a hybrid basis with two days of the week in the office and three at home. People seem to love or hate home-working, personally I love it, I get a lot more work done and I can have the music on. While I would happily work from home on a full-time basis there is a serious risk that I would become a hermit so the 60/40 split works well to get me out and to give me time with my lovely colleagues.
At this point you would be forgiven for wondering what the blazes I’m blathering on about, isn’t this meant to be a blog about walking rather than a blog about workstyles? Well don’t worry I am gradually getting to my point even if it is via the scenic route. Anyway my office days generally run on consecutive days as that means I can leave the laptop in the office to reduce the amount of time spent lugging it about, it’s also better for my body clock to minimise the amount of changes to my daily routine.
Another reason for enjoying my office days is that I have incorporated a walk as part of my commute. Sadly I do have to rely on the train for part of it as while I love walking, 20 miles would be pushing it a bit! However rather than alighting at the station closest to the office, I get off at the one before which gives me a 30-minute walk to help prepare me for the day ahead.
During my walks this week I was reminded of what a difference 24 hours can make. The first day was a real gift of a day. After hibernating for most of the weekend while Storm Ciaran blasted his way across the coast, the sudden reappearance of the sun was a treat. The sky was a clear, brilliant blue without a cloud in sight and the leaves on the trees were dazzling us with a firework display of reds, oranges and yellows. There was barely a hint of a breeze and I found myself slowing down to soak up the sunshine.
The next day was a complete contrast. Only 24 hours later the sun had gone to be replaced by rain and the blue sky was now full of dull grey clouds. I couldn’t help but smile to myself as the song ‘What a difference a day makes‘ started to play in my head. However while the weather wasn’t as pleasant the actual walk the second day was just as pleasant as it had been the day before. Admittedly instead of lingering in the sun’s rays, I was scurrying to dodge the downpours. Nor did I pause to take as many photos as the grey skies were not as photogenic as the sunlight dappling through the leaves. However the trees were still displaying their beautiful autumnal hues, there were fewer people (yes I do have my misanthropic moments) and it seeemed the pelican crossings took pity on me as I barely had to break stride before the green man appeared to guide me on my way.
While a lot can change in the space of 24 hours, including the caparious weather gods deciding to perform a u-turn, what rarely changes is the joy that can be provided by a walk or a stroll especially when you are open to the little everyday delights nature provides.
That’s how I stroll.
Soothing Strolls 
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