Ringo #57
Happy love day…
I have to say that despite all highly commercial points of view, I bloody love Valentines Day, not for any other reason but the warm feeling it provides. It instantly transports me back to primary school. To the innocence of first love, the imagination of what could be in years to come. Sadly, I ran into that first love a few years ago, that was like experiencing an ice bath, what a reality shock and quite glad that one did not transpire. Anyway, back to love!
This year, my heart is overflowing, not due to any love interest at all. In fact, those have all been ejected and I am currently, blissfully self-partnered! No, my heart is full, just from life. The joy of having recently spent a weekend solely with my kids, all bunking in together in my tiny apartment, sharing meals, taking in a family box class, catching up with fave Uncle and cousins, reading and shrieking at past episodes of Schitt’s Creek!
On Valentines Day, I drove to my favourite local coffee shop and combined florist, a destination not to be missed, to purchase the best gooey chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven with my flower of choice - bright pink Dahlias. To see the thoughtful bouquets, resplendent on the footpath, keen customers literally springing up the street, so pleased with their purchases and joy they were about to bring to a loved one, made my heart explode.
Followed by a day at the races, dressed in our finest threads, red nails and a Bobbi Brown watermelon lip of course! The discussion for the day amongst the couples were the exchanging of V Day gifts ranging from nothing, to orchids, to a martini atomiser, a small refillable spray bottle used to apply a fine, precise mist of vermouth, bitters or other aromatics onto a cocktail glass, perfect for crafting exceptionally dry martinis. Who knew, and what thought! That was the winner for me!
Later that evening I went for a stroll through my local Fitzroy Gardens, witnessing so many groups of friends, not just couples, and solo strollers, happy to be sharing a stunning evening in a glorious garden, feeling the love of nature and the pop of colour in the well-attended garden beds. V Day bliss.
As I have previously mentioned, my long standing admiration for Elle MacPherson, who succinctly wrote in reference to V Day.
“Love is the highest way to be. It’s connectedness and respect of uniqueness – yours as well as others. Not simply love for another – love for self, for life itself, for nature, for experience and the very concept of unconditional love, allowing uniqueness and individuality to exist without any conditions – no ifs or buts or onlys. Love is not a single relationship, though it may manifest that way. It is a way of being, coexisting in relationship to all of creation whilst holding your own power and wisdom in sacred care.”
This is exactly the space I sit in right now, and have never felt happier, healthier, more fulfilled and joyful. The planets have lined up for me, it has taken a while, let’s be honest! But the wait has been worth it. To feel joy through the simplest of things, and most often for me is brought about by nature. A perfect bloom, a stroll through the gardens with my Boo, reading in the sunshine with Sam by my side, a chilled, crisp pinot – which has come from the earth!
There is much written about self-care, it is exhausting, I know. However, if you invest the time in yourself, find your own winning combination, the result can be extraordinary. That is how I feel right now, in an extraordinarily happy life. I have found the perfect combo of work, the right exercise regime; gym, nature, meditation, balanced diet (I will not give up ice cream – EVER), reading, learning, laughing, time with those that make me feel great and those that don’t, I say so long to. I have also found having small reminders around the house, a card in a drawer, a silk scarf on a door handle, a favourite piece of jewellery on the bench, all enhance my mood. Sleep is still my nemesis, but I am better at resting, especially when my daughter has explained I can still burn calories when lying down, what a win!
So, with a full heart, I am bouncing into another week, I hope you are too….
XX Ringo XX