It’s been a great week in the Relaxing Lavender household. We have had the luxury of time with a whole week off work. With this, the freedom of doing anything we wished on any day. No plans, deadliness, pressure or schedules. Bliss. We decided not to go away this year but instead enjoy day trips to random places as well as a few of out favourite spots.
Reflecting on the week, one thing continues to come back into my thoughts. It is the people you meet along the way that can make (or break) your day. I’m not talking about the loud or big characters, nor those bringing drama to the table. I’m talking about the everyday people and the interactions you have with them that shape your experiences. From the train conductor checking tickets to the person giving instructions at the escape room, the barman handing you your drink. The majority of people we met this week have been passionate about their jobs and genuinely caring in the small moments they were with us. It is so easy to overlook these moments and brush them away, but they do have a bigger effect on your day than you realise.
Yesterday, was a perfect example. We were out and about walking around the city and eventually felt the need to get some lunch. The trouble was choosing somewhere, there were too many options and too many menus. All of which looked great. We stopped at a pub for a drink whilst we looked over their menu. It looked good, it was typically pub grub, but it didn’t feel like the place for us to stop and eat. We just weren’t ‘feeling it’.
We moved on.
The next place we arrived at was a smaller, older pub but instantly had an atmosphere I felt at home. It was little, but a spacious oldy worldly pub with a cosy, friendly vibe. When we were shown to a table, a lady sitting further down the bench, moved her things and apologised for being in the way, even though her bags and coat were no where near me. Her kindness was effortless and natural. As we got settled in, I thought this is it, this is our lunch spot. we looked over the menus and ordered. The staff were friendly and the atmosphere was warm and the whole place just felt right.
You can go to chain pubs and restaurants but I always feel the independent places give you a more authentic friendly service. They are not trying to be something they are not, they simply lead with their heart.
Throughout this week, we have met many people, some of them have made us laugh, some have tested our patience and some have said what everyone else was thinking. Like the little girl of about three who climbed onto a packed train and immediately announced ‘I do not want to stand’, before throwing a tantrum about it. Every adult standing around her silently agreed. We all wanted a seat. But she was three, so got away with saying what we couldn’t. She eventually found comfort sitting on the floor, distracted by her parents phone. The journey passed quickly enough.
Earlier in the week, we had lunch at a restaurant with amazing views over the city. The food was delicious, the team looking after us were very friendly and attentive and it all felt very easy. The only thing we could fault was ourselves for eating too much. But when the food is good, it is hard not to.
And before you know it, Friday rolls around. Even with a week off work I still felt the need to de-stress, so I booked a massage. The lady who looked after me was so kind and positive. She apologised for the wait, even though I’d arrived early. We had a good chat while she was setting up and it was clear she loved her job. Her energy was uplifting, positive and shiny. This was exactly what I needed.
Every interaction we have whether with people we know or with complete strangers has the ability to alter our mood and shape our perception. A negative experience can cloud a whole day whereas a positive one can lift it. When someone is kind or patient, it can stay with you and become part of your memory of that moment.
This week reminded me our wellbeing isn’t just about what we do such as the walks, the meals or the massage, but it is also about the people who cross out paths. Those that make us laugh, help us or who brightens a moment without even realising it.
As another week of freedom stretches in front of us I am looking forward to seeing what interactions it brings. When our normal routine returns I will do my best to carry these interactions with me as no matter how small they can have a huge impact on shaping how we feel. If we pay attention to this we realise we are all part of what makes us feel connected as humans.
Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful week and look after you!
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 