The Sky is Grey

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(Edited)

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It's been one of those days.
Still, it's officially Spring, so even with me being under the weather, I braved it and went for a long walk in the woods.

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UK Spring! Lovely, heh?
However, despite the cold, my mood was lifted, and I felt instantly better as my feet left the paved road onto the footpath through the woods. The air was fresh and perfect for my mindful walk, which allowed me to gauge my heart rate and focus on my breathing. I did better than I anticipated and felt good within myself, as I needed some of that natural mist on my face regardless.

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Life's troubles...

Walks in nature are conducive to introspection as I get the chance to tune out "noises" and tune into my deeper feelings. Still, today my mind was on a lovely young lady I met on holiday who had just turned 30 years old.

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She was experiencing some changes in her life and going through what seemed like the most difficult time with no light.

It's like a clock was ticking!

No, it was not a biological clock with a desire for kids and family, that many women seem to experience at the age of 30. It was a yearning desire to travel and discover the world.

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-- "I want to travel and see the world outside of Egypt. I have been saving for it." said the young lady.

Hearing those words, and the way she uttered them, made my eyes dilate and I smiled inside as I listened to her dreams.

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There was "something" that brought me to her that day, and I quickly realised that she needed to talk.

Four hours had passed, but it was not wasted.

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It felt good to connect with a stranger and share deep desires and fears.

I was honest with her and expressed that I'm not the kind for chit-chat, but I make time for someone who needs to talk and that I was happy that I took a stroll and encountered her.

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Some of my sisterly advice to her was:

  1. Accept grey!
    Grey is the necessary colour that we need to see to make good decisions. Do not think in absolutes because challenges are going to be with you throughout every stage of your life. Knowing, accepting and embracing the good and bad will help.

  2. Appreciate what you have, and everything around you and always look for new ways to do old things, so that you improve yourself and not feel stagnant.

  3. You are "going" to be strong... she cut me and asked, "how do I become strong"?
    I continued. You are going to be strong and look back at what you think is a huge mountain, and it will seem like a tiny mole.
    -- Yeah, but how do I become strong? she asked, again.
    Continue to work on your goals for travelling. It's a courageous move that I encourage wholeheartedly.

  4. Focus on your life. Not on what other people are doing.

  5. Be your person: Even if you meet people along the way who you connect with. Be responsible for your life, and make decisions on your morals.

  6. Spend wisely and understand that the value of money cannot be substituted, so invest where she can but have some balance and remember that life is for living.

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The young lady was appreciative of our chat and I was filled with emotions because those words were from a reflection on my life. Vital things that I learned on my journey from the same age that she was currently at.

I pointed out to her that I was once weak, and that most of us were, as no one is born strong.

That revelation brought light to her eyes, and it was a self-evaluation of how far I have come.

I see grey, and accepting grey has made profound benefits in my life, the way I look at life, and the way I relate to people around me.

I keep things real, that's one of the reasons why wood is one of my favourite elements, hence one of the reasons why nature and the outdoors are my happy place. Being in nature helps to level up my consciousness, and where I go when I need to find answers within me. This is all a part of my minimalist way of living my life.

I'll remain patient even when there is grey, and when brighter sunny days come, I will embrace them just the same.

Namaste🙏

Original content and images all belong to me



Photos (all mobile shots) were taken in Newton Abbot
March 21, 2023



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63 comments
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This is what really impressed me with you, Cam, it's so nice to hear your meaningful words and advice in life. That's why, even though we are far apart in age, I feel comfortable talking to you. Thank you because you became one of my true friends. 😘🤗

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😊Thanks for your kind words Laica.😍
I have been lucky to have older friends who are/were much wiser than me too... From who I gained wisdom, and the courage to push on regardless of whatever "colour" the day is.
I will always be proud of you ❤️

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I look forward to having such conversations with anyone willing. You take so much from the whole experience. She reminds me of myself in a way... Egypt is among my interests when I begin traveling but like her, it feels like I am running out of time.

Motherhood-which is among the most complex and insanely rewarding journeys my spirit has had the honor of going through- has been my main excuse. But I also know my financial stability is contributing to the whole thing.

And though my soul is learning to bask, the grey is where it lies. If I don't have it today and at this hour, I will sometime soon as it is a desire of mine and I believe mine actualizes 🔆

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I look forward to having such conversations with anyone willing.

It was a chat that I wish I had at her age.

I didn't speak about the "problem" that she was facing, but I know that there was "something" in the universe that made our paths meet that day. We both felt "it" and just stood looking into each other's eyes after our chat.

There were many parallels in our lives, except that her parents are no longer around.

Her dreams were goals that she was analysing daily, and taking necessary steps toward them.

If I don't have it today and at this hour, I will sometime soon as it is a desire of mine and I believe mine actualizes 🔆

💯%

Thanks for stopping by 😊

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It was a chat that I wish I had at her age.

I am having these moments every day now. I am both thrilled that it is happening but I can literally feel my younger version looking in covetousness.

I know those moments when everything feels like it was meant to be as it is. I am glad your souls collided.

except that her parents are no longer around.

Oh, how I relate to this.

It was an inspiring read 🙂

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Thank you @tezmel! I'm glad you found this inspiring. Our lives and experiences are more similar than we realise sometimes 🤗

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Walk in the woods extremely rewarding, meant to be meeting a younger person offering guidance.

Expressive and fulfilling minimalist approach that worked for you.

!LUV
!LADY

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Thanks @joanstewart😍

Life unfolds in mysterious ways that never cease to amaze me 🙏

Thanks for dropping by and for your tokes:)))

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Let go and let be, one only has one life, yet we waste so much time double guessing ourselves. Good advice to someone with many years ahead to enjoy what they select to do, not being hindered by society.

Have an amazing day, the walk in the woods looks stunning.

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Very true!
That's what I love most about my travels. I get to see that humans are universal in thoughts and needs, despite our prejudices.

Have a lovely day too:)))

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Only learn to confuse ourselves more as we get older, then when older look back, reflecting why, what for?

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I think that we do a pretty job of complicating our lives. If only we could all take a step back and apply critical thinking to our lives:)

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We sure would be a lot happier in ourselves and knowing we all on a similar journey.

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If only, heh?
I think we're the only species who think that we are so different and better than each other.

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Yup, if only, it would avoid a lot of heartache in the long run.

Personally I think travel helps reveal, then overcome many hurdles when living with a 'chip on the shoulder'.

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Hmm, you are so right! I guess it's just for people t open up their minds:)

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on my visits to the UK i was mostly lucky to capture nice weather but having a wife and many friends from the UK, I have heard about the normal spring days there, still a beautiful walk and great advice you give

Thanks for joining the Wednesday, its always fun for me to visit the walks from all around the world, getting a feel for communities where people live and what they see on their daily walks

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Thank you @tattoodjay 😁
I've missed most of the winter this season, but it's been a long one.

Haha! yeah, the UK is grey. I have had years when there was no spring, no summer, a glimpse of autumn, and full-on winter... So, I'm thankful.

Your community is still a favourite of mine, so I'll try to stop by more often.
All good wishes to you as you continue "singing with light" :)))

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(Edited)

The umbrella in the first photo reminds me of a recent event happened to me. It was raining all day and I thought what if this continues the next morning when I am supposed to attend an important event. So, I bought an umbrella from the market as I was far away from home and didn't care to bring one with me. However, as soon as I came out with my new umbrella, the rain was gone and still, it's sunny enough. Although, an umbrella is a necessary thing, buying another is a wasted expense for me at this moment. But that's how life treats us at our adversities, can't complain.

Hope you enjoyed the walk and it helped you to remove any sign of discomfort you might be having.

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However, as soon as I came out with my new umbrella, the rain was gone

Haha! A bit like Murphy's Law, heh?

That's how life is. I'm sorry that you spent that money unnecessarily, but I believe you'll find a use for it someday... Even if it's to give it to an old lady in need 😁

Yes, I'm doing better now:)))

Have a lovely day and thanks for stopping by!

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Around our 30s we dwell in a pivotal stage, but it's also an age where we are full of desires, dreams, and sometimes some unrealistic goals. Most of us end up filling up our baskets with way too many apples, which later causes imbalance, and then we tumble.

Alas, if we stay on this randomly impulsive path for too long, then we may just have to tread back to square one.

That is why when we find ourselves at the crossroads, we must settle for a bit of sacrifice, a bit of compromise, being content and grateful for what we already have, and steadily working towards what we want.

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Well said!
Our conversation was something.
I was 30 when I left my home country for good, and my needs were the exact same as what the young lady was going through. The only difference was that I was already a traveller. Still, I made many mistakes that have made me strong.

we must settle for a bit of sacrifice, a bit of compromise, being content and grateful for what we already have, and steadily working towards what we want.

💯%...
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Still, I made many mistakes that have made me strong.

I'm closing in towards 30, my wife being a year younger haha. We both plan on travelling the world, but for now I'm working, handling the family business, while she is in the middle of her MBA course.

Together we have a lot to learn, and we are learning. We've made countless mistakes so far, and we're still afraid of making mistakes haha, but sadly, there's no way around it.

For now the focus is on growth, trying to build something, while our dreams wait on the sidelines.

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You are well ahead of your years in your thinking.

but for now I'm working, handling the family business, while she is in the middle of her MBA course.

👍 Yes, you have to structure your path and set your timelines.

Cherish what you have as a family and the changes that you both go through. Remember that when it gets down to the nitty-gritty, each other is all you've got:)

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Remember that when it gets down to the nitty-gritty, each other is all you've got

Oh, that we already know, she's quite understanding. We are true friends before girlfriend/boyfriend or even husband/wife, and I say that friendship and understanding gives our relationship tremendous strength.

Even though we are hundreds of kilometers apart, barely even getting to meet, the bond is still as strong.

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You sound like a lucky fella, and it's great to hear about the connection you have with your wife, life long friend. Long distance relationships are the hardest, so kudos to you both 🤗

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You sound like a lucky fella

That I am, in a few aspects.

life long friend

Forever...

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The magic of nature! You find the peace that you had been yearning for at times! Maybe one of the reasons why maybe stressed, broken hearted or had that bothered feelings chooses to go camping or hiking!

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That could be the reason for real. Being in nature is a good way to disconnect from our worries and put things into perspective:)

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Great advice. I like the wood analogy. So true. Sounds like you were the right person that she needed in that moment to help her along

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Thank you😊😁
Yeah, somehow I think they chat helped us both in different ways:)))

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Are you living in a house? What did I miss?

Gosh. It reminds me how how LONG the British winter is. I still have welly boots at my mother in laws. Will be there next year again. Looking forward to woodsy walks.

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We are staying at a friend's house temporarily.
Luckily, we've missed almost all the winter, but it has been a really long one. When we arrived UK 2 years ago on the boat, this time of year was mild and like Spring.

This photo is from last year this time of year, travelling from Wales on the boat.

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OH man, look at the difference! It can vary so much year to year! Thinking of whether to hire a boat when we get there, actually move along a canal this time instead of being stuck like we were in COVID, but tbh I reckon it'll be too exy and busy in the summer when we'll be in the UK.

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The canals still have a nice vibe in the summer, and it's only the major tourist areas that you would have to avoid such as Llangolin. The main concern is that a lot of teenagers drive boats and cause accidents. That happened to us a few times.

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Oh what a bummer. I guess the money is an issue too. We might be able to find a friend with a boat maybe. See what happens.

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WOW... What a post @millycf1976 friend... That girl you met in Egypt must have felt like she met some kind of guru! 🙏... Hmm... I understand you're not very talkative... But I imagine that something in "destiny" made you give valuable advice to that girl... Even the fact that she saw you as an example of personal growth must have been wonderful for her...

I'm glad I read this post, you always write things of interest and you do it in a very fluid and concise way... Thank you!...

On the other hand: I have a sister-in-law in London and... It seems to me that you two share certain opinions regarding the "springs" in the United Kingdom!... ha ha ha... 😂😂😂

Sending hugs!...

!discovery 35
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!BBH

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Hello @jlinaresp

I think that you are right. I must have made a good impression on the young lady for her to immediately open up to me the way she did. I never really looked at it that way. Maybe that's why she kept asking me how could she become strong. Thanks for bringing that point to light 😍
Yes, Uk "spring" is nothing to rave about 😂

Thank you for your lovely comment and support, as always.
I appreciate it very much:)))

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You take my breath away—accept the grey; what more is there to say. Brilliant

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Hehe! thank you!😍

I have been blocked out of Hive for 2 hours. I started to get worried. It's all good now, it seems:)

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This post is medicine for the soul. You are wonderful 😁

I think #4 and #5 are lessons that many of us only encounter in our 30's... it's easy to get caught up in life and compare... desire for things that are not ours... We wish for a different color or texture, forgetting that grey has so many dimensions. We should embrace what we are given when happiness/ satisfaction eludes us, YES.

Bookmarking this to read again when I need it 💚

Thank you 🤗

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Your comment is so sweet Grindan 😍
Thirty is not an easy age at all. You go through so much, and before you know it, that period is behind us. I'm happy that you found value in the post, and I cannot express how fulfilling it was that I ran into the young lady that day 💚

I hope that you're doing well:)))

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😊🤗 I'm grateful that you met her as well, every 30-year-old woman should read this... 30 really is... something at times! 😵😂

I'm getting back to normal finally, thanks for the well wishes 💚☕😁

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