I think the one thing I have learned as the years advance is how it’s the small things that bring light into my life; those little pockets of joy that when strung together are for me, what defines happiness. In my youth I thought it was a new car or big holidays: the things that were hard won that were the treasure of life, but now? It’s more likely to be enough hot water for a bath on a rainy day…
The Light in the Hallway
Here are the seven things that bring light into my life:
Having Time. Like most of us I live life in a rush. If I’m not physically trying to run the vacuum over the carpets, shove in some laundry, walk the dogs, pick up the kids, cook supper and work then I am mentally leaping ahead to the next task and the next… one of the biggest things that brings light is when I realise I have some time, just a moment to either sit and think or close my eyes and escape.
Coffee and Tea. It seems like a small thing, but knowing a good cup of coffee is waiting for me can be the difference between wanting to get out of bed on a cold, grey day or not! I drink coffee up until mid afternoon and then switch to tea. These hot drinks not only warm me up, but also punctuate long working days.
Random Acts of Kindness. There is nothing better than when someone does something kind and unexpected for you. It not only makes you feel fabulous to do kind things, but to be the recipient is also wonderful! I recently broke my leg and when someone opened a heavy door or helped with my bag on and off a train… it was these things that made all the difference.
My French Bulldogs. I don’t think I fully appreciated just how much light these two would bring into my life and how much love I would get in return. No matter what time I walk through the door and no matter how tough my day has been, they greet me with such love and affection that I treasure.
New Book Covers. Writing can be a solitary business and the first time I see a cover from the design team it makes the story real for me and I can picture it sitting on people’s shelves or resting in their hands. I have written over 20 novels, but the thrill of this moment doesn’t diminish.
Walking. Whether it’s a quick stroll to the shops or a long, rambling hike – there is nothing quite like getting outside to breathe fresh air and be outdoors. Even a quick wander around the garden can bring light to a dark day, helping to clear my head.
Flowers. The greatest gift I can ever receive is flowers! And I’m not fussy, it might be a glorious beribboned bouquet or a few wild blooms plucked on a walk – both are equally beautiful when plonked in a jug on the kitchen table.
The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is out now in paperback and eBook, published by Lake Union.
Read our other articles by Amanda Prowse HERE