Looking forwards...

"Don't look back; you're not going that way"

A useful instruction to counter regret, or thoughts of 'what might have been.'

But perhaps we might more usefully look back, but with all the same kindnesses extended to oneself, as one would to others.

There's always learning from past experiences; and identifying patterns if you can look objectively enough.... Aha! Yes I see....Right back here again.

So; if you want to see things change; then don't keep doing the same old stuff.

And keep looking back with fondness and gratitude for all the luck, and all the good stuff, whenever you can summon the mental energy...

But, butt, and indeed thrice buttt.

If you are struggling, then someone advising you to count your blessings, or reminding you that you're not as badly off as so and so, really doesn't help.

This presupposes some 'hierachy of suffering' which if taken to its (il)logical conclusion means that only one person on the planet can be worthy of our compassion at any one time. As they are the worst off, of all...

So have compassion for others, for sure, but also allow some for ourselves. Whatever the source of our angst be it physical, or mental in origin.


The other benefit of looking back, is of course, remembering all the happy memories, experiences and encounters along the way.

Random acts of kindness, from which we can derive as much pleasure from receiving, as giving....

If only we will allow ourselves to accept them.....

Oh but no! I couldn't possibly, let you do that for me...

Oh really?

Why is that?

What's so special about you then? That you wont allow yourself to be helped by the likes of me?

Are you afraid of becoming 'indebted' in some way?

Well that's not really how it works is it?

Kindness begets kindness, its not something to be chalked up on a score sheet.

Helpfulness cannot be traded on the commodities markets.

And that is something for which we can all be thankful...

Full 2 week October trip report coming soon, so long as new tech' plays nicely.  

 Moreover, there are moments of utter loveliness such as this, to bear in mind...

An an open road, balmy climes, combined with the heady joy of being at liberty in 'camp where'ere you please' Western Scotshire.
 On a trusty steed, packing a friendly tent...

Meanwhile, at the same time, having no particular place to go, which interestingly, it turns out, would daunt some.

 But for me, particularly given the ridiculous fair weather, it was an intoxicating treat.


Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.... For much; and to many.

But why not accept the sheer luck of it too?

This season, can remind us that, not everything has to be bought, and paid for...