Finding Peace In Life’s Storms
Where do you go for a bit of me time?
Where do you go for a bit of peace during the storms of life?
For my first blog post for Birds on the Blog I wondered what I could focus my attention on. As the summer is well and truly here, I thought it might be nice to look at the importance of laying aside a time just for us, to recuperate, refresh and refocus, even if it’s only for a few minutes or so.
Now you may wonder how on earth is this possible, with a work and family schedule that takes every moment of your time. Yes I realise that this is a subject that can also be stressful, trying to plan a little time out, can be quite difficult.
I once had a conversation with some friends about this subject of fitting things in to an already tight schedule. We discussed this at length, partly due to a magazine article we read. The list of what we should be doing as 21st century women can seem endless, and even finding ‘me time’ can be a pressure. Don’t worry, I am not talking about another burden that must be added to the list of ‘oh yes I must find time for that … one day.’ 
I wanted to share my place of peace with you and thought it would be nice to share suggestions with each other, to inspire us and encourage us to find our little place of peace in the storms of daily life.
I love nature, I always have. As a child you would often find me living out a Famous Five or Secret Seven story in my back garden or local park. I have always loved woodland, watching the snowdrops, bluebells and wildflower meadows put on their magnificent display each year, watching the fledglings take their first steps into the world and listening to the heavenly chorus, which never loses its magic.
If I ever have a stressful day, I know where I must be.
We have recently moved to a lovely home that has a spare room and a separate kitchen! Oh the wonder of closing the door on the noise of a spinning washing machine is fab! Even if these help everyday life, my greatest delight is our garden. I can’t tell you how excited I am that I now have a garden. I have the privilege of working and observing all that’s happening in my little garden; with the family of Woodpeckers, Hedgehogs, Blue tits, Green finches etc… as well as gradually adding to the mature plants that we are noticing something new everyday.
We have also recently added to our family a little rescue Havanese dog called Brinkley, who feels like he has always been with us. He is such a joy that whenever we take him out, we make new friends as people want to meet him. I am sure he would make a fantastic therapy dog and maybe after some time, we may take him to a retirement / nursing home, as a cuddle from him cheers everyone’s day.
I also love making things, not only for my business, but also just for the love of making things. Creation and creating things is so therapeutic that I am blessed everyday.
When everything gets too much I know where I must be… be outside and delight in the design and beauty of a flower, to watch the clouds go by, to see the birds make a home in our garden, and take a peek in the evening as the hedgehogs feast on our massive local population of slugs! … To create a gift for a friend or family member going through a hard time, to spend time in my little place of peace.
You may not have a garden, you may not like creating things… but what do you enjoy, what brings you joy? How can you add that into your daily life to bring calm to the daily storms of life?
So what do you enjoy?
- Reading a magazine
- Reading a book
- Listening to music
- Volunteer work
- Gardening – if you don’t have a garden how about a window box, or visit some gardens …
- Going for a walk, exercise etc…
- Nature
- Crafts – how about trying a new hobby?
I would love to know what gives you a little peace in your busy life.
In my next post I will be looking into enjoying our local treasures.
About Anita HuntAnita Hunt specialises in botanical photography, and is the creator of beautiful, luxury greeting cards and gifts, inspired by the beauty of nature. You can join her on Twitter @NitaJoyDesigns and facebook. She is also a children's author and anti-bullying campaigner Are You Being Bullied?
View all posts by Anita Hunt →
19 Responses to Finding Peace In Life’s Storms
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I like relax by taking our my hearing aids and stitting on the top step of the front door with a good book and watching the dogs play in the garden…Total Bliss… Angie
Twitter: Angiewelly1
Hi Angie,
Lovely to hear what brings you peace and joy in your daily life
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
I too remember those kinds of days as a child – my favourites were the Lone Pine books, which also had that lovely out of doors element to them. Famous Five and Secret Seven too. My best friend and I would often set off in the summer with a simple picnic of sandwiches and orange squash, and be gone for the whole day
These days. sewing is good for me, or reading always works, but I think the one thing I most appreciate is going for a walk.
As it's stopped raining…
Hi Ann, thanks for sharing the things that brings you joy
Will have to check out the Lone Pine Books, they sound fab! I still love reading children’s books 
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
I'm lucky – my hobby and my job are the same, i.e. writing. Even after a long day writing for a client, I still manage to relax afterwards by writing something funny for my own blogs (or even a piece for Birds On The Blog!) I enjoy gardening, too, and once I'm over my current health problems I'll be getting back to that.
Twitter: SuzeStMWrites
Hi Angie, Ann and Suzan,
Lovely to hear what brings you peace and joy, thanks for sharing with us.
Well you know when you have a big summer thunderstorm, and just as it's moving away and the rain is slowing… that's my most peaceful moment, right there where I feel at peace and at one with the world, so when it's a glorious thunderstorm, you'll find me watching to see when it's easing off to go outside or with my middle daughter, who finds peace at that moment too. We hold hands and dance in the rain. At that moment, we understand each other perfectly
To relax I try to read, it's been a slog since the kids have come along. Although I have managed 2 books a week since last October, prior to that I would be lucky to manage a book a year!
An empty room, open fire, Maksim on CD, an ice cold glass of wine is a rare treat but not unwelcome treat.
Hi Sarah, oh I know what you mean… there is an amazing stillness in the air that can be quite breathtaking! What a lovely image of you and your daughter
I'm off to find out more about Maksim
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
So glad you also enjoyed Famous Five and Secret Seven books – I will look into the Lone Pine books, they sound lovely!
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
I feel like that too Suzan, we are so lucky to combine our hobbies with our jobs aren't we
Hope you can get back to your beloved gardening soon…
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
Sounds like total bliss
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
How funny Sarah, I have the same feeling with rain, whenever heavy rainfall beats on a roof or window. It makes me feel peaceful and safe and I love to drift off to sleep listening to that sound.
I too loved the Famous Five adventures Anita – and I used to spend a lot of time creating my own little adventures when I was a kid. I still love outdoor activty; hill walking, running, cycling, kayaking, whatever, it clears my mind. The hill walking particularly because of the countryside and the views. But I definitely don't create enough to time for it!
I love that pricture or Brinkley by the way, he looks like he's laughing!
My bedroom (favourite place!) is on the ground floor, right next to the conservatory. I too love to listen to the rain pounding against the conservatory roof. I wonder what it is that is so comforting…
Reading is my escape that brings me peace – it always has been. I love curling up in bed with a good book after a long day, and always read before going to sleep. I live by the sea and often fall asleep listening to the rumble of the waves.
Lovely photo of Brinkley, Anita. He looks like he brings you a lot of joy
Twitter: StudyingOnline
Oh yes the magical rain – must look into why we find it so comforting, thisnhas got me intrigued!
Countryside and views is so wonderful isn't it! You will have to come and check out the glorious Dorset coastal walks as they are beautiful!
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
Sounds lovely Morag!
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
A good book is a must Angela
Listening to water is so soothing, whether it's the rain, a stream, or the waves – feel relaxed already 
So pleased you and Elaine like Brinkley's photo
he says hello as I write this lol
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
I am certainly planning to Anita; would be lovely to meet you all:)