A Walk in the Woods

‍Last weekend I went for a walk in Big Wood, Hampstead Garden Suburb. Not a big deal, on the face of it. But I’ve lived around here for over 50 years, and I’ve never made the time to walk in the woods at bluebell time. Until now. And I wasn’t disappointed. A gentle stroll along the woodland paths, brought me to small, secluded glades, carpeted with dainty English bluebells and white wood anemones. The soft scrunch of leaf mould under my feet, the sound of bird song echoing through the trees. I could feel my blood pressure dropping with every step.

When I was a child, my mother was forever telling me to stop wishing my life away. I was always looking forward to future events. When I turned ten, I couldn’t wait to be a teenager. When I was in sixth form, I couldn’t wait to go to Uni. In finals year, I couldn’t wait to start my working life and earn my first salary. During my career in retail, I couldn’t wait for the Christmas rush to be over, then the dreaded stocktake. Things would always be better afterwards. I was so busy anticipating what came next that I never fully experienced the present.

Being a gardener has taught me a key life lesson: to appreciate this very moment. Working amongst nature, with nothing but the sound of the bees buzzing and birds singing, surrounded by greenery and colour, is balm for the soul. Whether I’m weeding a particularly stubborn patch of earth, sowing some tiny seeds, or pruning the roses, my mind is completely focused on the task in hand. I sometimes sit back on my heels and just breathe it all in.

I feel so lucky to have been able to turn my passion into my profession, even if it did take me five decades to recognise the error of my ways!

I recently heard of two sudden deaths of women my age, and if its taught me one thing, it’s, don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Really. As author Elizabeth Elliot said, ‘Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business.’

Love, Caroline

Cover photo: Little Wood, Hampstead Garden Suburb