I started my day feeling much the same as any other. Got up with my usual routine of preparing Mum’s breakfast, medication and helping her before meeting my first client on Zoom.

Today was a fairly quiet day with clients first and last thing, providing a big chunk of the day with space for me to do my usual caring duties, catch up with admin, and spend some time sitting with mum providing some occupational therapy. I was settled into my day, until one text changed everything.

A text message came through to say that mum’s order was ready for collection, at that point I had about an hour before cooking dinner for Mum. Knowing if I didn’t go today it would be a few days before I could get into town and pick it up. So, I grabbed my coat and headed off!

When I arrived, I pulled into a 45 min parking space, and walked over to grab mum’s collection. Town was unusually peaceful, the sun was shining, and it felt so good to be out alone, in the sunshine. For once it was pleasurable to be in town, and as usual I only had a short time!

I had collected mum’s things, and decided to get a few steps in the sunshine by walking the long way back to the car – UNTIL, I walked past a favourite coffee shop and it was empty. I now had 2 options, carry on walking, or go and have a coffee on my own.

I did something that I never do, in fact I don’t think I can remember being alone in a coffee shop, unless I was waiting for somebody else to arrive. I ordered a coffee and my favourite cake, I sat alone at my favourite table enjoying being alone, not having to make conversation or be sociable. Then something unexpected happened, I became overwhelmed with emotions, and gratitude for being alone, the most amazing feeling of peace, love and serenity washed over me. It was a powerful reminder of how long it had been since I had this moment of solitude

I can’t remember the last time that I had been in my own space.

I can’t remember the last time that I had enjoyed my own company.

I can’t remember the last time I felt free.

I only had 25 minutes to savour the experience, those 25 minutes turned out to be some of the most incredible moments I had experienced in years.

Who would have thought that a spontaneous trip to a coffee shop alone would have been such a powerful and memorable experience.

I will certainly be doing it more often, and I recommend that you do it too!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and stay tuned for more posts from me, I hope you found it inspiring.

As always, I welcome comments and feedback, and please do share with anyone else who might enjoy the read.

Until next time, love and blessings

Jo