Most days I take the same short walk to one of my local cafés. It’s a beautiful space, with a well-considered décor. The owners have created a welcoming environment that has reinvigorated the feelings of community and belonging.
This café has become a hub for gatherings of young and old.
During the day, you’ll find workers on laptops seeking the company of others for a short while, to escape the isolation of home-working. You’ll see mothers and fathers with pushchairs, dogs, and children, chatting with friends and parents from the local school.
Of an evening, you’ll witness an ambience shift as the café transitions quite naturally into a bar and restaurant. The lighting dims, the music moves, and the people come to unwind, socialise, and just be. You’ll see folk like me with their head in a book, a glass of wine to one side, living in peace and tranquillity.
I took this photo today, because I noticed just how beautiful this wall was. Each day, I visit the same café, see the same faces, and order the same coffee. But, I may also see something new amongst the familiar: if I simply choose to look again.
Life can be extraordinarily simple, if we allow it to be.
Enjoy the everyday.
Find solace in routine.
Build rituals you live for.
And, stay thoughtful.
James.