Washing Up Musings

It's always in those gentler parts of the day that big thoughts sneak up on you, in the shower, folding laundry or in this case, washing up. As I was steadily scrubbing and plunging through the pile of dirty dishes and watching the steam from the clean ones wisp away in the drainer, it occurred to me that this week a decision was going to made that could affect the course of my life forever. On Thursday I'm due (if they are running on time) to hear back from my medical school interview, telling me whether or not I have a place. If I'm fortunate enough get one, then the fork in the road in my mental image of my future, would no longer be a fork. With the click of an email I would go from not having any clue what kind of job I might do, where I might work, what I might spend my twenties doing, to knowing that I will qualify at 26, spend 2 years in training and then (most likely) work as a medical practitioner for the rest of my life. That's a big change from blank. Of course if I don't get in then nothing's changed, I work hard at my degree, I try again next year, still no and I choose from a bounty of other careers clamouring for me to fall in love with them. Still, if it's a yes then it's a very exciting start to an entirely new type of life. Big thoughts indeed for a hands in the suds session; it took me by surprise. 

Freedom

It's funny but you'd never think of an ordinary play room, warm and cosy from the ceaseless sheets of rain splattering the windows, would epitomise freedom. You try to define freedom and you think of rolling hills sprinkled with wild flowers, you think of eager nations bursting free from the shackles of oppression, maybe you get philosophical and talk about the ability to make free choices but you definitely do not think of a play room, with a fresh cream cheese stain on the carpet, that's located in suburban Surrey. And yet, on this afternoon that's exactly what it contained. As a little family of 3 we sat and played games with pre loved toys, we laughed and chattered and appreciated each others company. By choosing to stay in for the day we were free from the endless tug of consumerism, we were free others' judgement of more unorthodox parenting styles, but most importantly we were free to be completely ourselves. My perception of freedom has changed - it no longer feels like a physical entity personified by an open road but it is more a state of mind shared between company. A mindset that is open and free to enjoy the present, accepting of what is around but also liberated from unnecessary wants or desires. It's a refreshing way to spend time with people but is surely hard to find away from the unconditional love of family?

Playing 'how many balls can you catch in the curtains'

Snow Day