Why bad weather can be a blessing in disguise …

"... the day offers up 
whatever it has 
your only choice
is to take or leave it 
be here 
be present 
who knows what gifts 
the day may bring ..."

Who remembers the comment made by Princess Diana in the renowned interview with Martin Bashir, when she stated that there were three people in her marriage?  It was broadcast 35 years ago this month, and it’s a comment that’s become something of a private joke between me and my husband.  I’ve said for years that there are three in our marriage: my husband, his camera and me.  

During our recent trip to Iceland, the in-joke between us was that there were three on the trip: the weather, my husband and me.  Without doubt, weather featured heavily throughout the three months of our travels.  There were several occasions when, due to poor conditions, we had to change our plans.  We spent days hunkered down in various campsites, waiting for a break in the weather.  Heavy rain and then snow resulted in closed roads, even the wind got in on the act, closing the only route east, which naturally, is where we were heading.  

There was nothing for it but to simply wait it out.  Don’t get me wrong, we both had plenty of things to keep us occupied.  I wrote, I crocheted, I even practiced yoga in the shower block, whilst my husband worked on his photographs.  Even so, it felt a little bit like “dead time”, which got me thinking about all the times when I’ve been “in limbo”.  Does that ring a bell for anyone else, or is it just me? 

There are all kinds of situations in which I’ve felt almost stuck in time, such as when waiting for a big life event like a wedding or a house move.  I ached for the moment when the thing (whatever it was) would happen.  On other occasions, I’ve wanted time to go backwards, such as when I sat at my father’s bedside during his final days.  I knew what was unfolding, and I would’ve given anything to wind the clock back.  I feel sure we’ll all have times we can recount when we’ve felt stuck.  You hear horror stories about people waiting in A&E for days on end.  Lives are put on hold, whilst someone stays with and supports a loved one waiting for treatment.  We often forget that life can be unpredictable, and plan ahead regardless.  People track the days leading up to a much anticipated holiday (“x many sleeps!”) and, dare I say it, many are already counting down the days until Christmas.  

The point I’m raising in this week’s poem is that, whilst ever we are fixed on whatever it is we’re waiting for, wishing time to go forward or back, we’re not focused on the present.  How much do we miss, I wonder, because we’re too busy looking to the past or the future?

Sometimes, unexpected events, can wake us up to what’s happening right now.  Being forced to stop provides breathing space; the perfect opportunity to review where you are and make different choices if you need to.  Alternatively, it can simply help you appreciate what you have.  When holed up during a bad storm, I felt immensely grateful for the safe haven that was the camper van, most especially the heating system!  

On those days when we weren’t travelling due to bad weather, I truly appreciated the opportunity just to sit and think, welcome in silence and see where it took me.  You never do know what opportunities may come up when you allow a day to unfold without expectation.  Having penned this week’s poem in the van one blustery afternoon, I decided to take a short walk and grab some fresh air.  Within minutes of setting out, a double rainbow appeared in front of me.  It was, for me, the perfect example of being ready for whatever the day presented; it truly did feel like a gift.  

How about you? When was the last time you were truly present in the moment and ready to receive whatever gift came your way?