I've been thinking about Kate Bush's song "Moments of Pleasure" lately. While Kate isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I encourage you to listen to this track. The song's theme of finding joy in small moments really resonates with me, especially as I reflect on my recent birthday.
It's amazing how pleasure surrounds us if we're open to it.
Earlier this week, I celebrated my birthday with a grill picnic by a stream. The day was filled with simple joys - basking in the sunshine, burgers cooked by my husband (yum!) and embracing spontaneity. I surprised myself by climbing a tree and wading through freezing water to reach a rock in the middle of the stream. This might seem such a small thing, but for me it was bold. I’ve been to this spot many times and never felt brave enough to reach the rock. This week, as ever, I caught myself thinking, "I don't do that, that's for the kids."
But then I did it anyway, and the sense of accomplishment brought me unexpected pleasure.
In prior years this same stream served an entirely different purpose: keeping the white wine cool! No wonder the idea of climbing the tree never occurred to me.
This experience got me thinking about how we often limit ourselves, particularly when it comes to changing our relationship with alcohol. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing it's impossible to drink less, especially if it's been a long-standing habit. Even when we consider success, there's often a fear that life won't be as fun or pleasurable with less or no wine.
It's a complex mix of wanting change but also fearing it.
Perhaps you can relate? That kind of thinking kept me stuck for so, so many years.
That's why this month's community event focuses on pleasure. I’m encouraging you to reflect on:
