Pleasantly Surprised
There may be weeds and grasses encroaching on this quaintly cobbled pathway but it hardly detracts from the view. That’s the theory I’m applying when looking at some of the things that have gone on in my home this year!
Anyone who has ever had anything to do with renovating will have plenty of stories to share and nothing is as it appears on television. It’s a stressful undertaking and nothing is ‘hassle-free’.
Some of my own experiences I certainly wouldn’t want to repeat and there’s absolutely no chance I’d ever willingly do it again. Sometimes the people you work with are really accommodating and at other times they are not. Sometimes you can share happy discussions and a few hearty laughs and at other times you can’t.
I completely understand when someone is in ‘work’ mode and totally focused on the job at hand. Even though I’ve never embarked on any of these jobs as a career, I can certainly empathize with the how difficult some of these tasks can be.
Due to my own sensitivities, I struggle with dust, chemicals, glues and pretty much anything in between and it can take quite a while to actually feel comfortable in a renovated space. The air purifier is the perfect housemate and one I wouldn’t be without! I often wonder how tradespeople deal with these things on a daily basis.
In amongst all the chaos and things going wrong, I’ve managed to have some positives in there as well. I ventured out the other day to say hello to the chap who was tying down a load of rubbish that had to be removed. It was fascinating to see how quickly and efficiently he could tie a knot, something I’m afraid leaves a lot to be desired with my own capabilities.
After a couple of demonstrations, he cheerfully handed me the rope.
“Your turn,” he said, confidently.
Fumbling around, I tried to make a go of it but not really to any avail. He patiently showed me again, carefully explaining how it all worked. It didn’t take up much time at all and was a great distraction for both of us.
On other occasions, I’ve also been able to engage in some really interesting and in-depth conversations about mindfulness and wellbeing which has taken me pleasantly by surprise, bringing awareness to some of the unintentional and inherent bias we can carry.
Why is it that we would or wouldn’t be expecting this? It’s a compelling question and one worth considering for both its immediate and further reaching observation.
Even if we see ourselves as unreservedly open-minded, bias seems destined to come to the forefront of our thinking, even if its appearance is only fleeting. Fortunately, some of these outdated perspectives are starting to wane in their stronghold. We are noticing the difference and are all the better for it.
So not only have I added to my own knowledge of healthy foods and wellness, I’ve also learnt how to tie a trucker’s hitch and am a little more aware of my own presumptions.
If you’ve enjoyed this post, buying me a coffee would be wonderful. Thank you💐
27 October 2025, Andrea Weber , Expansive Happiness®
Image by Lili Popper, Unsplash. Thank you for sharing your creativity.