Hello Hive,
#CoffeeConversations
It's been a while since we've had our conversations over coffee, and I've missed our discussions.
I've opted for a black coffee with a drop of Madagascar Vanilla extract, with a sprinkling of cinnamon, that was inspired by a few posts by 
Only 9 days into the new year, and it feels like the time is already flying by quickly, and even last Christmas seems like ages ago.
Still, my plans to venture onto new routes along the English waterways and to cruise over to Wales are afoot, but today my husband and I are moored by the spot where our canal journey began 10 months ago. The weather has been pretty miserable the last few days; Brutally cold to be honest, so taking a pause is not a bad idea, and I've had the time to reflect and to catch up with you all.
After many months of exploring, learning, and discovering the beautiful island of England from the canals perspective, we've come full circle to where we started, just outside Kings Bromley Marina, in Lichfield UK. However, as we're going into new territories, for the time being, it feels like although everything changes, everything remains the same.
With that thought, I've been thinking about some of the beliefs that I hold dearest to me in these times, that I hope I'll use as a compass to journey me through life.
Why don't you pour yourself a coffee and share your thoughts with me?
Living on a narrowboat has riveted my attention to some small factors and approaches that can make a big impact on my well-being positively.
For instance; Going with the flow: Not literally, like the canals, so to speak, as sometimes the canals are affected by water shortages; But by going with the flow of accepting situations as they come, regardless of whatever plans or dreams we might have. It's so easy to exert our energies negatively when things don't go according to plans, we get worked up unnecessarily instead of letting go, accepting, and adjusting to go with the new situation that has presented itself. Having a solution mindset makes this easier, and not dwelling on things. Overthinking is never good, so going with the flow and grabbing the bulls by the horn is a more positive approach for me.
When things go wrong, or when I need to have a special moment, I like to drink a hot cup of coffee; This works for me every time, how about you?
Secondly, going after what I want with confidence. I used to wait until I thought things were perfect or until I felt I had complete knowledge about something before I could offer my service or assistance to someone. I have come to realise the importance of just taking the first step and letting the rest fall into place, after all, life is about learning and improving along the way.
For example, my tiny boat Badger was never my dream narrowboat, still, we had to take the plunge and purchase a narrowboat (blindly) to have been able to live on it right away upon relocating back to the UK. The positives of this are that now we got our first-hand experience of what life on the canals (especially in winter), something that has always been a concern, and a question many people ask about our decision to live a water gypsy life, and if it is a wise decision.
I can honestly say that I'm happy we took the plunge and went for this boat, and that winters on the canals are lovely as long as you're not cruising daily in harsh weather conditions. This is because the warmth provided by wood burners is still sufficient during this season.
So, whatever it is that you desire, go after it and give it your best shot. Don't wait for the perfect time or the perfect scenario to match your dreams as you could miss opportunities.
Gratitude and Appreciation for the Simple Things;
Having moments of gratitude for everything good around me improves my overall outlook on life. I savour moments of freedom in the open air and recognise the privilege I have to breathe fresh air in nature, mobile home to take me places to explore when travel is restricted in some places, and enjoying a cup of coffee.
I have gratitude for the pleasures I feel for appreciating the simple things in life, and for the courage and efforts, I'm putting into living a minimalist lifestyle with an abundance mindset.
These are just a few of many things that are important to me at this stage of my life.
It's hard for me to fathom that I've now experienced all four seasons living on a narrowboat. I reflect on days of drinking coffee on the stern deck of the narrowboat, and I am grateful to have a cosy fire to sit next to.
I recall a little conversation I had with a gentleman on the towpath, who was walking his dog; We stopped to exchange pleasantries, and he said to me:
"The nights are so cold at home no matter how high I turn up my heating."
I said, "Oh!".
It was at that very moment that I smiled inside knowing that I live on a tiny narrowboat that's warm and cosy at nights. I sometimes call Badger, The Sauna Boat.
A hot Coffee on a narrowboat while cruising in the snow!
Do you like the sound of that?
Does life get any better?
What are some of the things (apart from family and loved ones) that you hold dear to you in these times?
I'd like to know.
I hope you've enjoyed my little update and thoughts, and that you also enjoyed the little video clip of what a typical day on the cut looks like during the winter. Join the conversation, and please feel free to ask questions, or if you prefer to chillax with a coffee, that's good too:)
