Mindful Miles

As I journeyed home on the 8.5 hours coach ride, my thoughts drifted back to my recent Sheffield trip, a visit steeped in the warmth and love of family as we celebrated the soon-to-arrive new addition. Beyond the sheer delight of family connections, I’d found myself looking forward to treading new ground, quite literally.

At my niece’s, while she prepared for the baby shower, her doormat became my impromptu dance floor. For a mindful hour, I simply moved, gathering steps with a quiet, personal joy. Once she was ready, we headed for the venue. There, I happily helped arrange the table settings, each step adding to my miles, a small contribution to the unfolding celebration.

As the day gently wound down and I returned to my sister’s house, a late-night walk with Ayomide, my other niece unfolded. She was my wonderfully capable navigator, guiding us on a peaceful stroll across the park and along a straight road. “I’ve never walked past this point before, aunty,” she shared, a hint of both curiosity and comfort in her voice. “So let’s just keep walking straight so we can find our way back easily.”

We did indeed walk straight, venturing further than she had ever anticipated. It was such a lovely gift, that quiet, unhurried time alone with her. We paused to capture pictures of the moon, floating so prettily in the vast blue sky, and, of course, a few more in the gentle embrace of the park.

Sitting on the coach home the next morning, I felt a familiar comfort in returning to my usual paths, those well-known routes that feel like old friends. Yet, I also carried the quiet knowing that new paths are always waiting, ready to be discovered in the days ahead.

That evening walk with my niece, venturing further than she anticipated, holds a special place in my memories from Sheffield. It wasn’t just the physical distance we covered; it was a beautiful, gentle reminder that sometimes, the greatest joys and discoveries lie just a little beyond where we normally stop.

Her willingness to step into the unknown, even for a short distance, revealed a quiet strength and a readiness for new experiences. I learnt a subtle lesson in embracing the journey, pushing past our familiar edges.