Mindful Miles

You know those days that start like any other, but then quietly unfold into something truly special? That was my walk home from school with the girls today. It began with my youngest holding a single, delicate feather she’d found.

As we set off, I let my mind drift into that familiar post-school pickup calm, enjoying the gentle breeze and, surprisingly, even the distant hum of traffic that usually just fades into background noise.

I was deep in conversation with my mum, the kind of chat where minutes melt away like ice cream on a sunny day. When I finally disconnected, I glanced down to see that one feather had somehow become four!

Both girls were now proudly holding two each, arms flailing in the air as they bounced along, making their best bird sounds. My older daughter’s attempt at a hawk’s cry was so hilariously off-key, it made me laugh aloud.

Miles later, those four feathers had escalated to a magnificent eight. Eight! I genuinely couldn’t believe how many lay scattered along a path I’ve walked hundreds of times. It suddenly felt less like our usual route home and more like a secret feather-collecting quest only we were privy to.

What truly struck me, though, was the unadulterated joy in their faces as they discovered each unique plume. Every tiny, intricate detail on these forgotten bits of nature, plucked from a stretch of pavement I’d always considered unremarkable. It was a powerful, beautiful reminder of the magic that springs from simply being present.

This delightful journey underscored that sometimes, even in plain sight, treasures wait. When we slow down, pay attention, and embrace a childlike wonder, our familiar paths can reveal unexpected beauty and profound joy. We can truly see the everyday moments we tend to rush through.