I was recently in Scotland and took a little time out from a busy day to walk down the beach called West Sands at St Andrews. It is where part of the film Chariots of Fire was taken. It seems like the weather decided to make my visit the perfect recall of the film too, as it was similar to that of the film.
As a former competitive athlete it is a film I remember, and the story resonated so well – and still does.
The picture I have taken looks back towards the town. I was caught by the imagery of the spindrift catching the wind and creating such an amazingly atmospheric scene. Just wonderful!
I would add that of the few people I met, most were not happy with the weather, a constant British conversational topic, and usually an opportunity to wish it was different from what it was. I also sensed a little surprise by the people I spoke with when I expressed my enjoyment.
One thing I have discovered over many years is that there nothing I can do that will change the weather…..so I may as well get on and enjoy the moment. In many other parts of the world people would value the rain and the gentle wind – they may have no rain, else too much. They may also have dreadful storms where the wind destroys all in its path. Fortunately in Britain we are usually blessed with limited environmental challenges.
As I strolled along on this day I enjoyed the moment and the opportunity. My day had been busy with meetings – underneath my waterproofs I still had on my business suit and tie. A gentleman I met, who was taking his dog for a walk, was also well wrapped up and accepting of the day. His dog was having a wonderful time. Yet when I eventually retreated into a café for a very late afternoon tea the long faces peering at the rain did paint a sorry picture. Yet there was I, radiant from the wind and the rain, tucking into a steaming bowl of soup after a wonderful walk.
On the way to the café I popped into a bookshop I saw, a really good one too; as usual I came out with a book or three, which added to the enjoyment of my afternoon tea as I flicked through the pages, reading a few and making some notes.
What was the difference between feeling blessed or downbeat by the weather? Simple really: perspective.
I had decided to have a great day, and I did. Had I decided to let the rain stop me it would have.
I will confess that I too sometimes take the wrong perspective but this was a reminder – I have a choice.
I love the contrast too, so I must remember to go out into the rainy day with an upbeat disposition – it might just catch on!
Oh! The right clothing is handy too by the way….
My good wishes,
Peter
