The Neighbourhood

I took a slightly different route this morning to get to Truth.Coffeecult to do my blogging (writing is apparently easier when you have a lovely coffee in hand).  I took the time to look around and take in the new places that have seemingly popped up overnight.  What I realised is that the neighbourhood is really very different from what I remember.  I have no idea of what treasure troves are around the corners and down the little side streets, but from what I saw, getting to know these new shops will be great fun (if not slightly alarming to the credit card). 

After making this wonderful discovery, I got to thinking that we are like that too, in a way.  We think we know ourselves and our limits and our resources (or other people, for that matter), and we stop paying attention and checking in regularly.  While we're focused elsewhere, we are continually growing, changing and adapting.. whether consciously or not, and before we realise, we have lost touch with the gems that are just down the side street and around the corner of our brain, and we continue believing things about ourselves that were out of date since lime green and purple was a popular fashion trend.

So, just as I would recommend having a good stroll around the neighbourhood and taking a different route so that you are aware of the things around you, and open to the novelty of your environment, I think it is an excellent practice to check in with yourself regularly and not assume that you know yourself, just because you've been living with you for your entire life.. 

Examine your assumptions, check in to see how you are feeling or responding in situations - challenge yourself to see how strong you have become.. Just like the wonderful vintage shops that I have discovered, there are brilliant little gems that you've picked up along the journey that you don't even know about yet!