DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERIES
EXPLORE YOUR LOCAL AREA – YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED WHAT YOU FIND.
When was the last time you took time to explore your local area? For many of us in regional Australia that’s often done more easily by car, depending on what there is to do and see. Sometimes there’s the option to drive somewhere and then walk, depending on your mobility from both a physical and transport perspective.
Last week I had some client bookings at our offices and didn’t have my car in town, so I took the opportunity to walk to various locations and appointments.
What I realised in doing that is how much we miss when we’re driving or being driven anywhere. You are offered a completely different perspective when you opt to walk for a change.
Where I was walking wasn’t particularly scenic as such, it’s a townscape, but I became much more aware of my surroundings in general. The different styles of houses and their front gardens, beautiful blooms and the insects buzzing around them in some, and weeds, rubbish or other signs of neglect in others.
Interestingly, I didn’t pass many other people on foot, but those I did pass – an older gentleman walking his dachshund, a younger man who looked a little lost (in life rather than location) and a group of cheerful council workers repairing the footpath and making sure I got past safely – were all friendly and we acknowledged each other.
One of my stops along the way was to a recently established business which is a notfor-profit cafe which employs and supports people who have been experiencing homelessness in Mackay.
It’s a light and airy space with a welcoming team of people, good coffee and a variety of meals and snacks. I’ve been meaning to visit it for a while. The cafe also invites customers to pay it forward by purchasing a hot drink or meal for someone in need – a great idea and much-needed, not just in Mackay.
My next stop was to a funky cafe/ hairdresser/vintage clothing business – something for everyone. Again, I hadn’t been in before but had intended to, so this was the perfect opportunity to do so and another great find.
Further along and my final stop for the morning was to a butcher who had an impressive array of products on show in a beautiful display – another friendly welcome and great service.
During that short walk I not only got active and added to my daily step count, but also learnt a lot about the immediate area in a short space of time, engaged with different people and supported local business.
It felt uplifting and I was refreshed by this small glimpse.
In a similar way, Nick and I have been exploring other parts of Mackay on foot over recent months, by walking along various stretches of the Bluewater Trail which offers about 20km of pathways with plenty to see along the way. The trail includes art installations, community gardens, botanic gardens and historical landmarks as well as various plants, birds and insects. It’s well used by other walkers, joggers and cyclists.
I’ve always enjoyed walking, whether it be around London, self-guided walks in Europe, beach, river or forest walks.
I’m grateful that I’m still mobile and able to explore and enjoy all of the small, unexpected delights that are to be discovered while walking.
What my walk around Mackay did was remind me of that, and also how much we miss when we stay on the one path, get caught up our daily habits, routines, busyness and rush of the day.
That can make us oblivious to what is there to be seen and stops us experiencing life differently, meeting new people and finding new things unexpectedly.
For me, it’s a great example of serendipity (allowing for chance finds and accepting that what is found is not necessarily what was being looked for).
So, my invitation to you, if you care to accept it, is to go out and rediscover a small part of your local area, on foot if possible.
Give yourself permission to put all thoughts, worries and distractions to one side, just for a short while, and surrender to each moment that the new experience offers – you just never know what you might discover while doing so.