The Lakes

The Lakes

Do you ever have one of those days... or weeks... or months... or even years... when you're just done with life as it is? You find yourself glancing at your watch (or up at God) and wondering, “How much longer?” How many more days must I endure before it’s over? How many more difficult people do I have to deal with until I can be free? When can I finally relax without the stress, pressure, and expectations of society—the feeling that I should be doing more or at least fitting in?

This is how I’ve been feeling lately—like I don’t belong in this world of busyness, perfection, and chaos. But don’t worry; I’m not sharing this from a place of deep depression or despair. It’s more of a long sigh, and I can’t help but wonder how many others feel the same way. If we all gathered together, would most of us share this sentiment? What if those of us who feel this way could move to an island together? Or even better, a lakeside village. There, we could rest, relax, live in peace, and practice our art by the lake.

Okay, I’ll be honest—I have no talent for art, singing, playing an instrument, or poetry. But I would love to walk around, enjoying all your creations while listening to your music and reading your poetry. Then I could write about it. Lately, I’ve been wishing for a place like this, a sanctuary where I could immerse myself in the calmness of the atmosphere. I’ve also been reading Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach, which is ironically about accepting ourselves and life as they are. It’s probably not a coincidence that my daughter gave me this book recently, especially since my thoughts are far from the reality of life right now, instead drifting toward an idyllic lakeside existence.

Perhaps the universe is nudging me to focus on the here and now, even if it’s not ideal. This book reminds us that the experiences we encounter—good or bad—are what truly matter. If we allow it, we can find these experiences enlightening, fulfilling, and surprisingly satisfying, if not immediately, then eventually.

So instead of fixating on an imaginary paradise, I’m trying to appreciate my current situation and experience it for all its worth. I’ve been planning my daughter’s graduation trip, which gives me something to look forward to. It also sparks thoughts of other journeys I’d like to take, one of which is to Bamburgh, England, where my ancestry originates. Bambrough is my maiden name, and visiting this charming coastal village with its cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and the iconic Bamburgh Castle is right up my alley. Plus, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away—only a three-hour train ride to the Windermere Lakes (the very lakes Taylor Swift sings about), another place I long to visit!

Now, back to reality... I’m not sure if this dream will come true, but I know I need to appreciate and accept what’s happening right at this moment. However, we can always dream. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, I’ll find myself heading off sooner than I think to a quiet, peaceful place where everything is beautiful, natural, and calm—where I can have my own surreal experience at a place they call The Lakes...

"Those Windermere peaks look like a perfect place to cry"