Be kind, be considerate, be thoughtful

6 June 2025 (Friday)

May has felt rather busy, even if it didn’t rush by.

We’ve been out quite a lot, with various outings to Kew, and the Chilterns, a couple of theatre shows at the Great Green Barn, and of course a lovely few days with Vivi at her new home, her Cottage by the Sea.  

Earlier in the week Richard and I’d discussed ‘getting out’ today, as it seemed the better day weather-wise of Thursday and Friday, though I think this morning neither of us felt in the mood for a drive anywhere, so when I suggested a local walk rather than a visit somewhere, Richard was right up for it.

It’s true to say that we’re fortunate to live where we do - we almost, literally, have miles of canal path and walking routes from our front door, no need to drive out or catch a bus, we simply walk 90 seconds down the road and the Grand Union Canal path is at our feet, literally!  We can go left and walk down to Brentford and beyond through Syon Park and even beyond to Isleworth and down to Richmond, or turning left we could walk all the way to Birmingham, and by taking another canal could find ourselves down the road from Richard’s sisters and family in Macclesfield.  Or crossing the canal there’s Warren Farm Nature Reserve, which so many have fought for in terms of words and action - currently it’s not a designated nature reserve, though the local council is committed to and promised this designation, so we all have our fingers crossed.  Walking beyond this is Osterley House and Gardens, ancestral home to the Earl of Jersey, and further walks from there.  Literally, we’ve miles and miles of relatively easy and interesting walking from our doorstep.

Of course, when I say we’re fortunate to live here, it’s not come about by sheer chance - no doubt some luck is in the mix, though two other things are too.

We’ve worked for the house we live in, sometimes really hard, and sometimes very long hours, though neither of us in jobs we really hated, which is always a huge bonus.  We’re also fortunate to have been selling and buying at the right time (in our case, 2003) before another property boom kicked off, and also were able to choose to live in the area we now do; being just the two of us with few commitments, other than each other and easy access to our jobs.  So yes, we’re fortunate to live where we do, though in saying that it has to be accepted that much comes down to work and the choices we made and continue to make, as much in life does, though it’s also good to remember we’re fortunate.

So back to getting out…

We turned left at the canal, towards Brentford, and soon along our way, at the bridge that crosses the canal giving foot and vehicle access to an old-style industrial estate, we saw this lovely mural.  It says “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about”... well how true is that!!

In our time we’ve fought many battles, as we all do, sometimes giving way to emotion, times of feeling down or full-blown depression, trying to keep our smiles on the surface whilst treading water constantly, desperately trying to keep ourselves from floating downward and away.  The kindness of others in these times is often the lifeline we need to haul ourselves up and out, helping us simply get through the hour, the day, the week or the year.

Of course some hold their pain as a comfort blanket, and that’s the way they get through, for me I like to tuck that pain behind and remember the joys, the smiles and the laughter.  For me, anniversaries have never been a big thing, and for that I am glad.  Yes, I’m happy to be joyful in the happy times of others and ourselves, though I’m also happy to be quiet and just let my heart lift either in my own space or with Richard by my side.

I’ve often said “Be kind, be considerate, be thoughtful”, and though I may not have spouted this mantra on Sunday Chat for some time, it’s one far more people should take heed of.

Gosh, this is not what I was going to put to words when I sat down at my desk, though I’m glad I have, as it reminds me of how fortunate so many of us are, even if we don’t accept or appreciate it often, or in some cases ever.  Whether one deserves the fortune or not is largely irrelevant, just understanding and accepting one is fortunate is the true fortune.

After our walk and lunch, I got to the plot.  We had some steel tracking arriving and I’d agreed to be there to accept it.  I’d taken some beans seeds down to sow should I have to wait for the delivery guy to arrive, though in the end he was well on time, and following a good chat with him before he went on his way back to Dartford, and with an hour to spare, the bean seeds went in… in to the space I rent at an ancient allotment and growing space, with so much history, and peace, and stillness…

I’m so glad I made the decision to put my name down for a growing space back in 2012, and glad I chose to take the space that was offered to me a few years later, as I wouldn’t be here today, sowing bean seeds and wishing for happy harvests.

Choices, hard work, luck and being fortunate.  Here’s to all having more of each!


Weather:  Rain, giving out to sunshine by about 10.30am and feeling warmer, though a slightly chilly breeze

Breakfast:  Bran Sticks, yogurt, and banana
Lunch:  Carrot & Lentil Soup from the freezer, cheese, crackers, cucumber and radish
Supper:   Penne with a Cheez Sauce, and a salad of red onion, tomato, cucumber and olives