Afterwards

I started this blog piece in February 2022.

It arrived half way through my train trip to work and I started typing furiously (with one finger as I do) all the way to my final stop.

But the piece wasn’t complete.

Then I became one of those people I judge. Typing and walking all over the footpath, head down in my phone.

When the word wisdom arrives, I’ve made a commitment that I’ll chase it like a butterfly until it lands gently in my phones notes, complete. Plus a few 100 typos.

So off I go, typing, walking, head down all the way to the coffee shop. The piece was almost finished, it felt so flow…until I bumped into old mate. Farrrr out!

Before I knew it, we were walking into work, laughing or whinging or both and the piece, the blog piece had flown away. I tried so hard to complete it, but it just didn’t feel right, afterwards.

Fast forward to now. February 2023 and I haven’t stopped thinking about this blog piece!

Why don’t I just tell you what it’s about already. I know, I know.

Afterwards was/is a piece about after the moment/experience.

We hear so much about the crucial truth that all we really have guaranteed is this present moment in front of us. You and me, right here and now, reading my writing, connecting my words with yours.

The present moment can be so delicious when we allow ourselves to breathe, connect and really embrace exactly where we are, in this moment.

But, afterwards doesn’t get much airtime. What about the thoughts, feelings and ideas that can arise after the moment?

I think afterwards has a whole lot of clues to guide us forward.

Like, how do you feel after a days work?

Or what about after that healthy breakfast/lunch/or dinner you ate?

Or the opposite, after the big night out?Disagreement? Or the meeting where you felt like your voice wasn’t heard?

What are you left thinking and feeling afterwards?

After the date, dinner party, gym session, walk, talk, insert present moment to consider afterwards- here!

I use afterwards as a barometer as much as I do the present moment.

Some curious questions to consider afterwards might include:

How am I feeling after…?

What are my thoughts like?

Do I feel more or less like me?

And whats this trying to tell me?

We know the answer to these questions afterwards, it’s just whether we want to enquire and ask them. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to be this curious, but I can guarantee these questions will always lead you closer to your truth.

My original piece was talking about my lasting smile after a day of teaching. I catch myself singing, laughing, lighter and brighter…afterwards. That’s the kinda feels I want. There big days, but create big joy and helpful clues on my path forward.

Today, 1 year on, my new boss reminded me of this blog piece. He asked me a question about a recent candidate I interviewed which was…

‘Laura, were you left thinking about them afterwards? Were they in your thoughts and mind afterwards? If not- that’s a no’!

Ahhh thanks boss- I concur.

What or who in your life is in your thoughts afterwards? Dig a bit deeper. Why? And what are these thoughts/feelings telling you?

You deserve to enquire and ask the questions that lead you to your truest path, if you want to of course.

If it feels good, it is good. What if sometimes it was that simple. Afterwards.

Go forth my friends… xx