Stories from the last month(s) of exploration.
Another day, another coffee. I load my laptop while refreshing emails on my phone. I glance out the window, taking in the grey sky and few remaining golden leaves on the trees in front of my apartment. Slack pings, Google calendar pings, WhatsApp pings. I’m drawn back into the blue glow of my screen. I’m alone, but the whole world is at my fingertips. I start typing: “Hi, thanks for your response…”
What day is it? What month? It’s groundhog day, and I feel like I’m lost. Life is stagnant. Life is fast flowing. Everything has happened. Nothing has happened. Time doesn't seem constant: this morning felt like hours, but it feels like I blinked in March and now it’s November.
Since my last Weekly Adventure update, the way I adventure has shifted significantly, and I am much more centred on personal exploration than on exploring Berlin. But I know I’m not alone in this.
The way we live life has changed significantly, and that means - as humans - we’re desperate to cling to normality, routine and familiar situations. At the same time, it’s the perfect time to make changes because everything around is changing.
What I’ve found useful to remember: follow your energy flow. If you need to spend all day in bed rewatching your favourite Netflix show, then do, but if you want to start a new project then harness that energy and see where it takes you.
This month, I’ve included a small wrap-up of the adventures and activities I’ve found comforting and empowering in the 2020 winter lockdown. How have you been passing the time? Leave a comment below!
Cooking comfort food
I’ve been cooking warming curries, cheesy pizzas and excessive brunches - why? Because food keeps me sane. Kneading dough is meditative for me, smelling the rich blend of spices brings a smile to my face, and long, lazy Sunday morning breakfasts are a balm for my soul.
Here’s a great recipe for a black dal, and here’s one for peanut ramen, both of which fill me with happiness.
Daydreaming of nothing
My mind is constantly racing, and there seems to be a never-ending list of things I have to do. When I walk, I listen to podcasts, when I go to the supermarket, I catch up on voice notes: never being “off” is exhausting. I’ve started planning daydreaming time, lazing on the sofa and staring into space. It was hard to sit still at first, but now I crave this time.
Baths, books and booze
Lying in warm water with a book and a large glass of red wine is what I’m living for at the moment. Submerging myself in bubbles and flicking from page to page is magic. I love getting lost in a story, especially when I’m reading by candlelight.
I’ve just finished NW by Zadie Smith, and am 30 pages away from the end of The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. I’d recommend both for very different reasons!
Pursuing a passion project
For a long time, I’d been harbouring an idea of helping people get inspired to explore the country they call home in a sustainable way. I finally gave myself the headspace to explore this concept, and have created a travel agency-style club. Like anyone running a side project knows, it’s tough at times and rewarding at others. What ideas have you had buzzing around in your head for years?
Weekly Adventure
Hello! I’m Emily, and I’ve set myself the challenge of creating 52 memorable experiences over 52 weeks.
The idea of being present and discovering the things on your doorstep resonated with many of my nearest and dearest. So Weekly Adventure was born with the hope that we could share stories and motivate each other to go and explore.
I plan on trying as much as possible, from stargazing and hiking to getting lost and visiting that new bar, because anything and everything can be an adventure in the making.
I hope you can find inspiration here, too, and, if you have any questions, feedback or stories to share, please get in touch.
Emily xo