A Perfect World?
I just don't share them anymore.'
At 15 years old, my English teacher presented the essay topic: A Perfect World (what we imagined it to be).
I gave the topic serious thought, and I still remember looking around the class, watching everyone deep into paragraphs.
I sat thinking, if my happiness does not depend on anyone or anything, that would be perfect for me.
Those thoughts made me conclude that my perfect world would be a place where I'd live in solitude, detached, surviving in a self-sustainable manner, living ecstatically.
My presentation left everyone questioning.
Don't you like people? They asked.
What gave anyone the idea that I don't? I replied.
My teacher, bemused, summoned me to the Guidance Councillor.
I was annoyed and felt like my personal feelings and thoughts were being thrown in my face.
Isn't it an imagination, I asked?
Everyone said I was strange, regardless.
I wanted to salute the class with my middle finger, and never return to school.
Solitude, and headspace have always been high on my priority list.
So much so, that as a child, I'd spend hours on end, at the top of a humongous almond tree in my backyard, my most peaceful place.
I loved climbing trees, and eating almonds.
I'd pick dozens, eat the flesh, bungle and tie them in my blouse, then climb down and reach for my hammer (I always had a hammer), when hungry, and I'd crack the nuts open, drink water, and return back to solitude.
I'd laze at the top of the tree like a lion, disguised in the branches.
Silently, I'd watch my mum and sisters looking for me; Checking the neighbours for my whereabouts, they'd call my name.
I'd tune them out and listen to the faint sounds of the leaves moving in the tree, I'd admire the formation of branches.
In my own time, I'd climb gingerly down the tree so no one would discover my hiding place.
Where have you been my mum would ask.
'By the river!' I'd say.
They knew I liked to chill by the river, a few metres from my house.
"I went to the river, and you were not there," said mother.
'The river is long, did you walk the entire river?' I'd asked.
"Well, I went to your usual spot, and you weren't there." said mother
'No, I was not there today, I found a new spot.' I replied.
You are nothing but trouble! My mum's usual frustrated response.
I'd fantasise about an Almond Tree House, but I didn't like that idea, because they would disturb me.
Years later, I would come to meet people that I wish I could un-know.
My mind would always wander to my imaginary perfect world. Overtime that imagination became a wish; a wish I thought was impossible.
(I still differentiate fantasies from wishes. Do you too?)
For the past six months, I've been living off-grid on a narrowboat on the canals of the UK. There's greenery everywhere.
There are sparse sections that give the illusion of being on another planet.
With my life companion, my husband.
Today, my husband, my personal skipper and I, chugged away from a boatyard; where we've been moored for 3 months to install a new boat engine .
Looking through the porthole from my bed, my heart beats; and I think:
What is a perfect world?
A fantasy
A dream,
A wish,
A desire.
I smile, and with a sigh of relief, I take a breath knowing this is my perfect world, even if just for now.
Thanks for stopping by.
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Love your story, I believe we can each create ouf own perfect worlds even if it's only in our own homes, wherever that may be; a place where we can escape the world and all its madness and enjoy our own kind of peace and solitude!
Thank you so much:)
Same sentiments! It doesn't matter where it is, doesn't have to be anything special; just a physical or mental escape, to listen to inner thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by;-)
Nice one, Looks like a good way to get live and get about. Always fancied living on a river for a while. Not very likely as it stands cause the missus gets seasick standing on the jetty 😂
Thank you!
Funny enough I used to get motion sickness easily too, on things like jetty, thankfully not anymore, but I hate the deep blue. I've always loved rivers though.
Living on the boat is stable, and seasickness is something your missus could get over, slowly.
I do hope you get the chance to spend time by a river sometimes though, or even the sea.
Thanks for for stopping by;-)
The first picture is just mind-blowing. After reading your article and seeing the pictures I was thinking for a while what would be a perfect world for me? Maybe the place or space which makes me happy, gives me peace is a perfect world to me, I really don't know still.
Thank you;-)
Sometimes I have to pinch myself😊
It's a difficult question really. Throughout my life, I've always reflected back on that question, and my feelings stay the same. Maybe not as farfetched as my original concept, but I think a perfect world has to do a lot with one's mind (inner peace), and being in the present.
I used to get scold at for explaining to my mum that I needed space to centre of equilibrium😂
Now, I'm focused with the ability to tune out chaos and nonsense around me.
Thanks for stopping by, have a nice day!
I enjoy your stories with photos that when I see them, it calms me down.
An imperfect world, when we start to doubt our inner perfection. We know nothing is completely perfect. But with dreams, desires, love, we can accomplish what has previously seemed impossible.
Whatever it is, at least when you are able to smile sincerely and appreciate yourself right now wherever you are, that's your perfect world.
I'm happy to know you on Hive :)
I know, it's a complex world, so it's up to us to simplify it. We are hardwired and sometimes guided by our fears and beliefs that we hold onto, that most times were inflicted on us by others, in the first place.
It's lovely knowing you on Hive too, through different, similar, and varied life experiences we share here ;)
Great Stuff right here.!!
And off You go.
The voyage is no longer on pause.
Thank you:)
Exactly! We're on the cut again😁😍
Feels so good to be moving again.
I glimpsed part 3, gonna take a read now;)
I also value my solitude highly, much of what you wrote totally resonates.
Beautiful post, beautifully written. Enjoy the tranquility of the meandering waterways once more.
Best wishes to you both :-)
Thank you so much:) I'm glad you found value in my post. There is so much power in silence, but people seldom listen.
It's wonderful moving again, and we'll slowly get back into routine.
Thanks for dropping by;)
Greetings @millycf1976, thanks for sharing your experience. Successes.
Hello @lopez0611, Thank you very much;)
beautiful pictures
Thank you😊
Stunning nature!
I was looking at your posts, how beautiful your photos, your way of writing and what you transmit! I really enjoyed reading you even if it's a bit difficult for me to speak English....
Thanks for your lovely comment!
I appreciate this feedback because I try to convey my messages in a tone and style that translates easily, not only to native English speakers, but person's like yourself.
I've seen some of your posts, and I'm aware that English is not you main language, however you do a great job too!
Thanks for dropping by:)
I like your story and your pics. And nice to know you here, on hive. ❤️
Thank you very much 😊
It's nice to know you here too:)
I love the stories of Vietnam especially, as I'd like to visit there one day:)
I’m glad to here that. If you come to Viet Nam, please contact me. It would be nice to meet you in real life in our country 😍
Oh, thank you for that invitation. I'd make sure to do so, if I ever make it there 😁😍
you are always welcome my friend. 😊
Very interesting dive into your personality. I too love my solitude, not very easy to find these days so I go for walks alone, hiking, long drives.
It sound to me that you have truly found your dream life and solitude.
Thanks😊
Yeah, I've always been like that.
I used to struggle to get friends to understand it, because I am sociable and friendly, BUT, I need time alone.🤣
Yes, this lifestyle suits me to the tee:)
This is beautiful! From the top of an almond tree to the canals of the UK, you certainly find charming places! It warms my heart to know that you have found such contentment in your life, and with a wonderful companion, too! 😊
If only you'd had space for one more tag, this would have been such a perfect #thoughtfuldailypost by @wesphilbin 💜
@thekittygirl
My goodness... you are certainly correct! But thank you regardless... always appreciate a shout-out that's elevating awesome, and positive energy and content!
Wonderful post @millycf1976 ✌❤
!LUV
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@thekittygirl, you've been given LUV from @wesphilbin.
Check the LUV in your H-E wallet. (2/5)
Thank you😍 @wesphilbin
!giphy You're welcome !LUV
Via Tenor
@thoughtfulposts, sorry! You need more $LUV to use this command.
The minimum requirement is 10.0 LUV LUV in your liquid wallet.
More LUV is available from Hive-Engine or Tribaldex
Let's try again, but on the right account lol...
!LUV
<><
@millycf1976, you've been given LUV from @wesphilbin.
Check the LUV in your H-E wallet. (3/5)
Ok cool, thank you! I feel the LUV;) 😍
Oh thank you so much @thekittygirl for this lovely comment😊😁
Yes, I do love charming places indeed 😍
I'm happy with the simple life and my companion too:)
Thank you so much for bringing that tag to my attention, and thank you @wesphilbin for the luv :)
Thank you so much @thekittygirl and @innerblocks team for appreciating and supporting my work 😊
Perfection is hard to attain, good to see you are content.
Thank you!:)
I do have dreams and aspirations, but I don't let them distract me from enjoying and being in the present moment, because this is the only time that truly matters.
Have a lovely day;-)
I've followed many Narrowboaters on Youtube for a while now. I am sure you've heard of the poppular ones:
FoxesAfloat (Silverfox), Cruising the Cut, Holly The Boat Cafe, this Narrowboat Adventure, and many more. I'll add yours, too!
Oh yes, I heard of most of those.
We would be pleased for you to follow ours too:-)
JamCam and Cam - We Be Cruising😉
You'll see his handsome face more than mine!
Thank you;)
JUST DID! Thanks
I just subscribed, and watched a couple episodes... and saw "Mr. Chuffed w/ my new painting of the engine well!"
Ok, thank you!!
I join in the videos occasionally.
You'll see other videos prior to our narrowboat life, such as gyrocopter ride, as this is Cam's long time channel:)
I'll tell him he just had a new subscriber...thanks again😊
The joy and satisfaction of being where we want to be and with whom we feel comfortable is priceless! I really loved this story!
😊thanks:)😊