Some days it is lovely to just take a little time out. The week has been busy, long conversations, client activity and many other parts of the week thought provoking.

Having reached the end of the week, and other people I know locally were busy with their worlds, I look some time out for a short afternoon walk by myself. A couple of people had mentioned there was enjoyable walk through a wood where the bluebells were out. As it was on the way to somewhere I was going I made the time to put my boots on and get walking.

When by myself, I tend to walk quite quickly, pausing when something catches my attention. I had just started off when I met a delightful couple who knew the area and we got chatting about the weather, the wonderful woods and the bluebells that were everywhere. We reached a point where they were going right and I headed left, so after a few more minutes of conversation we head off in separate directions.

After I had been walking for about 15 minutes, I was aware that I had lost my bearings and was in the wrong place - so retraced my steps and headed off in what now seemed the right direction. The bluebells becoming more prolific and the floor of the wood carpeted with these lovely flowers.

It was surprisingly warm too and this heightened the enjoyment as the rays of the sun caught one with the extra heat. The scent in the woods was intense. The bird sounds all around too.

It was a delightful walk and a small diversion took me to a café, so tea and cake before I set off again, through the woods, back to my car and the onward journey.

After a muddy few months, I noticed the springy ground and the deep indentations where the mud had dried, yet still soft underneath.

It reminded me that taking a little time out is so important to recalibrate after a busy few days. It also reminded me to be more aware of all of my senses. Whilst the people who had initially mentioned the walk and that the bluebells looked wonderful this year, and was the prompt to encourage me to explore, I am sure they too had the enjoyment of the wonderful sensory impact of more than just the sight.

Are we too often absorbed to notice? I think I know the uncomfortable answer to that question!

My best wishes,

Peter