Things you Love

There are some phrases that my dear wife utters that put the fear in me, the scariest is “I’ve been thinking” this usually either involves a considerable amount of money or a considerable amount of effort on my part. So this morning she read a quote from a friend on facebook, which suggested that research had shown that if you do something you love at the weekend, this helps reduce stress, she asked me what did I love to do.  This got me thinking.  It’s not always the lavish expensive things that give you the most pleasure.

My first thought was that I really love to savour a delicious Scotch single malt, and I recognise that I am very fortunate that I have a fair selection to choose from in my cabinet.  Another love of mine is to feel a bit of sun in my old bones, albeit it’s been a while since Scotland has had that kind of sun, but I do get the sense that it’s coming.  I guess that is the beauty of Spring, it makes us all so hopeful.

So in analysis of this question, one of my favourite things is to sit on the bench at the front of our cottage, surrounded by loads of shrubs and flowers, sipping any Scotch Malt Whisky Society dram, especially distillery number 53 (Caol Ila). 

We are always being advised to live in the moment, take time to appreciate what is around you, yes I am talking about mindfulness.  So whilst watching the world go by, observing the squadrons of bumble bees float around and the birds chirping away I can exhale.   I don’t know if it is the joy of this wonderful Whisky, or the fresh sweet breeze amongst the lovely flowers.  Yes, this is what I love to do, although I have to say I take no responsibility for the quality of the garden as I hate gardening, that is down to said wife.  

Sometimes it is good to take stock, savour some of things we have around us and appreciate the seasons as these are what makes wonderful Scotch Whisky.