Waiting for the Ball at Netherfield

Now admitting that I am enjoying the classics at the moment might sound a little pretentious. But right now re-reading favourites seems like a sensible use of time. In fact Gulliver's Travels might have a lot to tell us about the diversity and inclusion agenda, Dickens teaches us about the best and worst bits of humanity although Oliver Twist is a little grueling (pause for acknowledgement of that terrible reference to the book) and I am even enjoying Austin.

In fact I had never really liked some of Jane’s female characters, Elizabeth Bennet being the notable exception in Pride and Prejudice. Her sisters though. Honestly! Going on and on about the opportunity of a ball, what they were going to wear to the ball, who might be at the ball, reflections post the ball. As if they had nothing else to do!

And with nothing else to do I have started to really understand their ability to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of events. I am appreciating the build up and anticipation in a whole new way. As well as the amount of time spent talking about it afterwards.

With the monotony of the weeks at the moment it is really important to have some things to look forward to, something new and interesting to talk about. And they can be as creative as possible! Close friends indulged me last week-end by participating in a zoom dinner which involved us all receiving the same box of food from a well-known retailer and then having to make dinner from it to represent 4 different countries. Imagine "ready steady cook" for countries beginning with M…… Mexico, Morocco, Malaysia and Mongolia. It gave us all things to think about, look forward to, no Chinese leaf try Cauliflower leaf in the stir fry instead…..and an evening full of laughter. 

Just to be clear. What I have learnt from Austin is that it's not just about squeezing more things in. Being mindful about the events that we are part of and savouring our experiences, even in these usual times. What a little more anticipation and reflection might give us is a chance to spot when we have learnt something new, share new ideas with colleagues and friends and experience gratefulness, a key part of well-being.

So this week-end we will be enjoying Chinese New Year, finding out more about Chinese culture and food! I have already had many useful suggestions about how to celebrate, at least a couple of which will not invalidate my home insurance. (I am not sure firecrackers inside will be a good plan!) So, without holidays or other things to punctuate our lives at the moment maybe we should be celebrating some new or different things.

Having something to look forward to is important; what is arriving in the post, what’s the next event with friends and family. And like Elizabeth Bennett's sisters having things to talk about that help us be thankful for what we have.