Outside my window #WordsMatter
I woke up with a start as I realized that I went back to sleep again after the alarm had gone off. Worried that I’d be late, I hurried and got out of my bed. I craved for the rays of the morning sun to wake me up and the fresh morning breeze to make me feel more alive. But that seemed to have become a thing of the past. I looked at my window which was now closed to stop the dust getting inside the house. So all that was around me was the darkness, the noise and the air that smells of cement. It made me feel claustrophobic. The rest of the day would also be spent in the confines of the office without knowing what was happening outside -sunshine or rain, it didn’t really make a difference.
This isn’t how I had envisioned my days. I struggle to deal with it all. There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to wake up everyday and face the reality that doesn’t inspire me to give my best. It is going to be the same thing all over again- that same machine like existence. Wake up, cook, clean, get dressed to go to work, work all day, come back late, cook, eat and go to sleep. Repeat the same all over again every single day. This wasn’t what I wanted.
All I wanted was to wake up to the sound of the chatter of the birds, the rustle of the leaves as the gentle morning breeze blows bringing a sense of calm as the rays of the morning sun provide that warmth of happiness. I’d wished to sit surrounded by nature while I did my work – I know that is a little too much to ask for. But that didn’t stop me from wishing for what I wanted.
I felt gloomy with each passing day as I longed to be in a place where I could eagerly wait to look outside my window. The darkness made me feel restricted as I craved for my daily dose of morning sunshine. I knew that I needed an escape – an escape from the darkness, an escape from the monotony of daily life. I knew I needed an escape -even a temporary escape would do. And when that opportunity presented itself, I jumped and grabbed that opportunity with both hands. I couldn’t let go and I wouldn’t let go.
I sit now gazing outside my window as the train moves, taking me to a different place. Slowly the city makes way for the countryside and I keep looking out wondering about people’s stories, about the past and present. The wind in my hair gives me a sense of freedom. I feel inspired to write a lot of things inspired by it all. I look outside trying to catch a glimpse of the flowing river as we pass by. At the end of the journey, I’ll be in a different place. Maybe I’ll wake up to rays of the morning sun, maybe I’ll just look outside my window and be amazed by the nature around me. There’s hope for interesting possibilities and that makes me enthusiastic.
This was what I needed -hope and enthusiasm which were taken away from me by the darkness. But wait, that is not entirely true. I’d always concentrated on the darkness, that I had forgotten to see that tiny beam of light coming through the tiny opening of the window. I’d failed to realize the moments that had made me happy, that brought a smile on my face. Those moments had been the sunshine that I had failed to experience because I was caught up on focusing on things that weren’t right. An escape I did need from my daily routine, but even that some happy moments that had made things better for me. Realization dawned over me. There were always things that were going right, there was always something to look forward to – only if I gave things a chance.
With that realization in mind, I look outside savouring every bit of the journey. I forget worrying about every little thing, as I begin to focus on the present, on all that is good. I look outside my window, now filled with new energy and enthusiasm for life.
I received this tag from Ramya at Me Otherwise. It’s my pleasure to pass on this tag to Balaka at Trina Looks Back. There are 47 of us on this Blog Hop and it will be spread over 3 days – 2, 3, 4 August. Do follow the #WordsMatter Blog Hop and prepare to be surprised!
My days are as boring and monotonous as yours. I also get tired of the same routine. Traveling gives me that break from monotony. Since childhood, I have always loved the window seat of a train/flight/car. I enjoy the journey more than the destination and the window seat gives me the opportunity to enjoy the travel.
Reema well said. life throws onto us monotony, gloom and a general feeling of all things looking bleak. But theres is hope around us, and often we need to look out for it, just like that beam of light from your window. Travel through life or otherwise, enjoy the journey the way it is 🙂 And thats what I feel.
True, there is some light and hope despite all the darkness. Glad that she was able to recognize that!! Beautiful and evocative writing, Reema!
Beautiful and yet thought-provoking narrative
Looking out of the window, one comes across many realisations….Perhaps windows really do open up the mind to new thoughts and ideas.
A window that changes our view showing us the silver lining is dark clouds are refreshing. Seeking joy in routine life gives us hope. I felt that hope in your words Reema.
It’s all in the little things, isn’t it? I totally get you because I have been there. And now when I am surrounded by nothing but peace and fresh air, I am bored! 😐 Meh, life! Thank you for participating in the bloghop! Hope you have fun!
I quit my job once i got the taste of that realisation and now i am not bound by chair or ticking clock. We sometimes need to recognise and hold on to the get-away life shows us, how ever trivial it might be. I am glad it worked out for you.
I loved your post. So beautifully penned and so full of hope. Life is a matter of perspective. We can focus on the darkness or on the light. Top post.
dropping by from the bloghop
I think life becomes dreary and predictable for most of us at some point. But we gotta keep at it, snatch at little glimmers of light and hope things will brighten up. Wanderlust can be such a saviour from routines and cliches!
Somedays I crave the exact same things that you dislike in your routine – going to work, dressing up, cooking only for yourself, then enjoying the bustle of office, the conversation and the thrill of achieving something and of course payday :-). Your post reminded me of the things I should feel grateful for – access to sunlight and a cool breeze all day. When I was working and on the odd day that I left early I remember feeling really happy if the sun hadn’t set. Now I take it all for granted.
Glad you realised there will always be things that are right and things that are not so right.
I think all of us go through phases where we get bored or routine. But I believe that without a routine of sorts, we’d be totally lost. It’s important to make choices that bring us what we long for, but equally important to be grateful for the present. Very thoughtful post, Reema.
So true. All it takes is a change of perspective.
You know the grass is always greener on the other side, Let me tell you I get up to sunshine, there is mountain breeze and beautiful hilly weather that’s cold all year round and birds chirping outside my window, I actually live in nature and guess what I miss is my job and working life, routine of 9to5 which is a thing of past now. But I have realized it and accepting life as it gives me what’s in store.
It takes me by surprise how a drab routine sometimes just seems to take away the light and the hope. I could relate to your take a lot. It’s one of the reasons why I look outside the window on the bus, even though the route is the same on most days. 🙂 Loved it.
I think monotony hits us all. The same routine to be followed. But you know what, just like you realised there is hope in that too. Small joys and I think sometimes uneventful is a good state to be in. This was a thought-provoking write-up, Reema 🙂
Great message Reema – we should see that tiny light coming through the window instead of focusing on darkness.
I just love train journeys. They are perfect opportunities to open up our minds. Finding that ray of light in all darkness seems to have become my way of life now!
Beautifully narrated. Routine does get monotonous at times – but we need to know to strike the balance. Travel is definitely one of the best ways to do so.
The thing about nature is its amazingly rejuvenating.Once upon a time I started feeling that way,made some choices which made me feel calmer.My gardening helped throughout
“There were always things that were going right, there was always something to look forward to – only if I gave things a chance.” I think all of us are guilty of this. It’s not the big things that bring happiness to the day, but the tiny little things that we fail to notice. Loved your take on the prompt!
You have shared the reality of most of our lives. As much as we would want things to be different, not a lot is under our control. When I get up which is by 5:15 am, the first thing I do is open my balcony. The air, the darkness and sight of people on the road heading to their morning walks inspires me. I don’t hear birds but I am sure they are also stretching some where.
Like you, I would also like to focus on that little light that comes inside from the window. The one that makes me smile. Thank you for taking part in #WordsMatter. Your post made me reflect on my morning routine.
The monotone of daily routine can really dampen our spirits. A wonderful reminder to find our ray of hope even in darkness. Your words are relatable.
Most of us have this monotonous routine day in day out. If we don’t shift the perspective and find positivity soon we will soon be filled with only negative thoughts and life becomes boring and repetitive. I liked how you changed your way of thinking and brought sunshine back into your life, Reema. We all need this reminder time and again. 🙂
There is so much hope and enthusiasm outside our window. It gives me answers to my longing questions, a shoulder to lean when I am distressed and applause when I am appreciated.
You have brought such true emotions about monotonous life.