I think we could all use a bit of time to take care of our souls. These last couple of years have been harrowing, stressful, heartbreaking and sometimes terrifying. We’ve likely not collectively shed enough tears to process it all, not yet.
We all thought it couldn’t get worse than 2020, but then 2021 came along, and it shattered all our hopes and dreams. The world has felt out of control, and us being taken along with it unwillingly for the ride. Thankfully with more vaccines circulating, life might be, just may be returning to a bit of normal. Though I am certain we are all holding our breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
For me, so far this year has proven extremely challenging. I often felt trapped in bad weather with no place to go, no freedom to escape. Coupled with not being able to see friends or family or socialize in any meaningful way, it’s been hard on both my mind and body. Then the loss of my father only a year after my mother has left my sisters and I feeling a lot out of sorts. It’s like the tether holding you to the earth is gone. Your past is over, there is no more history to be made with your parents. It’s uncomfortable, it’s sad, and it feels incredibly unreal.
The only way for me to heal a little is to be somewhere quiet, beautiful, and comforting. There are probably a few places on this big planet that would suit, but there is only one that always feels like going home: Provence.
As usual, I arrived in blue skies and lovely weather, and a bit of Mistral. The good news is you can always find a spot where it’s not blowing too bad to get out on the bike. I loaded up with fresh fruit and veg right away from my favourite farmer, visited over dinner with friends, woke up to views of vineyards and the intense singing of the cicadas.
But the best thing to fix my broken heart, soul and body is cycling. Specifically, here. There is no place like it. And even though it’s far busier than last year now visitors are allowed, there are still magical pockets of quiet roads with few cars or even cyclists. While it can feel remote at times, you are never far from civilization. It’s a perfect situation.
My shoulders are relaxed, my body warm, and my eyes are seeing endless beauty. This place has already started to make me feel full.
