26 July 2012
My Afternoon Snack at the Iona Heritage Centre Tea Room
The other day I was walking home from work and, as I looked at the (always) stunning view I thought, "Wow…do I lead a privileged existence!" And it struck me how funny it seems in contrast to my old life in New York City...
There I earned a decent pay-check, rented my own apartment, was able to afford vacations once in a while, occasional shopping sprees, dinners out in the city with friends etc. However, at the end of the day there was always something missing.
Here, I am on my feet a good part of the day…washing dishes, cooking etc…and all for weekly pocket money. Yet I feel more abundant than ever. I consider my "salary" to be the privilege of living here on Iona. Eating delicious, homemade scones and chatting with people from all over...oh yeah, and have I mentioned napping on the beach? Cause that happens a lot too.
I also look at money differently. I am more than fine right now with rationing out my allowance for crisps and dinner out once in a while (last Friday some friends and I took ourselves on a picnic at The Nunnery…catered by the Spar). And right now, I'm writing this blog outside in the sun thanks to the Heritage Centre tea room's wi-fi...with birds chirping and a packet of Tyrells crisps sitting next to my Highland Spring water.
Funny how gratitude can make you realize there is more than one way to be rich.
XO