As I will depart from the city soon again, I used day 17 to reflect on my time in the city (again, I know, I know, get a life, girl!) and to meet with my step-dog and his owner. Step-dogs are a thing, you guys. A very nice thing. In this case, his name is Paul, he lives with his owner relatively close to me and we are in love. I used to walk him a few times a week previous to the breakdown and he even spent some weeks in my flat, when his owner was away. I love dogs. I really do. This one is a special case. His owner is a friend of my mom and consulted me with dog questions when she first got him one year and a half ago. So naturally, we bonded (Paul and me) and we met up more often (his owner and me). I didn’t see him at all in the past 9 months, I couldn’t just leave without seeing him once at least. We set up a date for the afternoon. Great incentive for me, to really get up, have a shower and to welcome the day with determination. Although I love that dog, I usually do not feel comfortable enough to sit around at his owner’s place for hours, just chatting. So I was prepared to leave after an hour or so. But guess what, I stayed for almost 3 hours. It was a nice day, we sat on the balcony, the dog was sleeping at my feet, and I didn’t feel uncomfortable. I didn’t have problems with talking or listening and I even just sat there and listened to the birds. In many ways, the breakdown made me more calm. Inside. I always was more of an introverted person, but I lacked the inner peace and calm. I always counted the seconds, striving to do 100 things at once. This was different, it felt different. That was nice.
When I left, it was almost time for dinner, I love it, when I don’t have much resting time in between reunions (I am totally aware, that this sounds super odd after the first sentence and all that inner peace and rest stuff, but it does make sense to me, just roll with it). I don’t get tempted that way to stay at home. My friend and I treated ourselves to a dim sum feast (I just had breakfast, but I am getting hungry again, just thinking about it) and after dinner, I did something spontaneously. I invited her over to my flat for a night-cap. Just like that! I am getting better at this social stuff! Although I almost fell asleep after the second homemade nut liquor, it was a nice evening. One more day, then it’s back to the countryside-time. I have mixed feelings about this.
40 days of living life differently. 
Paulchen! I still remember those days when we went for a walk with Paulchen and climbed the 7th floors in the claustrophobic elevator to enjoy the city from above and the sun shining into our face. Lovely. When was that? June last year? The last time you saw Paul? Paulchen is just such a sweetheart and I have to confirm he perfectly fits to you! A good buddy! A buddy that would keep you motivated to get up and out of the house for a walk. But yeah, you don’t need that anymore. But I agree, sometimes it is easier to have somebody who motivates you! 😉
I am happy to hear that you have spent some great with Paul and his owner, that you had a fantastic time and that you found your inner peace and calm! Let us know how it goes going back to the country side! But definitely, enjoy it!!! And take your time to get readjusted!!
PS: When I pressed the button to send this post, something came to my mind: “BEING”. You can try this exercise. Just be with things. Be with people. Be with yourself. Don’t judge things, don’t interpret… just be! It’s a great exercise.
I like this one!