Sunday reflections | Pete Clayton

A meandering waffle, in the midst of a changeable life

I have just treated myself to some posh coffee, having got paid the other day. Money is tight but I do allow myself a little treat from time to time. I am happily sipping this whilst writing a little life update for you.

I have been looking back this weekend over my articles and seeing the journey I have been on in life and business. Almost like looking back through a personal journal. In all honesty, I don’t know what I’m trying to do here with this, but I enjoy writing and see it as a way to get my thoughts out and to show my followers a little bit more of the creativity in me.

As I said, it’s been a journey and there’s also been a lot of change. Today I am reflecting on the change of recent months. Moving to a new flat, an abrupt relationship end, a positive career swerve, money etc etc. I do ponder often about life and how to handle everything. I am once again living on my own, so I have a lot of time to mull things over, except when I have my kids every other weekend. Whilst relationships ending can be quite disruptive, there are always pros and cons to change like this. Still, a change like that can turn your world upside down and put you in a new reality and new train of thought. My biggest pondering of late is centered around money. Financially, I find myself spending a lot on keeping a roof over my head, in fact the rent is half of my monthly salary, and budgeting every penny month by month. It is a worry but from the news, I know I am not the only one in the UK having to tighten one's belt. In terms of life, this part is hard. Being an adult is hard with grown up responsibilities. Life is expensive but I am also happy for the most part… at least I'm getting there anyway.

Feeling somewhat blessed
Still, I have a fun and steady job, a regular paycheck and some freelance bits and pieces to help keep myself and my business running smoothly. I know I am blessed in lots of respects, so I take solace in the fact that I do have a lot of good things happening in my life. My kids are happy and healthy and that brings me a lot of pride and joy. My flat is also really nice and occasionally I get to see some foxes. So yes, feeling somewhat blessed in a lot of respects.

I also have a select few friends and family members who have recently helped me along the way. Not as many friends as I would like, but for those who do keep in touch, you’re a ray of fucking sunshine.

Change is scary but inevitable
Change is scary when you’re in the midst of it. But what I have found over my 44 years is that it is inevitable and that it will always work out in the end. The best kind of change is the one you can make for yourself. Whether that is in your professional vocation or in life, having the courage to change things up is ultimate bravery. If freelancing feels like it isn’t working, look for a steady job and take the pressure off. If a relationship has more bad days than good, don’t suffer in silence, work out a new avenue to work on it or if you have to move on then move on. If life is too lifey, make a positive change in the right direction for yourself. Whether that’s therapeutic measures, making new friends, taking up a hobby or sport… it’s got to be right for you. Change makes for good stories and new adventures. It makes you and your life a lot more interesting.

Bacon sandwiches and more coffee
I feel like I may have waffled a bit writing the paragraph about change. Still, Thought Lines are literally my thoughts written down and illustrated. At times, I’m just trying to work stuff out in my mind and sometimes the best way to do that is to get writing. In that respect these articles might turn into a meandering waffle. Sorry, not sorry… ha!

Alas, I must leave you now, I have bacon sandwiches to make and more posh coffee to drink. I have drunk one medium sized cafetiere already today. I’m in for a buzzy afternoon.

Thanks for reading. Pete :)