Totnes

 

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Earlier today, I hopped on a train to Totnes. Despising routine, I needed a new environment to study in! I first discovered Totnes in January and instantly fell in love. The narrow lanes and coloured houses add charm to this town.

As soon as I step off the train and onto the platform, I can’t wait to head into the lanes. I love the quirky spirit of Totnes. It’s like their own little world; they even have a Totnes pound! I decided to go to a café called Fat Lemons. It’s located on Ticklemore Street, opposite Country Cheeses. I adore that it is an independently run café that is unique to Totnes. It’s quite small, so I’m pleased it’s hidden down a lane, away from Fore Street (the main high street) as I always manage to get a seat. The café caters for those who are vegans, vegetarians or gluten intolerant which is appealing. The food is divine and so is their mint hot chocolate, which I can’t get enough of. If you’re a cheese lover like myself, then you should call at Country Cheeses. The selection of cheeses offered are all enticing,  particularly their Camembert.

I then walked speedily along the footpath, in a bid not to get soaked by the sudden rain dispersing from the sky. I took refuge in the Crystal shop. I love the meanings attached to each crystal and always wear a pendant necklace. A crystal cage is inexpensive and allows you to choose which crystal to put in each day. I also wear an Aventurine bracelet daily as it is supposed to clear and activate the heart chakra for general well-being.  I’m aware the discussion of crystals to many will be amusing, however I believe each to their own!

After browsing many crystals, I then went to my favourite shop in Totnes called ‘Out of the Blue’. It is filled with a variety of goods from wall art to a simple wallet. If you’re anything like me, then you’ll appreciate a shop full of bits and bobs that will fill your heart with glee. I would definitely recommend this shop if you’re visiting.

Hours later, walking along the cobbled lanes, I decided to visit another cafe. Café Royale is a welcoming, family run café, that serves the most delicious toffee cake. Worth a visit, just for the cake! I spent several hours there studying and then headed home.

Without a shadow of a doubt, if I ever go missing I’ll be in Totnes!

 

 

 

The Universe

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I came across a quote, which summarized my beliefs about life,”We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. For me to write that all events are predetermined would be ignorant. I don’t believe this entirely. As humans, we have the ability to make our own choices, however I must admit I have questioned this at times. There have been moments in my life I have felt like a puppet on strings. Rather like dancers. (See what I did there). What I do believe, is that some of us will experience weird circumstances that you can only imagine is predetermined. No logical explanation or choice for that matter. Being a Gemini, I possess the classic trait of indecisiveness and can easily go back and forth debating this within myself, let alone with others.

There are two types of people. Those who don’t believe in destiny and those that do. If you don’t believe, then you don’t wait around for anything or anyone and go out and create the life you desire. Which I admire. If you are at the opposite end of the spectrum then you sit and wait for something to happen. Which I think is extremely unhealthy. At this point in my life, I am comfortably in the middle. I have faith that everything happens for a reason, whilst pursuing the life I desire. It’s often when you are focusing on yourself and creating your life that destiny intervenes.

Whilst I’m writing about this topic I must share a rather amusing story. The first time I had a tarot reading was when I was 15 years old at Brighton Pier. I thought it would be fun, yet I left nearly in tears! I left looking horrified whilst my friends mum pleaded with my friend not to go in after! Then last summer, in a bid for answers to my unanswered questions, I contacted a psychic. Being spiritual, I have always been curious. It turned out not to be my wisest move. Completely out of character, I agreed to be picked up at a station by a stranger. A man in a white van then pulled up. I know what you’re thinking..She actually got in? I know, I know. However, I arrived safely! The reading itself was vague, although I do still have the reading on C.D to refer back to.

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.

I think I’ll always be a hippy at heart. Now where did I leave my crystals…

Choices

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I often wonder how I ended up at university. The route I took and the experiences I went through. One particular quote that resonates with me lately is by author Gareth Nix: “Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?”. It really got me thinking of the moments in my life that defined my path. Particularly on the five hour coach ride I often take back to London from university.

Whenever I need to get away, I visit Mount Edgecumbe. I take the Cremyll ferry across as it’s just over a pound for a single adult ticket. I always sit outside on the deck of the ferry, whatever the weather. Enjoying the sound of the choppy waters and the occasional splash of water, I feel instantly calm by the time I arrive at Mount Edgecumbe. I usually wander through endless woodland or head straight to the stony beach. It’s as if the ferry transports me away from my responsibilities for a few hours. I could sit on the beach for hours, thinking about life and breathing in the fresh air. Being surrounded by woodland and silence allows me to think and rationalize my thoughts.  It truly is a beautiful place to visit.

On reflection, I’m aware that all the challenges I have experienced, since I’ve been at university, will only shape me for the better. The difficulties you encounter in your life will no doubt help shape you as a person. It provides experience and gives you knowledge on how to deal with a particular situation, shall it ever arise again in the future.

Did I make the right choice in going to University? It doesn’t feel like it now, but ultimately I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.