32 reasons to be grateful for life on Arran
On all the small things island life has given me.
Today marks three months of island living. It also happens to be my 32nd birthday. So it feels like a day worth celebrating.
I’ve been wondering how I might honour this moment. I routinely feel lucky here on Arran. It’s a daily occurrence; I might see something special or hear something lovely. Take yesterday morning, for example. I woke up to my niece in the hallway shouting, ‘It’s bank account Monday, you guys!’. The first bank holiday weekend in May will now forever be ‘bank account Monday’ to me.
I was on the phone with my mum recently, explaining how lucky I’ve been feeling. It was hard to describe; this feeling wasn’t the result of just one thing, it was the culmination of so many things that I’ve experienced since I’ve been here, some of them really small. And then it dawned on me: This is what it feels like to be grateful.
What better way to mark this moment than to write about all the things Arran has given me over the past three months? So here we have it: 32 things I’m grateful for to mark 32 years on this planet, three months of which I’ve been lucky enough to live out on this very special island.
The beach
I try to go daily, and it never fails to make me smile. I’m perhaps biased, but I think the beaches on the south end of the island are by far the best.Birdsong
The relentless birdsong was the first thing I noticed when I moved here. It follows you wherever you go, and it’s the most serene soundtrack you could wish for.Sauna visits
When you feel the cold easily and you’ve made the decision to move to Scotland, there’s nothing quite like the dry heat of a sauna to make you feel revived.Driving
Having had a phobia of driving for several years now, I didn’t expect this one to make the list, and yet, here it is. Arran has helped me to conquer my fear, and now nerves have been replaced with a deep feeling of satisfaction when I get behind the wheel.
Wild flowers
It feels like spring has exploded here. You turn a corner, and you’re met with a shock of colour. Flowers line the country lanes in a way I’ve not encountered before; blooms grow wild and unkempt but somehow look perfectly put together, like a spring posy.
Sibling drives, complete with a soundtrack
We used to do this when we were younger — my brother would come home from university for the holidays, and we’d go out for a drive. We’d listen to music and chat about anything and everything. Now we’re revisiting the same songs we did then, still talking about anything and everything.Gorse
I had no idea how powerful the aroma of gorse was until I moved here. Its heady coconut aroma hits your nostrils almost as hard as its blindingly vibrant yellow petals hit your eyes. The island is currently covered in the stuff, and I’ve found it’s an instant mood enhancer.
Getting to know people without alcohol
Socialising in London tends to revolve around alcohol. Now that I drive everywhere and pubs are few and far between, I get to know people over walks or over a cup of tea. It’s a refreshing change.
Losing track of the days
This one might also partly have to do with working freelance, but I’ve really lost track of the days here. Fridays no longer have the buzz they used to, and with that, the Sunday dread is a thing of the past.
Naps
I’ve always been a terrible napper. I so want to be good at it, but I really struggle to switch off. Since moving to Arran, I have, however, become adept at going back to bed, lying down, closing my eyes, and resting. I have zero guilt about it too.
Homemade bread
I firmly believe that breadmakers are not just a kitchen gadget; they are a way of life. I don’t think a kitchen will ever feel complete to me without one now.
Nettle tea
The gentle, subtle younger sibling of English breakfast tea, nettle tea, is my new favourite afternoon pick-me-up. Ideally, with a sugary, oaty biscuit dunked in it.
Local news
I’ve started writing for the local newspaper here on Arran, the Arran Banner, and I get a real thrill out of going down to the local corner shop to pick up my copy when it lands on Friday. Island news has a community feel that warms the soul.
Seal spotting
I recently wandered along the coast for about three hours and saw dozens of seals lazing on rocks along the shore. I sat down on a rock and watched them as they watched me. A few of them slid off their rocks and swam up to the shore to take a closer look at me. I followed their lead and edged my way closer to them. I have no idea how long this went on, but it was pure bliss to see them as intrigued by me as I was by them.
Crossing paths with a mink
The same day I spotted the seals, I also met a mink. I had slipped on a rock, and as I tried to steady myself, I noticed a small, fuzzy face peering up at me. It was as though he wanted to make sure I was okay.
Sunday morning swims
Every other Sunday or so, I join my neighbours for a morning beach swim. I rarely feel like plunging myself into cold water when I wake up, but I never regret it when I do.
Talking on the bus
I liked getting the bus in London; it was a chance to people-watch from the top deck. But I love getting the bus here. Not only is there always a beautiful view to observe, but people chat with each other as they get on and off the bus. Some of the drivers even know me by name. How great is that?
Evening walks to the ponies
A few years ago, I was working with a CBT therapist who was helping me get to grips with my panic attacks. He asked me to describe a scene that calmed me so that I could return to this scene in my imagination whenever I felt panic set in. The scene I described was stroking a horse's face and listening to its gentle breathing. It soothed me then, and it still does to this day. So you can imagine how soothing it feels to walk up to the field to help my sister-in-law give the ponies their dinner.
Lambs. Everywhere
I mean everywhere. Just the other day, I found myself letting out an involuntary squeal of delight as I passed a couple of lambs chasing each other around a field. If that doesn’t make your heart sing, I don’t know what will.
Arran milk
Little explanation needed here. It’s just bloody phenomenal.
Impromptu picnics
When the weather changes as quickly as it does on Arran, you have to learn to be a little spontaneous. So when the sun comes out, you must peel off the layers, make a flask of tea, and have a picnic.
Roommates
I’ve always wanted a dog, but I’ve been afraid of the responsibility. But on a bad day, there is nothing like a cuddle with a puppy, ideally in bed, to make you feel better.
Keeping in touch
I miss my friends dearly, but I feel lucky to have people in my life who don’t let distance get in the way of a good thing. In the absence of regular time together, I’ve found our interactions have become more purposeful and meaningful.
Taking a mattock to the land
Honestly, there’s no better cardio (or stress release, might I add) than taking a mattock to a mound of earth. I’m pretty sure it’s the reason why I haven’t gained weight after eating all the delicious homemade bread I’ve been eating (see point 12).
Being chased by chickens
If you need to get your butt into gear in the morning, skip the coffee and let the chickens chase you until you feed them. Far more effective.
Honesty boxes and unlocked cars
People trust each other here. End of.
Wild garlic
Freshly picked, turned into pesto, and stirred through homemade pasta. Divine.
Kids
When it comes to gratitude, we can learn a lot from kids. They’re intrinsically grateful. They appreciate the little things, and when you spend enough time around them, you can’t help but follow suit. Just the other day, a bunch of Amazon parcels. Did we pop the cardboard packaging straight into the recycling? Absolutely not. We built a race car with them, naturally.
New friends
I thought I’d find it difficult to meet people here, but I was very wrong. I’ve made new friends in lovely settings, and I feel more connected than ever. On an island with around 4,500 people, that’s pretty amazing.
Writing
Last year, I felt well and truly over writing. I wasn’t sure I was any good; my creativity felt incredibly low, and writer's block was my new best friend. Writing this newsletter and embarking on freelance projects has given me a chance to fall back in love with writing. I’ve pitched ideas that I’ve fully believed in, and they've even led to pieces like this one.
My brother and sister-in-law
I couldn’t write about my gratitude to this island without mentioning my brother and sister-in-law. Not only did they introduce me to this beautiful place, but they’ve opened up their home to me and allowed me to feel like it's my own. I am eternally grateful for this. Thank you, Joe and Katy.
Sunny days spent in the mountains
Sometimes only a picture will do. My final gratitude is to Arran’s mountains, like these ones below, where I spent my day yesterday.
Love this! X