Today was supposed to be a great day. My flight was booked, my bags were packed and the warm weather of home was just a few hours away. But, as is often the case, today wouldn’t end up going the way I had imagined. Instead of fussing about airport security and making sure my devices were charged for my long journey, I spent the morning cancelling flights and unpacking luggage. Needless to say, I was bummed.
It was a grey, overcast day and I just knew that if I stayed inside, I’d end up feeling even worse. Lei had a bunch of schoolwork to finish, so I decided to take a solo drive to clear my head and hopefully make some pictures.
We only got our car the week before and I was pretty excited since it meant that I was no longer limited to only exploring locations accessible by bike. I wasn’t sure where to go, but I then remembered once riding through this cute little town called Paris with my buddies from Pedals & Pints. I figured Paris may be as good a destination as any, so I let google maps do its thing as I played music way too loud and enjoyed a slow weekend cruise along the highway. I followed the map, took the right exits (thankfully) and about an hour later, I was sitting in the parking lot of The Paris Beer Co.
I walked into what felt like a small farmers market, with multiple stalls selling all kinds of fresh food, flowers, cheeses and other things. I browsed for a few minutes, saw plants that reminded me of my sister, then settled at the brewery. I ordered a burger and a tray of beer samplers and dove right in. The beer hit the sport and the burger was super yummy!
With a full belly and a light buzz, I took a leisurely stroll through the town’s picturesque lanes. I had no real destination in mind – I would just wander until my feet were tired. Despite the overcast sky casting a melancholic hue, I was determined to let my camera paint a different picture – one with charm and warmth and beauty.
Viewed through the viewfinder, the world no longer appeared tainted by disappointment and unfulfilled expectations. And as I watched the world around me carry on with the business of living, I felt surprisingly at peace. I discovered beauty in the simplest of places, which was a nice reminder that even amidst life’s grey clouds, there are silver linings waiting to be found. And, if you can’t find the silver lining, perhaps a cute chocolate shop may suffice.
Reflecting on the day’s unexpected turn of events, I couldn’t help but recognize the role of creative outlets in navigating moments of disappointment and stress. In the act of capturing moments through photography, and savoring the flavors of culinary craftsmanship, I found solace and a deep sense of peace. These creative outlets served as vessels through which I could process my emotions and allowed me the opportunity to view my crappy setbacks in a different light.
Today’s little journey was a gentle reminder that, if we let them, life’s detours can lead to unexpected treasures. By embracing spontaneity and leaning into creative outlets, we can learn to navigate moments of disappointment with resilience.
So, the next time plans fall through and disappointment knocks at your door, remember – there’s always an open road waiting to be explored, and within it, the promise of serendipitous adventures, cold beers, good food and space to process all the feels.
Until next time,
Damion
ps. the ‘today’ in this story happened a few weekends ago.