# Elevating Lunchtime: A Path to Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Written on
Chapter 1: Discovering New Horizons
Reflecting on my past, a moment stands out that may have altered my life's trajectory—perhaps a foresight for you as well.
I remember watching in awe as he demonstrated his skills. He was a short man, sporting a few days' stubble, with tousled hair and an impressively round belly. He extended one leg outward, perfectly aligned with the ground, holding it up effortlessly from his hip. With extraordinary slowness and precision, he lowered his other leg until his rear touched his ankle, all while keeping the first leg parallel to the floor. My jaw dropped—I had never witnessed anything like it. But he wasn't done yet.
With the same deliberate pace, he rose back up. How was this possible? As he placed both feet back on the ground and turned to me, I was captivated by the deep blue of his eyes.
“Are you interested in learning Tai Chi?” he asked, his voice matching his rugged appearance—low and gravelly, yet warm.
“Yes, Sifu, and I must say, wow!” I replied.
To my surprise, he laughed, stepped forward, and shook my hand. “David.”
That encounter set the tone for my Monday lunchtimes for months as I embarked on my Tai Chi journey. I decided to assign themes to my days and lunchtimes:
- Monday: Well-being
- Tuesday: Arts and Culture
- Wednesday: Well-being
- Thursday: Bargain
- Friday: Well-being
At the time, I was living in a bustling city while working a draining corporate job, one I wasn't particularly skilled at, which only added to my feelings of disenchantment.
Weeks before meeting David, I stumbled upon a book titled something like “London for Less Than £10,” which sparked a whole new way of thinking and even led me to buy it. I was astonished by what I discovered. Life, in its generous manner, opened new doors—I found free events listed in Time Out Magazine and compiled a list of over 100 museums in London, many of which had no entry fee.
However, my excitement quickly morphed into a sense of overwhelm. As an introvert, I realized that I required structure. After some contemplation, I crafted the above Monday-to-Friday schedule with a keen focus on well-being.
Section 1.1: Exploring Arts and Culture
Tuesdays were typically reserved for a visit to a museum or an art event. On Wednesdays, I enrolled in a mailing list for free massages—Shiatsu, Reflexology, Thai, you name it—as a volunteer for trainees.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Joy of Bargains
Thursdays became a delightful treat; I would often meander through secondhand book stalls or sample free food at markets. Sometimes I would capture a photograph of something I would have missed had I stayed in the office—what a bargain!
Section 1.2: Embracing New Experiences
Fridays were about trying my hand at slacklining, although I wasn't particularly adept at it. Still, it brought me to local parks where I saw others engaged in activities that intrigued me—juggling, kite-flying, hacky-sacking, or simply meditating. I vividly recall one winter’s day, ducking into a boutique chocolate shop for a hot chocolate—a true sense of well-being!
My approach to theming my days has become more relaxed over time. I'm not as unhappy as I once was and feel less compelled to seek escape. However, should the need arise again, I'll always cherish the value and enjoyment of those days. I often wonder if those experiences contributed to the confidence and adventurous spirit that have shaped my current life.
Who knows? Regardless, I express gratitude to the universe—even if I never mastered the art of balancing on one leg to rest my rear on my ankle. Perhaps one day I will; after all, David was older than I am now and began his practice later in life.
If you were to theme your days, whether for your lunch breaks, evenings, or time after the morning school run, what would you select?
If you're already a Medium Member, feel free to dive into my expanding series on Personal Productivity, filled with work hacks and life lessons, including useful apps, tips, and tools.
Read every story from Cat Milton (and thousands of other writers on Medium). Your membership fee directly supports Cat...
If you'd like to engage in conversation, find me on Twitter (iCatMilton)—I'm always open to chat!