A jar of Lakrids Chocolate Coated Liquorice goes a long way. Grab the jar marked with an ‘A’. The first time I tried one, I couldn’t speak; I could only chew. Chew and wonder where the heck I’d been all this time that I’d never tasted one before. Chew and consider how many more I would absolutely need to ingest in the immediate future and how many other people I knew would need to try one as well. I bought two jars: one for me, and another for a friend who reportedly ate most of hers in one sitting. I myself opted to savour a few at a time, making them last. Share them around and watch people’s faces as they try them. It’s priceless.
A week or so later, while walking along Jægersborggade with a friend, we passed the window of ‘Karamelleriet’ where the magic of caramel making was in full flow (oh yeah!). We dove into the shop and didn’t leave for about 45 minutes while P enlightened us with all things caramelly. It was fascinating (as well as a good laugh) and provided RG with yet more to – ahem - chew over. Copenhagen being what it is, it was not too surprising to find P and I shared acquaintances, or that it is in fact his cousin who had introduced the aforementioned heavenly chocolate coated liquorice to the world, and my taste buds. I am one degree of separation from the kings of Danish confectionery. It’s cool knowing they are just part of the web of people who criss-cross this city (or country for that matter), doing what they love doing. It’s also cool knowing I’m now a part of that web and have been cordially invited back to Karamelleriet for another chat and/or more ‘sugar’. Thanks P!
Building my little community here has been wholesome and healthy. It's been a considered and patient process, rather like pruning a bonsai tree. Meanwhile, this tiny network has provided a wealth of abundance. If there is truth to any of the information on Denmark you can read elsewhere on the internet, it is that word of mouth and networks really carry weight here. Meeting the people I have met so far may have been down to luck, but then again, RG invests a lot in friendship (as opposed to just ‘contacts’). My network has been fundamental in helping me settle in, find accommodation, get involved and, most recently, source jobs that could have easily slipped passed me. While it’s been on the back of RG’s mind to start looking for part-time work, I had yet to officially hit the pavement with a pile of CVs. A call out to friends has however borne fruit, at least in the form of a few prime prospects for which I am both qualified and enthusiastic for. Watch this space. I have never been one for networking for the sake of networking, but investing in people as a lover of people can still mean a share in the abundance the collective brings. Now all I have to do is not take it for granted and rise to the challenge of making it happen, for the sake of my friends who have helped, if nothing else.
Meanwhile, RG has settled into her news digs and is diggin’ it! Whereas a month or so ago, I felt those pangs of doubt – needing reassurance that this active life-changing exercise was worthwhile – I have now refreshed my perspective, motives and incentives and subsequently, my sense of empowerment. A brief sojourn back to London reminded me of the greater world and spectrum of people my life actually incorporates. It also reminded me of why I came here in the first place. Having taken the time to regroup, I have come to recognise the value of this time on a much larger scale than I originally envisioned. I have had a lot of time to reflect on what it is I am seeking from this experience only to stumble across a cluster of other valuable conclusions about my life here and now that I wasn’t even looking for. Focusing on the present has, in many ways, resolved aspects of my past and my future. This alone has made me embrace this adventure all the more.
As of today, the detritus of the practical issues cluttering my road is now almost clear. My new home feels like home. My language classes are still expanding my horizons and also reinforcing my confidence in my ability to learn. My friendships are evolving and growing richer. My financial situation looks promising with some work prospects on the horizon. As we are heading into the darker months of the year, I am honestly amazed by the amount of energy and optimism I am carrying with me and I'm incredibly excited (yes, excited!) about the wintry road that lies ahead. Of course, my new heavy-duty, everything-proof parka also boosts my confidence...it's so warmmmm.
As an aside, for those out there who are contemplating change or doubting their ability to do so, I would highly recommend watching Tony Robbins’ recent television programme ‘Breakthrough’. I challenge anyone to watch it (sceptics included) and not be moved. Actually, I am positive the perspectives it offers will change your outlook on life completely. The whole programme reinforces how much fear hinders people from realising their potential and demonstrates how readily true change can come about if you are willing to confront the real issues head on. If you’re unsure of your lot in life, just check out the programme and see what some of the people in the programme have endured, survived and evolved from. They have all experienced some form of crisis/trauma, in its numerous permutations, and gone from losing everything, to discovering within themselves that sense of true abundance (removed from the material things), which actually makes them incredibly productive, creating further abundance.
I'm learning that the sweetest life is waiting for all of us and that we all have it in us to design it for ourselves and live it; to wake up every morning believing in it. As such, I feel it's important to keep exploring what defines that for you individually, for what you find sets the standard for your life. That said, I hope everyone who is exploring discovers more than what they think they are looking for - surprising you like that piece of chocolate covered liquorice surprised me. Even more, I hope to catch the expression on your face when you try it.
Random Girl
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