Tired Of London, Tired Of Life?
25 Aug 2015

Today I woke to the sound of bird song:
I used to wake to sirens.

Heading out for work these days, I only have to walk fifteen minutes to the station. I can smell blossom or wood smoke – depending on the season:
In the old days I’d pound the pavement to the tube station, the smell of last night’s kebabs hanging in the fume filled air.

When the train draws in, I find a seat, sit down, look out of the window then open my book:
Before, I’d have tried to wedge most of myself into the tube as the door closed, only to find myself rammed against someone’s shoulder – or worse. I wouldn’t even try to open my paper.

Now I simply step out of the train and walk ten minutes to work. Back then I’d lurch through five stops; change lines, shuffle through two more stations and then walk ten minutes to work.

Today I reached my office relaxed and calm:
In the old days, I’d arrive ruffled and irritable.

Every day I feel quiet exhilaration as I step onto the train, leave the city behind and watch the countryside unfold…I notice the seasons change.

Before I’d have trundled through the noisy, busy streets, head down – running the gauntlet of swearing cyclists and dogged taxi drivers. On the tube home I’d wedge myself into someone’s armpit and cling on for two stops, change line, go five more stops, and trudge the fifteen minutes home.

These days I don’t feel so angry, I rarely get a cold. I’m calmer. People on bikes say hello and the rain seems clean. My trip to the supermarket takes me down lanes, past fields and along hedgerows. I have a basket on the front of my bike.

Financially, I am better off. That’s worth saying again: I am better off.

These days I am tired after a day’s work...
When I lived in London I used to be exhausted.
Am I Tired of London? Yes.
Am I tired of life? Definitely not.

-ENDS-

For further information, contact Emma Cox or Fotini Efstathiou at Remarkable Group on 01962 893893.