Bike Run To Inch Abbey (A 'New' Me?)

Friday (13th July) was one of the few days where the sun shone consistently for the whole day. So I decided to take the bike out for a spin - given that I don't know when I'll next be able to do it! You hear all sorts of things about the jet stream being too low etc, and therefore we have rain, rain and more rain! The run on the back roads to Downpatrick from Comber was great. The roads were agreeably quiet, and the perfect mix of straights, straights with undulations, long sweeping corners and tight twisty stuff. All of which the bike handled well. My end destination was Inch Abbey on the outskirts of Downpatrick. I can remember coming to it as a student on field trips, and is one of the most superb examples of Gothic medieval architecture in Ireland. But more than that, the setting is spectacular, situated on the slope of a drumlin overlooking a lake and the cathedral on top of the hill in Downpatrick.

Ruins of Inch Abbey

I always found the setting lends itself to quiet reflection, and (alas) again I find that I have much to reflect upon. The games people play always affect others, I think this is something people (myself included) sometimes fail to remember. For every action there is, most definitely, a reaction and f**king with someone (emotionally or mentally) is a recipe for disaster! I have always tried to suppress my frustrations and negative emotions. But I can no longer do that, as it simply isn't healthy. So I find that these things now bubble under the surface. Although in plain terms, I think I am just no longer prepared to take any sh*t from anyone and I don't see that as a bad thing! I am grateful to be in employment, don't get me wrong, but my tendency to "hide" in jobs, simply grateful for the cheque at the end of the month are over. I see people in higher positions who just shouldn't be there, and I know I would be better than them....so my tenure will soon be at an end. Something that when I decided upon, was a great weight off my shoulders. Also personally, I am no longer prepared to be the proverbial doormat. I think previously I was a "don't rock the boat" kinda person, whereas now I am prepared to capsize the f**ker if it needs to be done!  I think that recent reflection has led me to make positive changes to me (as a person) and also my lifestyle. But a confidence that had been missing for a while has returned and I know my own self-worth. Even if others don't. I find myself looking at myself with a steely glare and a sly grin - I know that now I will get what I want.

 I found myself wondering if other people had sat in the same spot I was sitting at the abbey, either recently or centuries ago, working through the same, or similar, problems. I guess one of the things I learned recently from my Dad is that you think your problems are unique, but they aren't! Someone, somewhere has been through it before and got the t-shirt long before you! If all the world's troubles were in a barrel....you'd soon reach back in for your own! 

An weekend away on the bikes is also planned for the end of the month...watch this space....but at the minute a destination of Cork or Limerick is on the cards. I favor Kinsale, mainly because I have fond memories of carrying out my Masters fieldwork down there, and the place is stunning. Although it is a bit touristy for my tastes overall. I still dream of winning the lottery (who doesn't) and being able to ride into the sunset flipping a middle digit to all those who didn't treat me the way they should have done...but I know that's the definition of a pipe-dream. I would like to think if I won the lottery, I'd be far more gracious than that!