March. The month where some optimism started to present itself in the form of daffodils, lighter nights and the beginning of Spring. It was also the month in which the lockdown restrictions began to ease in their very early stages. 

March was a month for celebrating (virtually) when it came to friend’s birthdays – for some it was just another year but for others there were milestone birthdays. And of course, these milestone birthdays got me thinking and reflecting, because you don’t realise how quickly time flies until a moment like this is upon you.

I thought a lot about my time in Plymouth – the place I spent at least 15 years of my life to date and created many memories. Five years after moving, I am sat wondering if it was the right decision – some good friends are there who could do with some support at the moment; the city is by the sea – I love being by the sea – but through all of the back and forth in my mind, I kept coming back to the point that I decided to move from Plymouth for a reason and it wasn’t a decision which was made lightly.

I googled the Primary School which I went to growing up in Dorset and just looking at the website, the memories came flooding back. The design of the playground, the big green field on the right where every sports day took place; I could visualise every classroom and the feeling of sitting in assembly, singing from the songbooks that would be handed to you as you entered the hall. At that age, you maybe had a vague idea of what you wanted to be when you grew up…a fireman, a policeman or a teacher perhaps. Mine was always a librarian, because libraries were quiet spaces and being more at the end of introversion (which I’m sure some would now dispute at times!), I enjoyed the peace and quiet – it had nothing to do with a love of reading! 

Back then, you never really knew how your life would turn out or what was in store for you; you didn’t comprehend the magnitude of some of the challenges you would face in life or know how your character would later build and shape your life moving forward. Fast forward to 30 years later, and you equally didn’t think your life would turn out the way it has, nor have passed by so quickly.

Everyone is going through their own journey and following their own path; it’s neither better or worse, it’s just different to yours. Over this last month, I have realised that what you may perceive as someone else’s perfect world, may actually be breaking down on the inside; or any lack of progress you may be feeling in anything you do, may not be that at all – it’s just space and time to prepare you for where you are meant to be heading next. 

Time passes quickly and comparing to others is easily done but trust the universe – you are exactly where you are meant to be.

Where You’re Meant To Be

Some people know the path they are on
They know where they’re heading from where they came from
They keep moving forward without any fear
They don’t get deterred, their direction is clear

Some are more tentative, cautious and slow
They get to a crossroads unsure of where to go
They’re looking for guidance with their eyes open wide
When really the answer lies within them inside

Some stay where they are, frozen and still
They see the journey before them as a long one uphill
They stay where they’re safe, the same spot on the track
But occasionally they’re tempted to turn and look back

Others take a chance and hitch hike a ride
Unsure of the destination but take it in their stride
They veer off their path and don’t have a plan
Embrace each twist and turn, and make the best of it they can

Some reach their destination, a place they dreamed of
As they followed the flight of a peaceful white dove
Only to find it’s not what they thought
Leaving feelings of sadness and relationships fraught

No-one really knows how their path will play out
What is meant to be, and what will trigger any doubt
But to give you some comfort and to set your mind free
Know that wherever you are, is where you’re meant to be


Laura Carruthers - March 2021