Walking along the country lanes the other day one of the first things that I noticed was the usual bits of rubbish along the hedgerow – at first I was distracted by them and found myself deliberately seeking them out – taking notice of them – until I realised that what was actually happening was that I was missing seeing so many hidden gems among that very same hedgerow. I deliberately didn’t take any pictures of the rubbish – but concentrated on seeing beyond it. 

One of the first things I saw was a small cluster of red berries – growing among the undergrowth – their redness catching my eye even before I got close to them.

A little further along was a scattering of tiny white and pinkish flowers – so delicate among the grasses – while nearby a group of small purple flowers almost competed for my attention.

Thistles sprouted up in various stages of growth – while teasels  stood tall and strong – then shouting it’s beauty – a single poppy called to me.

So much of what I was seeing quite often gets unnoticed – lost in the hedgerows – ignored – seen as weeds – when actually they are simply wild flowers that have a purpose we may not recognise.

I walked by fields – golden with grains – ripe for harvest –  one after the other – looking almost the same – that is until I looked closely – and could see the variety of the crops.

I was challenged to consider how I see those around me – as I walk – day by day. Do I get distracted by the things that annoy me – like the rubbish thrown around – or – do I concentrate on the ‘hidden gems’ – the beauty that can be found in everyone – if only I’ll look and see. If I look closely enough I will recognise that variety is all around me – every person an individual – who deserves my attention – all having a purpose and beauty.