
Discover more from Doing Life Differently
We just returned from a mini break with my siblings, parents, and all the cousins, which is something we rarely do. Earlier in the year, my parents suggested getting us all together in one place after many years of some of us living overseas and also living in other States.
We all agreed that Christmas-time get-togethers can be inflamed and full of unmet expectations, so why not choose an ordinary school holiday in September to get us all together for a few days of laughs, shared experiences and relaxation?
And Moreton Island did not disappoint. Some of us took our 4WDs over, and others caught the ferry, but the resort was pretty much inclusive of everything we needed, including activities for all ages and plenty of space for free time.
What I also discovered was how valuable it is to get away from our regular routine and responsibilities to get a fresh perspective on life. We’ve not had a holiday since the beginning of the pandemic, like many people - it is most definitely a privilege to be able to have any holiday. Growing up, I never had a holiday with my family, as we moved every 12-18 months with my Dad’s work. Plus, it wasn’t something we could ever afford.
It was helpful for me to get away from the washing and other mundane daily routines, to get a fresh perspective and reinvigorate some personal values and goals that have been percolating in my mind for some time.
Also, lately, I’ve managed to catch up with a few old friends who’ve reminded me how much I value personal development and how I’ve been neglecting that part of me whilst being in survival mode these past several years, and in the last few months I’ve started to feel that I can finally take a breath and say ba-bye to that constant high alert energy I’ve been living with.
Our lives right now seem to be so far removed from our expat lives that we left behind in 2021, and I’m not mad about it. Yes, I was in deep grief for at least the first 18 months, exacerbated by transitional challenges I faced as a parent and wife and personally. Plus, as I near the Change, life presents itself with reminders of my mortality. However, our lives are starting to resemble what we had imagined of our return to Australia. We still have a way to go, but isn’t that life? It’s a safari (“journey” is overused, no?), and I’m looking forward to this next season!
Let’s go October!!!
What are you looking forward to most this month? Love to hear them in the comments section.
Robyn xxx
PS I’ve taken a break from Instagram. It’s been strangely refreshing - I didn’t understand why I was using it, so I decided to get off, and I’ve noticed I’ve been enjoying more time away from my phone…maybe I’ll return back to it when I work out for what purpose but for now, I’ll be away from it. I’ve kept my Facebook (private) account as it’s more for my friends and family and a great way to keep in touch with them, but for now, until I have a reason to reactivate, I’ll be sharing anything I want here.
Some things I’ve been loving lately;
No Lights, No Lycra - dancing in the dark is so liberating and energising. I’ve felt the call to do more out of my comfort zone, and this was a payoff to doing this!
Blue Moon Beachside Silent Disco watching the full moon rise over the ocean, including a cacao ceremony and breathwork. The end meditation was delicious.
Fresh Perspective
Wonderful! I think a holiday would be lovely.