Have you ever noticed that when you travel, life seems to have a different lens?
The past couple of weeks I’ve been on the road, traveling to different regional centres. This week I was lucky enough to be in Wallaroo.
The evening I arrived I took the opportunity to stroll on the jetty; the sounds of the calm sea lapping onto shore, the golden light that makes me feel at home (you can take the girl out of the country but the country stays firmly in the girl), watching birds gliding through the sky as the sun set, and the pure joy as a small child pulled up a net filled with crabs.
It was magnificent.
With nowhere else to be but the present moment, I had the space to notice the stillness and calm of my body.
Here’s the thing… with that stillness and calm came the opportunity to open myself up to new people, to ask curious questions and share conversations with complete strangers – a luxury I don’t always allow myself in the bustle of everyday life.
❤️ There was my chat with Max the English Bulldog – a companion to a veteran.
❤️ Inside intel from the local fisherman catching Tommy Roughs on the jetty (apparently there’s no better place to be than Wallarroo!)
❤️ A declaration of “It’s bloody marvellous” from the guy at the river who was heading back to the caravan park to cook the crab he caught for dinner.
❤️ Sharing aging stories with two women who told me that turning 50 is incredible, but 70 (when all the filters disappear) is even better.
❤️ Deep connection with a man who told me all about integrating into a small country town as a gay man
❤️ Sharing the lived experience of catching lambs, the drought, the need for more mental health support in regional areas, and the recognition of the beauty of nature.
All of this joy, connection, and sharing in one evening stroll!
I would love to know what has happened for you when you’ve had the opportunity to leave ‘real life’ behind for a while and embrace the opportunity to be in the moment. Who have you met? What have you done? What have you taken home with you?
Here’s to a week of being well.
Bel
Every Sunday afternoon, Bel sends the Ignite community a personal note of encouragement – reflection, inspiration, stories, and sharing. It’s our way of helping you prepare for the week ahead. Add your details here to receive Here’s The Thing in your inbox.