Six down, six to go!

I’m finding it hard to believe it’s already been six months since I worked my last shift, packed the van, said many goodbyes (well…they were really just “see ya laters”) and left for a WHOLE YEAR!!

As you might remember, this year off has been 4 years in the making, so lots and lots of time to think about where I (we) might like to go, what I might want to do, what I might want to learn and what I might want to accomplish.

Over the last six months, I’ve been to so many beautiful and interesting places across North America – many I didn’t even know existed(#embarassed) – and the year is only half over. The journey, in this way, has far surpassed any of my expectations, and I’d say that’s definitely due to my hubby’s ability to find us places to stay, visit, stroll through, hike along and spend time in…he’s THE best travel companion and planner!! …where will the road take us next!?…I’m already excited!

Not only had I been collecting lists of places to go to and things to see, I had also made a long list of things I wanted to accomplish, do, or learn…a list that was probably way too long for the time I’d have to do it in #storyofmylife…and I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve even added to it while travelling #smacksforehead…when will I learn?!?

So I got thinking…to keep me a bit more accountable when it comes to working at my list (and maybe even paring it down??), I thought I’d share it so you can remind me to keep at it…or ask me how a certain thing is going, etc…yes, I’m asking you to be a part of my adventure.

Here’s the list (please, no judging! LOL)

• Write often
• Learn how to paint using watercolours
• Knit a pair of socks (or two)
• Knit a pair of slippers (or multiple pairs!)
• Improve my crochet skills
• Journal every day
• Stretch/Yoga every day
• Make creative van-life meals
• Improve my French speaking and reading skills
• Send lots and lots of postcards to friends and family
• Read regularly

See…it’s quite the list! You’d think, without having to go to work I’d have AAAALLL the time in the world to do all these wonderful things…BUT I’ve learned a few things about myself over the last while – that’s what happens when you slow down and take the time to actually get to know yourself (I highly recommend it by the way!). I am a creature of habit, and I tend to revert back to old patterns and behaviours very quickly – I grab my phone and scroll before picking up my book, I read my English book because it’s easier than struggling through the French one, I’m too excited to get going or I flop down exhausted after a big hike and don’t take the time to stretch – why do we resist habits and patterns, especially ones that seem healthy and restorative!?! If you’ve cracked the code, please share your wisdom!

One of my goals this year “off” was to set aside time for reflection – something I find hard to make time for in my “regular life.”

The trail was a wonderful time for this. Maybe it’s the rhythmic stepping of foot to path over and over, maybe it’s the breeze whispering in the trees, maybe it’s being fully submerged in nature when hiking…I dunno…but for whatever reason, when I walk, my mind frees itself from the encumberments of life and is welcome to ebb and flow to where it needs to go. Sometimes I find myself reminiscing, listening to the why’s and how’s of what’s gone on in my life, recent and otherwise…and in those moments, find I’m much more kind to previous “versions” of myself, thinking of times when I was tripping and stumbling through tough situations, or remarking on my bravery as a young, naïve mother who did her best to love her children in the best way she knew how. And in other moments I’m able to create new ideas, ponder different viewpoints and find new clarity…it’s a beautiful place to be…give it a try if you haven’t already!

Remembering to write down my reflections is the step I often forget to do, but I’ve been making improvements and have done an “OK” job at collecting my rambling thoughts in a journal…yay me!

Why am I telling you all of this? Well, for a few reasons…

I was serious when I said I welcome you to ask me how I’m doing with my list. Be nosey, be curious, be critical…LOL If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s the deep sense of knowing how much we need each other. No matter where we are, no matter what we’re up to, we need the encouragement of others to prod us on, to lift us up and to remind us of our importance and value in this world.

The other reason I thought I’d share this with you is because I have a year off…no work schedule, a tiny space to keep clean and tidy and I barely do laundry LOL…yes, there are lots of things that need to happen in a day (like finding a flush toilet!), but I have SO much more time to work at and accomplish these “extra” things in my life and yet I still haven’t…??

I hope that encourages you (or maybe now I’ve confirmed your suspicions about me, that I’m just super lazy!! LOL). Learning new things, exploring new places, creating new habits and patterns is real work and takes a lot of intention and energy. Don’t be discouraged if you’ve had a long “to read,” “to learn,” or “to create” list and just can’t seem to get at it or haven’t followed through on a thing or two…keep going! The things I’ve learned and accomplished so far have been incredibly rewarding and life-giving…I trust your list will do the same for you!

So what’s on your list?