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Auckland, New Zealand

2021.10.171 min read

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I think 2019 just about killed me. Actually, quite literally... I'm over it. Onto new adventures! Stayed tuned -- 2020 is going to be epic.
Today is the Winter Solstice - the day with the least amount of sunlight. I really love the winter, not just because of snowboarding, hot drinks, cuddling under a cozy blanket, the crisp clean air, the smell of fires in the distance, or the sound of walking on fresh snow... But because the lack of sunlight allows me to slow down, rest, be happy with being alone, and enjoy the silence. Which then, in turn, makes me appreciate the summer months even more. Embrace the winter. It's a beautiful balance.
Roadtrippin' through Norway - Daydreaming about buying my own Viking van... Especially now that I officially have my Norwegian driver's license! Woohoo!
If you want to fly, let go of everything that weighs you down...
Your life has infinite choices - they might not be as clearly marked as this sign, but they're definitely there... ⠀ We try to organize our routine, our lives, our world best we can. We have calendars, clocks, alarms, schedules, appointments... But what in this world is really, 100%, in our control? Our choices. Our freedom. Our happiness. ⠀ For me, as a teacher, my summers are usually spent traveling - but not this summer. Why? Well, although I had a great job, with the best students ever, in a really cool city, I just felt like I needed change... ⠀ Maybe I wasn't snowboarding or traveling enough, maybe I felt underappreciated from my boss, or maybe it was the lack of "happy hours" in European bars - who knows... But whatever the case may be, I'm a firm believer in "if you're not happy with something, CHANGE IT!" And maybe I go a bit overboard with this philosophy because when I "change it," I go balls to the wall with change... ⠀ All at the last minute, and at the very end of June, I decided to quit my job, signed a contract for a new job (that very same day, but that's a crazy story for another time), completely emptied my apartment, found a new apartment in a new city, signed the new lease, transferred my 3-month deposit, rented a van, drove across Norway, and moved... (all within about 1 week). ⠀ I know it seems overwhelming and scary to think about such drastic changes from what's comfortable and familiar, but there's something so cleansing about just making a decision and going for it. ⠀ The only thing in this life that is in our control, are our choices. Break away and choose freedom. With freedom, happiness will follow. ⠀ ❤️
No Filter! This beach is actually this green! It's in Hawaii, at the southernmost tip, and it's pretty amazing! Since it's super secluded, not many people get here. I hitch hiked. ⠀ The sand is green from a particular mineral located under the water just offshore, called "olivine" - it’s composed of a semi-precious stone called “peridot." ⠀ Link in bio with more pictures and details! ⠀ Anyone going to any other breathtaking beaches (or mountains, or cities) this summer?? This is one of the first summers in my LIFE that I'm not backpacking/traveling (sometimes, you just need to chill and be with family, ya know?), so please let me live vicariously through you this summer! =)
Go with the flow. "Being passive is not the same as being peaceful. If you aren't doing what you know, in your heart, you want to do, you are NOT going with the flow. You are going against the flow. Your reactions, emotions, desires, and talents are all part of the flow of life. Ignoring them is passive resistance. Let yourself go, and go with the flow."