Campfire Chronicles: Embracing Nature and Finding Acceptance

Kia ora!💚 In a world where life can feel as unpredictable as chasing drop bears (with a few cheeky magpies in the mix), my beloved (let's call them MB) and I have always shared an unshakable love for the great outdoors. Camping, with its promises of pure, unadulterated fresh air and the sweet serenade of native birdlife, offers us a slice of paradise away from the non-stop buzz of the 'real' world.

Whenever things start to feel a bit stagnant, a tad sticky, and everything seems to close in on me, searching for that small pocket of fresh air is akin to hunting for 'Wally' in a new adventure book. It can get downright hectic, and trust me, we've had our fair share of challenges this year. It's been a rollercoaster ride of hard decisions, unexpected surprises, and, well, a whole lot of, "Wait, did that just happen?"

But we've learned to go with the flow, even if it sometimes means stumbling around a few corners. So, we decided it was high time to pack up and head out into the bush. Just us, a swag, and our two four-legged camp brats – we love those furry rascals to bits!

The beauty of nature is that it's an invitation to embrace its quirks and imperfections. Whether it's the ever-changing weather or the curious critters sharing our camping spot (no, not the legendary drop bears, just your everyday possums), nature teaches us to accept and celebrate the unexpected surprises that come our way.

It didn't take long before MB had their utility belt on, ready to forage for berries and identify every native plant species in sight. "Hey, babe, maybe we should start with a cold beer and a leisurely gaze at the ants?" I chuckle inwardly.😏  But, you know, that's just MB – always ready for an adventure.

As I shared a few high fives with mozzies (and probably more than a few bites), I found myself soaking it all in.  In the tranquillity of the wild, we often find moments for introspection. Those quiet moments by the campfire, gazing into the flickering flames, provide the perfect opportunity to ponder our lives, our dreams, and the winding paths we're on. It's a conversation with our inner selves, a chance to accept and make peace with who we are.

The outdoors encourages us to move to the rhythm of nature. We rise with the sunrise and tuck in when the stars take over. It's about embracing the basics – gathering firewood, cooking over an open flame, navigating by the stars, and simply being. I can't get enough of that feeling.

Being off the grid, away from the incessant pings! on my phone, is nothing short of liberating. It's a reminder that not everything demands an instant response. Like a "Do Not Disturb" sign on a door, it's okay to take a break and savour the peace of being unreachable.

When things get a bit rough around the edges, heading into the bush leads us to a richer, more satisfying existence, filled with experiences, growth, and moments of serenity. These life lessons may be as uncomfortable as a warm banana thickshake left out in the sun too long, but they hold the promise of true deliciousness.😏

That's all from me. Go embrace nature, soak in the feelings, and let go of whatever doesn't belong. Love your guts, Shel.💚💚