22/1/2018 0 Comments BLOG #9: PURPOSEFUL MYSTERY: 2018I never would have thought that I would have ended 2017 the way I did.
No way in heaven above was I ever planning on a breakup, a trip alone to the mainland, being a volunteer at Falls Festival or to live in my parents garage. Yet, some those things were pivotal moments for me. I want my 2018 to be full of unexpected turns. It is hard sometimes but it forces me to think creatively, which I believe shapes me into a more understanding and knowledgable person. Last year while I was travelling I had a very small amount of money to live off yet I did it! I survived it and it taught me a lot about the illusion of financial security. That experience showed me that I can live an exciting and full life without money, so that makes saving cash feel super possible to someone who use to spend ALL her dollars. If it is saving money, travelling more or whatever other personal resolutions you may have on a list, they are all possible to achieve. Even so, I don't feel like listing a whole heap of to-do’s on my list, rather I have one sentence that I feel covers all my resolutions in one go. My New Years Resolution is this, to embrace anything that comes my way. Truth be told, it has already begun and benefits have started to surface. I don't want to picture what this year will look like for me in list form. I really just feel the need to let go of an expectation to live up to and instead, just live; freely and wholesomely. To say ‘yes’ more and not live in fear of failure. I know everyone says, “This is my year”, but chicks and dudes, every day is your day so as sick as it is to hold the big picture, pay attention to each day because the little steps is what builds momentum for the big ones. Talking about steps, I am currently at a slight stand still. I feel like at most I am moving in a short shuffle motion but I guess I am still going somewhere, even if it takes longer than I originally wanted. I don’t know when I am going to be able to move to the mainland or what that whole idea looks like for me but I will continue to do what I know to do and be patient. I know that Coffs Harbour is a place I will spend time in and I look forward to that so much but I feel like something is starting to brew here in Tasmania and I guess I am waiting it out to discover what that actually is. It is quite amazing living in a purposeful mystery. To have $8 to my name and still live like I have nothing to be worried about. I feel complete within myself and I know finances isn’t my identity or that money can't determine my happiness. It is crazy to not know when money will flow into my hands. I don’t have any income yet I feel more stable and secure than ever. I am the happiest I have been in a long time and I feel like this whole season of not knowing what is around the corner is shaping me. There is purpose in this ‘broke ass’ time and there is hope that I’ll be blessed one day soon. Here is to 2018, let it be a year of self expression, purposeful mystery, personal revelation and pivotal moments.
0 Comments
This crazy path of getting back to Coffs Harbour started a year ago. I spent a week between Coffs and Byron Bay during a really dark time in my life. I was in such a bad headspace, doing stupid things and then my friend called me and said, “Hey, I feel like God has something for you here in Coffs, I’m buying your plane tickets”. I thought, “Sweet, free flights, it’s going to be a cool little holiday”. Little did I know how radically my life was going to turn around.
After that trip I had changed. I walked like I was completely weightless, I felt like I radiated something supernatural, I had no fear, people noticed how different I was and how even my eyes were different. I felt on fire and passionate about life and it all came down to Jesus. It was nothing I could have done in my own power. He had turned my life around and literally got me out of that dark place in the nick of time. I was on this massive spiritual high for a couple months and it was the most amazing time. Throughout the ongoing year I had revelations and moments where I knew I was being called to go back to New South Wales. I didn’t know where, when or how but I knew I needed to go because I felt like there was something there for me beyond what I could see. Life got in the way. A lot happened over that year, I lost a passion for my faith, I was in a relationship for most of the year and I didn’t seek after God anymore and yet God was still reminding me about a prophetic word someone gave me and this is it: “I can see you on a vessel and it was just you and God. There were wrapped gifts on this boat but you weren’t able to open them just yet. You had no idea where you were going but eventually you got to the destination. You were never afraid of the journey because you had God with you the whole time. Once you got off the boat God said, “Open those gifts”. I believe that this applies to me right now and what has been happening over that past month. I bought a one way ticket. The small steps we take today become the quantum leaps we take tomorrow. Booking a ticket is a small step but that flight can be the start of a pivotal season of my life. I gave God the reins and let him guide me. It took me a while to just let go of it all and give it to God. As soon as I did, it all fell into place. I was never afraid or stressed about my travelling. I knew that it was all going to work out and I was going to end up where I was supposed to be if this was the right time. So I did that one month of travelling up and down the East Coast of Australia and then I arrived in Coffs Harbour in NSW. I prayed and ask God to confirm if this is where I was supposed to be. It is so crazy to not have sight of what is in front of you but I know God sees that faith and blesses you. After I prayed really quick while I was driving around Coffs Harbour, a song turned on and these were the words, “I have finally found where I belong, this is home”. LIKE WHAT!?!!!! Isn’t that so amazing! I was with my friend at the time and we both just looked at each other in shock because we couldn’t believe that had happened. God had lead me to where I needed to be. I applied for jobs and I am still waiting to here back from them, I don’t know where I am going to be staying after this week but I know that God’s hand is over me. He has gotten me this far and I know he is faithful. Finance would be considered an ‘issue’ to someone in my position but I am not worried about a thing because I believe something will pull through. God is so good to me and I am so undeserving but he still wants to bless me and do life with me. It’s so cool! I don’t know what is ahead of me but I am ready for it and I am patient. I am waiting to unwrap those gifts and nothing can stop me from what God calls me to do in the future. Wavering health and little money can’t stop me from what I am about to propel into. God is greater than any issue I may face. So here it is officially.Coffs Harbour is my new home! 19/11/2017 1 Comment BLOG #7 : TRAVEL DIARY - BUNDABERGSomething I have appreciated a whole lot about travelling through Queensland so far would be seeing the different types of scenery. In Brisbane was cement buildings, bridges and a reflection of lights on the water. On the Sunshine Coast was blue water, bin chickens and scattered chips on the sand. Now Bundaberg, a massive rum bottle, tall sugar cane fields on either side of the road, fallen trees and branches from the previous storm and people wearing fluro singlets and pattern board shorts, as if fashion hasn’t changed since 2008. It’s amazing. The scenery is always changing and so is the culture.
On two of the nights I was in Bundaberg I went on a pub crawl with a couple of people. We started at a brewery and it actually reminded me of something Tasmania would have. It had massive wooden cable wheels that were used as tables, there were groovy pattern sofas, fairy lights strung across the ceiling and a rustic looking interior. The place is a craft beer joint which had jenga, barrel monkeys and other games you could play while having a drink. I actually enjoyed it, so if you happen to be in Bundaberg go check out ‘Bargara Brewing Company’, also known as ‘The Brewhouse’. Moving on. Beer progressed into trying rum and that then turned into staying out until 2AM dancing in a building that had two DJs and an acoustic set outside. I met a man called ‘Avo’ (which I doubt is his real name) who was wearing a witch hat and was dancing with a tiny broom. He proposed to me when I was walking past, of course I said yes, never to see him ever again. What a short lived love life. On the second night of testing local beer and rum I ended up meeting two people who welcomed me to join their crew for the night. I ended up convincing a group of seven Japanese Backpackers to come dance with us, they were a bit hesitant but I think that was because I was one of three people who were dancing in front of the DJ booth. The night went on and I met so many friendly locals who seemed so interested in knowing my little journey so far. I promise I did more than just dance while I was in Bundaberg! I did go do the touristy things like visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and the Bundaberg Barrel. I spent an afternoon on Bargara Beach eating ice-cream that ended up melting so quickly because of the heat. Out of everything that happened during my time in Bundaberg my favourite times were with an entrepreneur, investment home owning, travelling Australian dude that I feel like I have known forever. We ate mango and papaya on top of the old volcano, ‘Sloping Hummock’, then we grabbed some food and headed to the beach. Star gazing took place and so did a shooting star. I asked the star to bless me with a car or a job once I get to Coffs Harbour if that’s the place I am meant to stay in. He helped me realise that Bundaberg isn’t all that bad and for the whole time I have been in this town, I started to see it’s beauty. Surprisingly. I feel like it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, if you are with people who understand you and can appreciate your goals, you can feel content. On the second last day in Bundaberg I decided to go to the seaside and write. I have written through so many major events in my life and once things became positive I stopped. I have discovered that writing in good and bad can showcase my journey; from where I have been, where I am at and where I am going. I don't just mean this literally but also emotionally, spiritually and mentally. I think thats why I decided to blog, so that I can keep entries of something great that is happening in my life. I am hoping that this whole travelling thang is pivotal for my future. I think taking the risk to just go and do something I never thought I’d be ready for has the potential to propel me into something greater than what I can see right now. Step out, take risks and if that means going to Bundaberg out of all the places in the world for a week then do it, because it is so worth it. Another thing that is worthwhile would be wandering. I did that for a little while on one particular day and I came across this clean eating cafe. The first person I saw was a groovy, long haired brunette man who would be in his late 20’s - 30’s for sure. He was the barista and had an arm full of tattoos and had a nose ring, of course. I sat in this cafe for a while and blogged, drank a double shot, lactose free latte which tasted ideal and I admired their taste in music. The Smith Street Band and Lyall Moloney were a couple I picked up on. The people there had an amazing vibe and I could not believe the difference in people just within a 10 minute drive or even a 5 minute walk. Within the town of Bundaberg are bogans, stupid cars and grumpy looking people but then in Bargara are life loving baristas and smiles all around. I felt like I could be in that cafe forever. It reminded me of ‘Fundamental Espresso Bar’ in Devonport with a touch of Byron Bay community feel. I think this cafe is called ‘Kai Coffee’, well that’s what it says on the coffee cup anyways, or maybe it is called ‘The Journey’, I really cannot tell. I would highly recommend this place to anyone that had the chance to visit it. I’m sure I’ll find out if they have Instagram and end up tagging them in this post. (My apologies if the barista is reading this and is not in his 30’s, my bad dude but you do have sweet style). If I had to give advice to anyone who is visiting the Bundaberg region it would be this, get lost and wander, meet strangers and talk to them, they honestly have the best advice. Meet with locals or fellow travellers and find spots tourists don’t go to, talk to the staff at places you eat and drink at because no doubt they will give you a spot to visit next. Be touristy but also be local, you get the best of both worlds and you experience more. Seeya Bundy! I might come back for a coffee sometime in the distant future. Cars everywhere. In front of me, beside me, behind me, literally three or four lanes of traffic. I am behind the wheel being sandwiched by two semi trailers. My windows are down my hair is blowing everywhere and I let out a little scream because of the thrill of driving in a well populated area. That is how the beginning of my second adventure began.
Driving from Brisbane to Sunshine Coast in rush hour traffic was actually much easier than I imagined but it definitely was a level up from the Tasmania traffic I am used to. The drive was quite quick, only one hour and 20 minutes and seeing it wasn’t my car I didn’t want to change the music. So I literally listened to Gospel Hymns and Elvis Presley hit the speakers at some point, which I’m not complaining about. “Sunshine Coast is a Byron mood with a city twist”. @Fletchpukall (Follow him on instagram) BUT SERIOUSLY. It kind of is. I enjoyed where I was for those few days. The sun was hot and I was surrounded by groovy people but I feel like the town didn’t leave a big impression on me after I left. I spent time at the Mooloolaba Beach soaking up the rays and having one of those awkward Instagram shoots you do with your friends. I remember just laughing so much and feeling so positive about my choice to do this trip. On the first day I had Eggs Benedict and the hollandaise sauce was kale infused. Oh how hipster of me to eat kale infused sauce. I feel healthier already *sarcasm*. It was yummy of course and the waiter had that ‘I have served 42 vegans today, I am chill and I wear cool glasses’ sort of vibe that every groovy cafe has. Pretty sure I saw someone checking out his bum but you do you girl. After eating and tanning I proceeded to enjoy the views of classy beach couples having brunch, holding hands and walking their dogs plus I saw 20 Jeeps and other cliche cars driving around. Mooloolaba was interesting in a good way, I liked pretending I was local. My evenings there consisted of drinking red wine, sitting underneath a fan because I was sweating more than I ever have in my life and also was consumed by repacking my suitcase. I was a week into my travels and I had already packed and repacked so many times. As much as its so nice to live minimally and only with the essentials, I do miss having a place for everything. Who knows how long it will be until I can have a wardrobe to fill and a place to call home but until then, I am keen to have a messy suitcase, dry hair and bathing suit tan lines. 13/11/2017 0 Comments blog #5 : Travel diary - BrisbaneI landed into Brisbane on the 4th November at 7.30PM local time, My Great Uncle was waiting for me at the arrival gate. Stepping out of the plane was a shocker because I literally felt like my skin and my phone screen turned wet because of the humidity. It was completely different from where I was just 2.5 hours prior to landing.
Only a couple things made me miss Tasmania on that first night; the smell of chlorine when having a shower and the drinking water. The water tasted rank because of how treated it was. The following day, Sunday 5th November, I went to the church I was dedicated in as a baby. I grew up in Brisbane until I was 8 or 9 (cannot remember oops) and it was actually super nice to be back where I have so many memories. My cousin and his girlfriend came and picked me up afterwards and we went to ‘Frenchie’s Cafe’. GUESS WHAT! You can bring your dog along while you eat food and grab a coffee. It was brilliant because I was surrounded by dogs and I could not believe that they had a menu dedicated to food for our dog. That’s not all, when the waitress brought over table water they also brought over a dog bowl full of water so your doggy doesn't get left out. I was in heaven! I cannot believe that it’s a real thing. Anyways, I went to the park afterwards for a walk and ended up catching up with some more family which was amazing. I hadn’t seen them for roughly 3 years so that was real special. Later in the afternoon I got to meet up with a childhood best friend and I swear we have been apart for 10 years but as soon as we were together it felt like nothing had changed and we still had the same amount of love for each other. We ate Acai bowls and went ‘window shopping’ which actually was me spending my Sunshine Coast budget on new pants and a top. They are mint though so, no regrets. I talked with her for what seemed like 15 minutes but really, it was close to four hours. I can’t wait to see her more often and go to the coast together and eventually do a trip to Tasmania when we both get the chance. My time in Brisbane was only short but that’s kind of good because I’m not really interested in the city life. Next stop, Sunshine Coast. Disclaimer: I have already been to Sunny Coast but I am so slow at putting up these blogs! I’ll be posting the Sunshine Coast Travel Diary tomorrow! (14th November) |
|