5 weeks holiday from work - Days 3-5 a trip to the beach

Sunset over Wallaga Lake

Day 3 -5
I headed south to spend a few peaceful days alone at the beach.  I found a delightful retreat via Airbnb that fit my needs perfectly. The farm is quiet, on a lake, 5 minutes from a wild and wonderful beach and run by a delightful couple. I kayaked every day admiring the pelicans, pied cormorants, black swans, ducks, herons and oyster catchers that call the lake home. I got up close and personal with large jellyfish too.  I existed on flat bread, hommous, yoghurt and fruit and was happier for the simple fare.


Kayaking around Lake Cuttagee


My holiday cottage at Tranquility Farm, Cuttagee



Early morning kayaking on Little Lake Cuttagee

The sunrises were as pretty as the sunsets this week.

The afternoons I spent walking along the beach, taking photos, collecting stones and sea glass.

I needed these days away. As much as starting with housework this trip was about setting the tone for my break from work. Breaking routine, starting new healthy habits and just being. Not trying to deliver what anyone else needed was a powerful tonic for me.

5 things Wednesday: ways to unwind after work

Work is challenging at the moment. Its always busy but there seem to be many looming deadlines right now. I got home late and feel quite wired up.

That has motivated me to actively think about ways to unwind. The simple answer woud be to meditate but who can easily sit still after a day on the go, really. Not me.  I'm going to recommend 5 ways to unwind gradually and gently.

1. Have a light, easy but nutritious dinner.
All the way driving home I thought of delicious but elaborate choices for dinner. Realistically I did not have the energy for anything complicated or the desire to spend long cooking after arriving home at 7pm. So mushrooms on toast with baby spinach, rocket, walnuts and a little haloumi alongside a poached egg hit the spot. Its mid week and there's work tomorrow so water not wine is the order of the day. I have to get up and go quickly in the morning. Tonight is about nurturing.

2. Light candles
Candles are so relaxing. The ambiant light discourages lots of running around doing housework. I have a rose scented soy candle so I have set that melting too to give a lovely spring fragrance to the house.

3. Watch something soothing, listen to music and read a book.
After dinner put on a favourite show that is soothing and comforting. No raucous laughter or action. Just something lovely. As you start to unwind, you can swap the show for music. When feeling a little calmer pick up a book and allow yourself time to sit and read.

4. Soak your feet
Pamper yourself while reading. I like to soak my feet in a basin of hot water with a generous splash of tea tree oil. The oil is antiseptic which is good and the combination seems to just wash away the tension. I can't explain it but I highly recommend trying it.

5. Spend a few minutes in a meditative mood before bed.
Now that you are unwinding, are fed, your senses have been soothed with music and candles you are ready to let go of the day. Take a journal or a notepad and list 10 things you love about life.

If you will excuse me now I need to go take my own advice. I have had dinner, candles are on as is some light jazz so my foot soak and list writing await.

I'd love to know what simple steps you take to let go of the day. Please leave me a comment.

5 things Wednesday - keeping a visual journal

I keep a written journal and a visual journal. I was however horrified to discover today that I had not made an entry in my visual journal all year. I did not expect that at all.  I packed a basket full of collage materials, glue, scissors and crayons and went out into the sunshine.

 I covered a piece of black cardboard with season inspired images and motivational words. As this particular visual board is about keeping me working on my dreams, I added an envelope in which to tuck notes outlining my actions and successes.  I used photos from magazines as well as silk flowers, leaves and stickers from cheap shops and craft suppliers.

This will go on the wall in my studio.

5 ideas for keeping a visual journal or dream board

 1. The other pages from my journal are varied according to my mood. They include inspiring magazine pictures.

2.  Or materials from craft shops like these coloured leaves glued onto a simple painted background.

3. Believe in my dreams - silk flowers and transfer flowers.

 4. Paper cutouts work well. The word journey here is cut out from a colour copy of a street directory map.

5. The visual journal gives you the chance to experiment and explore. No creative talent is needed. This is a free space to play and feel free. Cheap paints work just fine in a sketch book.

Just be yourself.

I have never shared this pages before. How do you stay inspired? Do you let your inner child out to play?  Please share your story.