July 11, 2016

EVERYDAY MOMENTS | CAMPING.


I went camping last weekend--for the first time in, I don't know, maybe 10-15 years? The first time I went camping, a bee's nests and weird things in the river convinced me that camping was not for this girl over here. But after this trip, I am SO glad I stepped out and did something so crazy and spontaneous.

I'm a control freak and planner. I like to have things written out in as much detail as possible and I like to have control over what happens. So when my boyfriend's bag of clothes was stolen on the first day, we were all thrown for a loop. It was a humbling experience, learning experience, and reminder that you just never know what will happen and that you've got to make the most of what you've got.

So after doing a little last-minute clothes shopping (so grateful I wasn't the one with clothes stolen!), we explored beaches. We ate roasted marshmallows after the sun went down. I met (and liked) his best friend and his best friend's wife. We took turns using my camera. We almost got lost in the Redwoods. We froze waiting for the sun to go down for 4th of July fireworks (thanks to chilly coastal breezes in the PNW!). My clothes smelled of our daily campfires (the best!). My hair was beachy and full of bedhead. And we ate lots of cereal and drank lots of iced chai.

Each day's schedule was totally unplanned. Totally spur of the moment. And a definite jump out of my comfort zone.

But it was so very, very good. This summer, I've learned that there is power in letting go. There's freedom in flying by the seat of your pants (most of the time, that is). There's fun to be found when you've got no plans in store. I learned that unplugging from the internet and my phone (I didn't charge it once in that three day span and left that day with it still at 40%!) is freeing.

So I'm writing this to remind myself that there's power in saying yes to new adventures. And that there's freedom in letting go. In fact, you can actually find relaxation and peace from being spontaneous! And most of all, that you've got to challenge yourself--mentally, physically, and spiritually.

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© IN ITS TIMEMaira Gall