My favorite part... I gave myself the experience. I gave myself permission to splurge and do one expensive activity in the Adventure Capitol. I had put money aside back home specifically for this. A lifelong dream. I jumped off the Kawarau Bridge - the original bridge and first commercial bungy in the world created by A.J. Hackett in 1988. It was everything I had cracked it up to be in my mind... And more.
Queenstown filled me with adrenaline rushes, new experiences, and an appreciation for the simplicity of sipping a warm chard on a grey-pebbled lakeshore after a day of laughter and excitement. I did yoga on the beach nearly every day, stayed in Adventure Queenstown Hostel (rated as one of the top hostels in the world, nonetheless New Zealand - and let me tell you... It did not disappoint,) I made friends and ran around barefoot, I pierced my nose, I jumped off a bridge with a cord tied ‘round my ankles, I took a break from the hiking and rested my blistered feet and black and blue toenails, I blew money I didn't think I could afford to lose – till I laughed and remembered that the concept of money is just paper floating around in front of our eyes.
One of the themes of the hostel I stayed in, was not to spend money on possessions, but on experiences. How true this is! I am quickly learning out here, that laughing across the table from friends at night over a simple pie, soaring through the air like a bird, boating down the peaceful and sacred Fiordlands, and buying myself chocolate when life is just too much to bear… All means so much more when I literally only have the clothes on my back. I have no more than 1 of each item of clothing (other than 4 skimpies and 3 pairs of socks to cover my little feet, of course.) I can't remember the last time I purchased makeup, shoes, lotion, shampoo... And I am happier than I have ever been.
Experiences don't even have to cost money! I think so often we lose sight of experiences to be had in this moment in time... This very moment... As we scrimp and save, trying to have experiences later on. Of course, saving for adventures is of great importance! As that is what allowed me to quit my job and travel for however many months my small savings will last me. However, how many adventures are lurking just outside our front doors... Whether in the sparkling concrete of the city, the rocks and brilliant wildflowers of the mountains, the splashing 'round with fish in the nearest ice cold lake, the views of rooftops or neighbor's windows or children jumping on trampolines from our balconies, the balls of snow waiting to be thrown, waves waiting to be surfed, or body-boarded, or even just laid in... This world is so big, and so wide, and our neighborhoods and hills and mountains and cities have so many hidden treasures - just waiting to be discovered.
1 meter, 1 mile, lightyears away... It doesn't matter. Adventure is waiting. EXPLORE!
I learned another very important lesson in Queenstown.
The importance of family. While life is meant for laughing, and there is so much fun to be had, there is nothing in the world that can replace family. And being on your own, thousands of miles from home, when family hardships occur… Is painstakingly heart wrenching. Traveling alone truly teaches you how to comfort yourself.
The Universe watched me struggle to care for myself, watched as I turned to past methods of coping, only to find I became even more alone after going back to him... And sent me Angels to break my fall.
Silvia is one of those Angels. Little did she know, when she jumped onto the ledge overlooking the beach, of which I was sobbing under below, nearly kicking me in the head would start a much needed friendship and connection that got us both through several extremely rough days. Emma is another Angel given to me by the Queen of Adventure. Forcing me to get out and laugh. Squeezing me till I thought I would burst. I love these two women. So grateful for the energies watching out for me.
More in my next blog post. #WWTD