lessons – Mindful Miss T.

Miss T, here!

I’ve been on quite the adventure for the last 18 days…

But,

I’m finally back and ready to take on the world!

On vacation, I visited different places all around British Columbia, Canada.

(If you’ve never been, I highly recommend planning your next road trip there!)

My boyfriend and I drove around from inland B.C. all the way to the west coast where I got the see the ocean for the first time – Yes, I said FIRST time.

We saw the mountains landscape change. We visited friends. We relaxed on beaches and found solitude in the forests…

Like I said, it was quite the adventure!

I’m always grateful for adventures – Especially with my travel partner by my side.

This time… I’m feeling extra grateful!

Grateful for the reset, but also grateful for insights I had while on my trip.

Some insights were things I had realized before, but vacation provided a gentle reminder.

Others were complete revelations!

Today, I’d like to share these insights with you!

Maybe you can relate because you’ve had similar insights from your last vacation.

Or maybe, it’s been a while and you could use the reminder too.

So… Here it goes!

5 Lessons Learned From My Travels Across B.C.:

#1: Get Outside!

And as often as you can! Connect with nature and Mother Earth. Spending time reconnecting to our natural roots is healing for the mind, body and soul. It’s a beautiful way to reset.

I knew this before, and I am reminded again by the way I feel now. I am reinvigorated and feeling ready to take on the world!

#2: Reconnect with Friends (Or Make New Ones)!

Distance is not a good reason to lose touch. But don’t beat yourself up if you have lost touch… It’s never to late to reconnect! And road trips are the PERFECT way to do just that! We managed to get 3 different visits in during our time in B.C. and I’m so glad we did!!

What if you don’t have friends in other places? Make NEW friends! Get yourself out there and connect! Chances are, you’ll run into friendly locals or even some who are on their own travels. You just never know what friends you might find! They may even become friends for life! Connection is fulfilling. And a human necessity.

Meeting NEW friends at Shambhala Music Festival!

#3: Challenge Yourself!

Try new things and get outside of your comfort zone. Whatever that looks like to you! Maybe its reading a different genre of book than you usually do, or maybe its going zip lining or bungee jumping! Challenging yourself and facing fears is a rewarding experience.

During our trip to B.C., we found ourselves visiting a friend in Vancouver who took us on a WILD bike ride around the coast! We had just been at a music festival and needless to say, we were NOT in the shape to ride that distance in our one speed bikes… 😛 BUT, we did it anyways! No regrets!

During the wild bike ride around the coast with our good friend, Rich!

#4: Harness Your Inner Child With Play!

Play is SO important! – Yes, for adults too! We often get too busy in our work and homes lives that play takes a seat on the back burner on our priorities. But it shouldn’t! Play is essential for our wellbeing. And while on vacation – with no responsibilities and no pressing deadlines – is the PERFECT time to get some play in.

Remember, play looks different for us all depending on what you find fun and what nourishes your soul. For me, play looks like dancing to loud bass-y music in the sunshine surrounded by others harnessing their inner child too. Its okay to be a little silly sometimes. Let loose and let your inner child out!!

Harnessing our inner-children at Shambhala Music Festival!

#5: Scrap Your Calendar (And Phone While You’re At It)!

Who cares what day or time it is when you’re on vacation?! It’s not important! Be present in the moment and cut off your ties with the outside world – As much as you can anyways (You may want to check in or set an alarm when it’s time to go home though :P). Typically, I have a very rigid and strict schedule, but on vacation I’m able to take a break from that rigidity. There’s something exciting about not knowing what time it is other than looking at where the sun is in the sky to decide. Its freeing.

I also choose to put my phone away, with the exception of using my phone to take the odd photo. In fact, my phone was on airplane mode the majority of the time. I didn’t need anything to distract me from the beautiful vacation I was experiencing. I was living in the moment. And I suggest you do too!

Last stop on our trip – Canyon Creek in Golden, B.C.

I hope you found something of value here!

Wishing you all the best on YOUR next vacation!

With love,

Miss T.

Working in a school, it was my job to help teach kids.

But as I reflect on the last 7 years, I’ve come to realize they taught me too…

In fact, I might have learned more from them than they did from me!

We can ALL learn from kids… As long as we are open to the possibility.

***We can* *look to our kids as teachers.***

Here are 7 remarkable lessons that I learned from spending my days with kids:

#1: Be Fearless

Kids are courageous! They inspire me with their willingness to try new things. They don’t let failure keep them down. They get back up and try again. Those brave little beings…

#2: Look For the Good In People

Kids don’t judge others. They are always willing to put their trust in people. They are understanding. Kids give others the benefit of the doubt. I’ve seen more kids willing to help others – regardless of their circumstances.

#3: Its Always the Perfect Time For a Dance Party

Dance, play, BE SILLY! They understand the importance of playing and having fun. Oh, and their imaginations…! Imaginative play is wonderful for enhancing problem solving skills! I know a handful of adults who could harness their inner-child a little more… 😛

#4: Notice the Little Things in Life

Kids are super aware. They pay attention to all the minor details. They see things that adults don’t.“Look! A lady bug!!!” They will be enchanted with that lady bug for hours… They appreciate the simple things in life.

#5: It’s Okay To Cry

In fact, its okay to let any emotion out. Kids do this naturally. They aren’t afraid to cry or scream. They don’t bottle up their emotions. They are great teachers at letting it out and moving on.

#6: Trust Your Gut

Kids are wonderful at following their instincts. They listen to what their bodies are telling them. They don’t let misleading information distract them from making the right decision… They feel in their gut.

#7: Everyday Is a New Day

This is a big one… Kids don’t hold onto things that adults do. They forgive themselves and others with ease. They can move on. They understand that each new day is a fresh start and they don’t carry the past with them.

We could all learn a thing or two from the kiddos in our lives…

What sorts of things have kids taught you?

I sure am grateful for the lessons they taught me!