The weeks since she's been gone have been reflective as we've shared stories with loved ones and celebrated her life. My desire to spend a longer period of time in NZ is now stronger than ever. I can't help but think of Mum's words of not to let anyone or anything stand in my way of making that happen.
I want to see more of the countryside and revisit some of my favourite places too. I want to take my time and soak it all up. I long to rest a while there, find my place in the local community, do something different and give my heart time to heal.
I spoke with my cousin who lives in the North Island and had been close to Mum. They hadn't seen each other in recent years and my cousin was quite shocked to hear of Mum's passing. It was good to have a quick catch up by phone and the invitation to visit any time was extended to me too - come visit, bring the family, we have lots of room. I remember this same invite from when I was a child.
I think the time has come to look at taking this invite up. My cousin lives at the opposite end of the country to where I would like to settle but what a great reason to see more of the North Island. A part of me feels like I need to do this for Mum too. To follow up on that one thing she always wanted to do.
So it's with this in mind and a deep longing for change that I have begun to put solid plans in place to move ahead with making my dreams a reality. It feels right and I have a sense the changes will bring the opportunity to soothe and heal my soul.
Now the decision is made and plans are coming together, amongst the feeling of butterflies in my stomach about what I'm doing, there's also a great excitement and I am so looking forward to this experience.
It involves a big leap of faith, however, leaps of faith are something I've done before so when those fluttery feelings come up I review my plans and remind myself, you've got this!
I want to enjoy a summer by the lake, kayak on the sunny warm days and explore the many walking tracks.
I want to see the glorious changing colours of the leaves as autumn arrives and to walk among the leaves around the lake.
I want to see the snowfall, touch a snowflake with my tongue, maybe make a snow angel and take another scenic chair lift ride up the snow covered mountains.
And last but not least, I want to see and smell the blossoms that greet the spring.
A full year, experiencing each season, exploring more of the beautiful surroundings, this time finding my place as a member of the community rather than as a visitor.
If there was any possible way I could be there now, I would be. The time can't come soon enough! In the meantime, it's about patience as I go about putting everything in place for this to happen, being comforted by the fact it won't be too long now.
Note - the summer and autumn photos are not my own.
So it's with this in mind and a deep longing for change that I have begun to put solid plans in place to move ahead with making my dreams a reality. It feels right and I have a sense the changes will bring the opportunity to soothe and heal my soul.
Now the decision is made and plans are coming together, amongst the feeling of butterflies in my stomach about what I'm doing, there's also a great excitement and I am so looking forward to this experience.
It involves a big leap of faith, however, leaps of faith are something I've done before so when those fluttery feelings come up I review my plans and remind myself, you've got this!
I want to enjoy a summer by the lake, kayak on the sunny warm days and explore the many walking tracks.
I want to see the glorious changing colours of the leaves as autumn arrives and to walk among the leaves around the lake.
I want to see the snowfall, touch a snowflake with my tongue, maybe make a snow angel and take another scenic chair lift ride up the snow covered mountains.
And last but not least, I want to see and smell the blossoms that greet the spring.
A full year, experiencing each season, exploring more of the beautiful surroundings, this time finding my place as a member of the community rather than as a visitor.
If there was any possible way I could be there now, I would be. The time can't come soon enough! In the meantime, it's about patience as I go about putting everything in place for this to happen, being comforted by the fact it won't be too long now.
Note - the summer and autumn photos are not my own.
