I think the biggest thing I’m learning through this experience is how to slow down.  Now of course it’s significantly easier to make time for slowing down when you’re not employed and have nothing BUT time to frolic at leisure.  But, what I think I’m really learning is how important, necessary and (maybe?) easy it is to bring into your everyday life – it just becomes a matter of shifting priorities and recognizing the power just 5minutes can have. I spent a lot of time on my own last year, working on myself, growing, healing, learning – but I think I was too focused on “doing” rather than just “being.”  

I think the experiences I had last year were incredibly important, and valuable, and ultimately put me in the direction I’ve always wanted to head, but I think slowing down might be the thing that is the next focus for me as I move through this next chapter.  Taking more time to notice the little things, connecting more to my values, challenging myself in more mindful ways rather than always looking for “what’s next,” becoming more attentive of my mind and body to discover what it’s really capable of.  Ultimately, investing time into my wellbeing.

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I’ve had a really beautiful and adventurous week, filled with solitude in the mountains, and community back in the city.

I hiked the Tarn Shelf loop in Mount Field National Park and my goodness was it ever stunning!  It turned out to be just under 15km and 571m of elevation gain – overall body was feeling pretty good. The first half of the loop was completely uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, while the second half took me through a variety of forests.  Managed to complete it in just under 4.5 hours, leaving me with plenty of time in the evening to relax.

The coolest bucket list item got checked off this evening – there’s a short little trail from the Mount Field Campground to Russell Fall’s, and just before the falls there’s a fenced off section where you can witness glow worms!  This felt like such a childlike magical experience as I reminisced on my love and intrigue for fairies when I was little.  It’s experiences like this that remind you just how beautifully magical this world really is, how important it is that we protect these wild spaces, and how much wonder curiosity can bring you.

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The next morning, I finished my book “Care” by Brooke McAlary (a really beautiful book I’ll definitely be reading again and recommend everyone should read) and took what started as just a little stroll to see Russell Falls in daylight, turned to a 7km round trip to view a few more waterfalls.  I honestly just started walking with no real intentions for anything specific, other than to explore, move my body, and see where I ended up.

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March 2nd I think has been one of my most favourite days so far for such a variety of reasons.

1. I finally learned how to belay a top rope climb outside AND how to belay a lead climb!

2. I spent more time existing in the moments and enjoying them as they were, without feeling the need to document all the little moments. (Meaning I have no photos from my first outdoor climb lol)

3. I was reminded of the beauty and importance of community and connecting with people, being fully present, and the power of cooking a good meal (dessert included) with friends, for friends.

Sam spent a good few hours showing me the ropes of outdoor climbing (shitty pun very much intended hehe) on a rock-face just 5min from their house! It mostly consisted of harder routes rating 20+, but I did manage to complete the 17 and one of the 21’s! I’ve spent the last few year’s gym bouldering on and off, and let me tell you… outdoor top rope climbing is a whole other experience and a sport I may have fallen in love with… (maybe I’ll write a separate post on my experience before I turn this week’s update into a full novel…).

Then Sam and I got groceries together to cook dinner+dessert for the rest of the house! Something I’ve really admired and loved about Alissa’s house is how much thoughtfulness her and her roommates put into their time together, especially for dinners. Schedules don’t often line up for doing big outings, but it’s so normal for someone to say “hey I’m making this for dinner, wanna join?” and they’ll just pool their groceries together and take turns cooking for one another on the nights they’re all home.  It’s so simple, and maybe a lot more normalized in other homes than I realize – but for me, I feel like I’m experiencing it for the first time, and it makes me reflect on how important little moments like this are for your happiness and mental health.  

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I pride myself on how independent I am, my ability to be comfortable/thrive on my own, and how much a value my alone time.  But life requires balance – meaning for me, having these small, intimate moments of connection with people who were strangers just 3 weeks ago, and have now become lifelong friends, is crucial to me living my life to its absolute fullest.   And what better way to do that than cooking (quite possibly the best) vegan burgers and baking delicious caramel chocolate hazelnut banana’s for dessert (it was incredible, I still drool thinking about it lol), and laughing at all the Shrek jokes that went over your head as a kid.

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The next couple days involved more errands, van fixes, quality naps, lots of walking, cutting my own hair, guitar playing, more great food + movies, first yoga class at Equalise studio, and ending the week on a challenging short hike on Mount Wellington with another beautiful sunset dinner.

This upcoming week is looking like much of the same as I make the most of my last month here in Tasmania.  Crazy to think it’s already (and only?!) been 3 weeks here!

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For those who actually make it through these posts, I’d love to know what type of format you’d like these updates in! Do you like the detailed descriptions of my days? More sparknote versions of my week? Would you prefer separate, more detailed posts on highlighted topics + adventures? I have SO much more I want to share, but am of course mindful of what may or may not be enjoyable for others to read.  Your feedback is always super valuable and helps me get a better idea of what you guys want out of these posts and what type of content you’re interested in!

Stay passionate and curious,
Hunter 💛