6 Things I learned in Thailand

I wake in a strange bed — alone. Outside, the view is beautiful. I can feel the air. I can taste the air. I can smell the air. I take a moment to be still. I feel the soft, warm breeze on my cheek. The air is thick and heavy. I taste the hot, strong coffee set before me on the brown thatched table. I smell…what is it? The sea. The smell: it makes me feel free.  Free and light, despite the heaviness of the humid air. This is my first morning in Koh Samui, Thailand.

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There is so much I want to share about my scent inspired journey in Thailand thanks to Ambi Pur.  I’ll share more come October. What I do want to tell you in this post is what I learned while I was away.

1. Being on your own

Recently, I travelled with Naomi from Seven Cherubs to a blogger event. In the course of our conversation, Naomi told me she goes away, on her own, for a weekend once a year (since she is not breastfeeding anymore).  This gives her time to think about her family unit, each one of the kids, her husband and step back for a moment and make  objective plans for the future. You know, I have never thought about doing this before. While my days were very full while I was in Thailand, I still had time on my own to be quiet and think. Think about where my kids were at and make some plans for the rest of the year.  Making time to step back for a day or two each year could be a wonderful tradition!

2. Change your perspective

Just before I left for Thailand, I was in a bit of a rut.  I felt like the kids were constantly misbehaving and I was being reactive.  I was so hoping they would not be a problem for their grandparents while I was gone.  I received this SMS:

Kel ur kids r such good kids. They r looking 4ward 2 cing u and lv u very much. 

Sometimes, I’m so overwelmed in the situation I’m in, I fall into the trap of focusing on the negatives. My kids are lovely gorgeous people, they are full on — yes, but very special.  I was glad to be reminded of that.

3. Be Yourself

I was delighted to be able to spend a few days with Eden from Edenland (the other blogger on the trip).  What strikes me about Eden, is she IS Eden. I don’t think it would matter if she was in the presence of the Queen, she would still be who she is (and I love that!). No pretenses. This is SUCH a refreshing thing. I think this is one of the reasons why Eden’s blog is so successful: she is real and relatable.  Be brave enough to be yourself.

{Eden makes you laugh}

{Eden is Eden and I think she is gorgeous}

4. Loving Adventure

I love adventure, learning new things and having new experiences. Going away confirmed this to me.  It also made me determined to share adventure with my children.  An exciting life doesn’t have to end when children come on the scene, it just changes. In fact, I’ve found so enjoyment sharing adventure with my kids. You can read more in this post: 15 Adventurous Things To Do With Kids.

5. The gift of being

Little sweet things, like celebrating many of the Love the Moment challenges, are so important.  They are simple, yet bring much sophistication to everyday life.  In a strange way, it’s the simple things that bring a complex richness to life.  I love finding ways to bring this very thing to my everyday.

On the first day I was in Thailand, I was able to concentrate on what I was feeling. For example, the feeling of sand under my feet. It was beautiful and now, I can recall the memory fondly.

The next day I focused on what I could see. And everywhere I looked, there was colour, shadow and movement. I took a moment to watch a graceful white flower float over the ripples of the blue water.

Feeling, being, loving, giving; it’s a gift — treasure it.

6. I always want to come home

I feel privileged to have this experience; I loved it!  I saw amazing places, did wonderful things and met inspiring people! However, do you know what I said to my daughter when I got home? I said, “I did amazing things over in Thailand but nothing compares with coming home to you.”  I want my kids to know that they are the absolute most amazing thing in my life. Going to Thailand helped me realise how much of a treasure my family is.

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I must say goodbye now.  I sip my soda water as I look out at the different shades of blue in the water before me.  The sound of the waves rhythmically kissing the sand is soothing. I think to myself: I may never be on these shores again. I may never see this exact view again. These are not a morbid thoughts, but are hopeful. I imprint the memory of what I see in my mind’s eye so I can recall it again. Tomorrow is always a mystery… 

Love the Moment

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