#CampMagic
And I was off on my first solo trip since becoming a mother – “Prosecco please!” I said to the flight attendant with glee. Happy 40th birthday to me!
After deciding to leave the guilt and the worry behind, I knew it would be nothing short of amazing. It was just what the doctor ordered. My sister, Lauren, and my nephew, happened to be in that part of the country when I was arriving, so they made the drive to surprise me at the airport. It was so awesome! My sister is 2 for 2 on epic birthday surprises with me. Plus, I also got to spend time with my eldest sister and her family, which doesn’t happen very often and I got to attend my niece's 17th birthday dinner, so that all made the trip extra special as well.
As for camp, I finally met the leader of Stratejoy, my mentor since 2013, and she did not disappoint. It was never even a worry, because I have never met someone who is more authentic online and in person as she is. What you see is what you get in the best way possible. The women I met at camp, many of whom I have interacted with in this online community for years, are spectacular humans from all walks of life. Everything about this environment was magical, loving and supportive. There was time for silence and reflection, being in nature, deep conversations, campfires, rock wall-climbing and being brave, swimming in the lake, a bit of woo, sing-alongs, s’mores, silliness, glitter and dance parties; plus all the things any inner child would love, like arts & crafts (I am now obsessed with alcohol ink art and pom pom crowns), making wishes, jumping on lake trampolines and eating Golden Grahams for breakfast just because I could.
Being at this camp and part of this wonderful community has taught me some very key lessons (most are still a work in progress for me):
It is important to find your tribe. This also means speaking your truth and following your heart in the world, so your tribe knows how to find you (equally important).
Time for yourself (to just be and enjoy life) should be non-negotiable. And it is your responsibility to make time for this.
Be generous with loving words. It really is true that a kind word can change a life. If you have something genuinely nice to say, don’t hold back. Or write someone a loving note and see how it can light up their world.
Let silliness and bravery abound (for some people allowing themselves to be silly is brave)! Both are key to living a life with more ease and more growth, two things I know we can always use more of in our lives.
It’s okay to ask for what you need. This is easier said than done, but how will people ever know if you need help with something if you never make it known?
Be open and be kind. We don’t all come from the same backgrounds and beliefs, but we all have stories of loss, pain and fear in common, which means we also have vulnerability, love and hope in common. Keeping an open mind and kindness in your heart can lead to life-changing interactions and experiences.
Be gentle with yourself and with others. We are all going through daily struggles, the ups and downs of life. Most stories about situations are ones we make up in our heads, so why not give each other the benefit of the doubt and choose the good ones whenever possible?
Some of these things will come more naturally to each of us than others, but they are all worth pursuing. I am wishing you all a bit of #CampMagic in your life. Now let’s dance!
*My amazing trip would not have been possible without the support of my dear husband who was super dad with the kids along with his mum who also helped out while I was away. Thank you!