Some thoughts on camping

 

 

This post has been simmering for a while, as I found I originally wrote it in a negative, whingy tone. Sitting on it for a few days allowed me to re-frame it, in a positive light.

I took a week off work at the start of June, and we decided to go camping by the North Devon Coast. We had gorgeous weather, bright blue skies, and spent all day outdoors.

We camped for three nights, cooked our own breakfast and dinner by the tent, surfed, walked and basked in the sunshine.

It was truly refreshing. One, we spent time outdoors in the sunshine, had lots of time to relax, and no work to worry about, or get up for. Perfect.

Second, it gave me a tiny peek into what minimalist living is like. I’ve never really considered it before, because I’ve never camped as an aspiring minimalist. Before, just getting out of the city was awesome.

 

This time was different

I noticed the following after I returned home to my flat full of stuff:

- I don’t need a lot of stuff to entertain myself, for days. I had my journal, my camera, and a book to read. Those are my 3 favourite things, aside from crafting.

- Being limited to a single tiny gas stove made cooking breakfast a very slow process, but I loved it because there was nothing to hurry for. I could sit on the blanket outside the tent, quietly stirring the porridge while watching the bunnies hopping about on the grass.

- I am happiest outdoors. Stepping out of the stifling heat of the tent onto the grass at 7.30 am was delightful. I took my journal and pen, sat down, felt the fresh morning breeze on my face, and admired the beauty of the surrounding countryside. The picture above is my view from outside the tent.

- Being outdoors from 7.30am to 10pm made me feel healthy. Both physically, with plenty of fresh air and activity; and mentally, helping me to have a more positive outlook.

- I cooked, washed up, tidied and put away - activities that I try to avoid at home. Less stuff to maintain, more motivation to clean up?

A short holiday with so many life lessons. Awesome!

I’ll be thinking of some of the ways I can apply these lessons to my daily life and I shall return with those soon!  I also have a tonne of photos to look through and I'll be sure you to show you the best ones here!

Over to you

Have you been on holiday lately? What is different about holidays for you, compared to home? Are there ways in which you can bring the holiday feeling home? I'd love to hear from you in the comments :)