Goodbye another Summer

Posted on by Miriam

Your rays lifted my moods
when grey clouds reined.
Strong beams sustained me
through languid days.

Tides roll out
Autumn colors waiting to meet
others long for your warmth
while I welcome sweet relief.

If these melancholic words sound familiar it’s because I wrote them this time last year, on the last day of summer. It had been a hot and humid season and I was relishing the prospect of cooler days.

My life was languishing. Job prospects were low, my mood was up and down, grief still had a hold and my horizons weren’t clear. Aside from a planned road trip mid year my intentions were obscure.

What a difference a year makes.

Fast forward to today, twelve months later and my world feels entirely different.

Today I feel more sure of myself and what I want to achieve.

I feel more calm and centred and more focused than I have in a long time.

Don’t get me wrong. I still have my off days, who doesn’t, but when I wake up now I make a conscious decision to focus on what I have, what I can work towards, on what is still to come.

I’ve immersed myself in an intensive online training course which is challenging me. I’ve made new connections that are propelling me forward and I’ve got articles out there waiting to be published and proposals in the pipeline.

Travel is currently on hold with hub constantly interstate for work but I’m grateful for what we’ve already done this summer.

We saw the first sunrise of the year at Yanakie and we’ve camped in some beautiful places, with more to come.

But summer wasn’t just about getting out and about.

It was a time of coming full circle for me as finally we’re selling mum’s house, my old family home, an inevitable but emotional decision.

Clouds on the last day of Summer

There’s so much change in my life at the moment.

So much movement in the air.

But that’s the cycle of life isn’t it? Familiarity is our comfort zone but it’s the challenges that we grow through that bring the biggest changes.

It reminds me that everything has a season and a reason. And that in time everything passes and through it we grow and lessons are learned.

And we move on.

This morning, on the last balmy day of summer, I walked the same route with Harry that I walk most days.

The path is the same but there’s always something different along the way. Changing reflections in the water, abundant bird-life in the wetlands, new people to say hello to and a different sky above me.

Nothing stays the same, that’s the law of nature.

Clouds shift, birds move on, new songs are sung and the winds of change keep blowing.

It’s in the little details that we find joy.

This conversation I had with my 17yo son this morning sums up the general vibe in my household at the moment.

I’ve been on a decluttering mission lately and, in the car he noticed the sleeping bags on the back seat, waiting to be taken to the Op Shop.

img_3391

Daniel: Why are you taking these to the Op shop?

Me: They’re not useful any more. They’re lightweight and small.

Daniel: That doesn’t really define our family right now does it?

Whoah!

Love the air of optimism and positivity that surrounds me.

Life feels expansive and BIG and I’ll admit it, a bit scary. There’s a lot of unknown territory in front of me right now but, unlike in the past, I won’t let fear stop me from stepping out.

On the contrary, I feel more motivated than ever.

I hope you can feel it. I hope you can feel the momentum of the year as the energy propels us out of one cycle and into another.

Seasons change through nature and, like nature, we change with them, it’s inevitable. Whatever you’re going through in your life, know that it’s for a reason and it’s fleeting.

If it’s good savour it, relish every second, and if it hurts, know it will pass.

Wherever you are in the world I wish you focus, clarity and courage to go after what you want. Chase those rainbows.

Remember, whatever the season, it’s up to us to make our own sunshine and to step into it.

My silhoette at Port Germein (800x600)

Summer might be over in Australia but as far as I’m concerned the future looks brighter than ever.

So, be bold, think big, embrace what’s in front of you and enjoy the moment.

For that’s what truly matters.

Wishing you a happy March as we continue the journey.

In light and love.

Stay in touch and connect with me on Facebook.

Come check out my new group for like minded travelers
Outanabout YOLO “You only live once”

137 thoughts on “Goodbye another Summer”

  4. I’m with you in so many ways! I have a faded crumpled up, Fortune Cookie Quote on my kitchen ledge that says “Organize your life around your dreams and watch them come true”, we are finally making a huge change this year. The timing never seems to be perfect, so we are going for it. Ecuador here we come! Finally! Thanks for the post!

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  9. Crying all the tears, Miriam!! LOVE this post more than you can possibly imagine. It warms my heart that you are feeling so optimistic and are pushing through the painful things you have to deal with and are moving forward. You feed my soul light and your words this morning were exactly what I needed. Thank you, Miriam. Thank you, so much!! xoxoxo

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    1. Aww Tanya, your words really touched me. Thank you for leaving such a beautiful comment. It’s always so nice to know that my words make a difference in someone’s day. Hope you’re well. xo 💕

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  10. Hiya Miriam, it is wonderful to hear that your year has been so positive and the darkness from earlier was overcome and vanished.
    It sounds rather like a dream life looking at your beautiful pictures and hear your positive words.
    You go and praise each day, as long as we live and feel there is no reason not to enjoy.
    miriam

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    1. What a beautiful comment Miriam. I do give thanks for my life every day, though it’s not always a dream life and it does come with it’s fair amount of challenges too. But we all have those don’t we? Hope you’re well. xo

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      1. Yes, I totally agree. We all meet challenges of various kinds and some are harder to overcome than others. Like you I give thanks for life every day. May we sail in good winds
        for a while.😊 .
        Miriam…

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  12. Wonderful to read about your positive and forward looking mood as the season changes. Time passing usually gives us a chance to recover, consider, and then move on. Enjoy the new season – hope it’s a mellow one for you!

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    1. Thank you my wild and woolly friend. Must admit I’m looking forward to Autumn though I’ll miss the longer days of summer. I guess there’s gotta be a trade off hey. 🙂

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  14. Happy to know about the positive changes in your life. My wife also recently made a lot of changes and she is doing well.

    Life is all about small moments, and i see that you enjoy them thoroughly 🙂

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  18. I love summer and always feel a little sad when it’s over for another year. But we have so much to look forward to this year and, before I know it, summer will be here again. And I make a point of not wishing my life away but trying to enjoy every day. Happy autumn, Miriam.

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  19. wise and wondrous post Miriam, you can feel the radiance in this as you grow and move on .. small changes in attitude can bring such huge shifts in life !
    … so as you say “focus, clarity and courage”

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  20. I love your motivational posts Miriam, and even though I am heading into the wilds of winter in UK in a week or so, your optimism is inspiring. I particularly like… “Remember, whatever the season, it’s up to us to make our own sunshine and to step into it.” Thank you xx

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  24. Oh boy what a difference a year makes!! So glad you are enjoying your online course so much! Summer is my favorite season and am always sad to see it go…although I must admit Spring and Fall are pretty special too…it’s just Winter that I’d prefer to last a month and then be done with! Yes you certainly have come a long way since last year…so many joyous events, along with some sad, it’s inevitable though. It’s just a matter of how we look at things and decide to deal with them that makes the difference. Love that pic of the sunrise…gorgeous!! Don’t you love how the birds sit on the wires like that…I always wonder what they are chatting about. The pic over the water is so serene and the rainbow is the icing on the cake! Well Happy Autumn to you…our Spring starts March 20…funny I always thought everyone’s seasons changed on the same date worldwide…but I know Brigid’s Spring I think started Feb. 1, and now your Autumn on March 1…now I know better! Happy Autumn Hugs lovely lady!! xo ❤

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    1. Hey Deb, yes a lot has happened within the year. I guess for all of us we go through these ups and downs, it’s just part of life isn’t it. I have to say that a big part of my shift in mindset has been due to you. You’ve helped me to see life in a much more accepting way and that somehow has just eased the heaviness that I used to feel. You know what I’m talking about. Thanks for always being there and your lovely friendship. Big hugs on this first cool day of Autumn. xo 🙂

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      1. Awe thanks Miri!! And you have transformed me too…I know now that I can write songs, beautiful ones and you are the one who helped me to realize that!! I treasure our friendship and am so glad we have each other to lean on in both happy and sad times! I’m always here for you are you are for me. Big Autumn Hugs to you…enjoy your lovely cool weather my beautiful lady xo ❤

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        1. Ok let’s try this again…I’m always here for you as you are for me…I have bandaids on the tips of my fingers so I have a hard time typing!!! It didn’t come out right before…lol. xo

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        3. So funny you say that, I put a ton of hand cream on my hands and now I’m wearing cotton gloves…my hands hurt so much…they are sooo dried out and the tips are so cracked and bleeding!! UGH…time for some moist air. xo

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        6. Of course you can write beautiful songs, I’ve always known that! Such beautiful words here too, thank you my very special friend. Things are super busy here but happily so. We’ll talk soon.Big hugs xo 🙂💕

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        7. Thank you my friend!! Wonderful to hear that you are happily busy!! You’ll have to fill me in sometime as to how your online course is coming along. Sounds like it’s coming along well…that’s marvelous! Talk soon…big hugs xo ❤ 🙂

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        8. Yeah, I’m really enjoying it but I keep getting distracted, haha. I have to work on my self discipline I think. Keep getting drawn back to WP. 😏 Hope you’ve had a good day. xo

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        9. Lol. My day was ok. It’s been a very draining week for me. Work was extremely stressful Monday & Tuesday, and then not getting enough sleep doesn’t help. I’ve decided I’m going to have to go to bex earlier during the week to try to get in 7-8 hours before that sound wakes me up. We’re having a big storm today, it’s already started. They are calling it a bombogenesis, doesn’t that sound like the end of the world, lol. Lots of rain, heavy winds and then snow!! How exciting!! Wishing you a relaxing sleep my gorgeous lady. Big bombo hugs xo

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        10. Bombowhat? That sounds like some kind of holocaust. Best you stay indoors and take Friday off, by order of me, lol.
          Sorry to hear you’ve had a stressful week. I’ve gone to email you a couple of times then something always happens to distract me. Well, take it easy Deb and yes, maybe get to bed earlier tonight. Hope you sleep better. Big Bombo hugs back xo 🌨

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        11. Lol!! We got heavy rain and lots of wind. The rain has stopped but the wind is still blowing strong and is supposed to until Sunday. I wish it were a bit warmer I’d love to just stand outside in it and let it blow my hair around. Today is the full moon too!
          Yeah I’ve gone to email you a few times too and was sidetracked also. I look forward to being able to sleep later tomorrow too! Hope your Saturday is wonderful!! Big hugs and talk soon xo ❤

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  26. Changing of the seasons always brings such newness, hope and potential. I am glad that your last year was so positive. Wishing you a wonderful new season ahead!

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  27. A wise young man! Amazing when the young can floor you with their brief insightful words!

    Miriam, a beautiful reflective poem and I am SO happy for you … you seem to be buzzing with the new writing work and your inner equilibrium seems light and aware of the old and the new, of the familiar and the changes ahead. Wishing you peace and joy as you head into Autumn. Hugs xxxx. PS. What a beautiful everyday walk for you …

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    1. Hi Annika, thank you for your lovely comment and kind words. It definitely feels as though I’ve entered into a season of change. I’m back walking the same walk this morning but, like life, who knows what I’ll find along the way. Happy March to you my friend. xo

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  28. Oh Miriam, this was so beautiful! The photos paired with your potent words drew me right in to the warmth of change. Your summer looks like it was divine! Wishing you much peace as you journey on selling your mums home and move into the next season of your life. Thank you for sharing this it uplifted me greatly! X

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  30. wow. There are so many wise words in here. I will have to come back to absorb them, but the one that lit up for me was:
    It reminds me that everything has a season and a reason. And that in time everything passes and through it we grow and lessons are learned.
    Thank you. Wonderful post.

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  31. Very happy that you are in a much better place in your life right now..and well done for you for challenging yourself..wish you all the best ❤️
    thegrlwhoblog.wordpress.com

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  32. Keep moving forward, Miriam! You deserve it and you have more than earned it. I’m so glad that you are feeling better now and are revitalized. You are a wonderful person who has inspired so many of us through your blog, and I know that you will realize your dreams…and have realized some of them already. You go, girl! We are rooting for you, always!!!

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    1. Oh, what a beautiful comment Ann, in fact it made me cry, but that’s just me these days, Mrs Emotional! I seem to tear up at everything! Thank you. Hugs to you and hope you have a great month ahead. xo

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  33. You really have come to a totally different place than last year! It’s so clear in your posts! I am soooo happy for you! I know you really struggled through some things. And now look at you go! ❤ *hugs* Happiness suits you. 😀 Love you!

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    1. I did struggle Ness and I’ll never forget how supportive you were of me in those hard times. Thank you my dear friend and know that, even though I don’t get across to your blog as often as I’d kind to, you hold a special place in my heart. Love you back xo ❤️

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  34. I’m always a bit sad to see summer leave even though I love autumn. Living in the moment is wonderful advice that I try to follow – good to see your energy coming through loud and clear Miriam!

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    1. Thanks Andrea. Such extremes in our temperatures. Yes, our summer might be ending but our days (like today) are still hot. Sending you warm wishes for a wonderful weekend too! ☀️

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    2. By the way I just listened to your TEDx talk which was brilliant. Tried to leave a couple of comments which didn’t seem to go through. Perhaps check your spam folder. 🤔

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      1. Thank you!

        For taking the time to watch my TEDx talk and for your tenacity in getting your comment through! 😊

        It repeated twice — but the good news is your original went through.

        It must be the FULL MOON 🌕 xo

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  38. Hello dear Miriam,
    I can so much feel your tempo change in your wonderful post. I feel hope, enthusiasm and ambition here. It’s so true that things can change in a year, as I know so well, and often, in just a day too.
    Winds of change for you and I wish you all the best with all that’s unfolding for you.
    May your light shine brightly all through the coming seasons…
    Much love and best wishes from me to you…😘💕

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    1. Thank you so much my dear friend for your lovely words and kind wishes that I know come straight from your heart. 💕 I’m glad you could feel all that in my post for that’s exactly how I feel. You’re living that change right now and are proof that our dreams can become real. Wishing you continued love and happiness too as the year unfolds. 🙂💕

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      1. Hello my dear Miriam, such a beautiful reply…thank you so much, as well as your kind observation that dreams can come true.
        Yes, I could feel your spirit coming through in your post.
        Keep believing and keep seeing your dream as a done deal, my friend. That’s where the magic lies…
        Your lovely final wishes are right back at you too my friend 💐💕🙋🏻

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  40. Miriam what a wonderful uplifting post. Starting with your wonderful poem to herald the change of seasons (hasn’t happened here yet as still hot) but followed with how your world has changed. I’m glad you have had a good year and life is feeling good and it sounds as though this is going to continue. you have brightened my day I have to say. Cheers Irene

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  41. There’s just so much beautiful energy in this post Miri and I can definitely feel it here! Wow – you’re so right “What a difference a day makes”… let alone a year! You’ve traveled far and wide both physically and mentally in the last year and laid some strong foundations for the walls you’re now building. I suspect you’re going to build the highest skyscraper with some amazing views across the World!

    You photo’s are beautiful – how lovely to see your smile and the rainbow there peeping between the clouds, reminding us of the beauty that is there waiting once the clouds drift away.

    And – last but not least, wow wow wow – you’re vibe is most definitely impacting those you love isn’t it? Daniel’s had some wonderful achievements himself too with his award etc. I think that rainbow is certainly traversing your home!

    You’ve filled me with energy at the start of my day.. although I’ve got to say “brrrrrrr” – it’s been the worst snow and stormy winds I can remember for many many years… The UK pretty well came to a standstill this week. However, I’ve got up this morning and the snow is thawing – it must be those Aussie Summer Vibes drifting in!

    Have a brilliant evening. Big hugs xxx

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    1. Hello my dear friend, brrr, I know you’re in the middle of a big freeze there. Gosh, what extremes although it’s starting to cool off a tad here too.
      Thank you for your wonderful comments here. You’ve been such an amazing support and source of inspiration for me this year and I’m truly grateful for that. Keeping each other bolstered and completing your challenge, not to mention all the inspiration (and leads) you gave me which has lead me to where I am has been so appreciated.
      So I’m glad I could fill you with a bit of energy. Stay warm over there Wendy. Big hugs back xoxo

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      1. It’s finally warming up and the snow is all but melted.. I’m away auditing (hence delay) and passed lots of fields still with lots of snow but the roads are all clear thank goodness!
        If I’ve helped to inspire you this year Miri then I’m thrilled! You’ve definitely inspired me with your strength and courage and of course your fabulous music and zest for travel… You’ve definitely filled me with energy – your cup is definitely flowing over and spilling out in my direction! xxx

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        1. I’m so glad. Sounds as though we’re both inspiring each other, no better place to be in my books. All the best with the auditing Wendy and stay well. Sending you lots of my Aussie heat and sunshine and a big hug xo 🙂

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        2. I’m feeling the heat and it’s much appreciated!! Thanks Miriam and yes thank goodness we can keep inspiring each other on our wonderful journeys.. xx

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  42. Another beautiful post reminding me of how beautiful life is. I loved the picture of the rainbow in the sky. Summer is nearly over for you and we’re going to walk right into summer in 2 months. 🙂 I’m so happy that your articles will be published soon! That’s awesome news! Seoul’s been gloomy with the pre-spring rain clouds hovering over. xo

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  44. Beautiful post Miri. The winds of change are definitely upon us! We just have to flow with it instead of against it. 🙂 Spring is around the corner here…I can smell the flowers and the birds chirping. I can’t wait!!

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  46. First, thank you for the beautiful pictures!

    Second, it’s good hear that you have come to a place of positivity after previous job hardships. I’m currently unemployed but working my butt off to try to change things around. It’s definitely scary, especially not having a set schedule and still trying to be productive! So it’s great to read about other people who have gotten through that. 😘

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  49. It is amazing how much can change in a year! I am learning to relish each moment as well. I’ve loved coming along on your journey Miriam. Thank you for sharing it. I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. xx

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