Stepping out in the High Country

Posted on by Miriam

Is it just me or has anyone else been hit with a bit of May melancholy?

My motivations’s been up and down like a yo-yo lately, hence why I’ve been MIA here. Life, keeping up with everything and maintaining a balance between our real world and the online world is a work of art. Does anyone else resonate?

It’s all about balance

Life on the travel front’s been quiet, though I’ve spent the last few weekends in the beautiful Victorian High Country where my daughter lives. It’s given us a perfect opportunity to revisit this scenic area.

It’s also given me some great material and kept me busy writing articles for a number of travel mags, which I always enjoy. Still, with other issues crowding my thoughts I’ve been thinking how easily we can get stuck in a rut.

Thankfully I’m emerging from a bit of one now and I can see the other side.

Despite the ups and downs, it’s not always about the view. It’s how we navigate the ruts, climbs, descents and turns that determines whether the trip’s going to be smooth. Like a steep drive, it’s ok to go slow so long as we make decisions.

Be decisive. Right or wrong make a decision. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.

So I got to thinking how to step out of our comfort zone, whether it’s in the High Country or anywhere.

Take to the skies

Who’s brave?

Now, I’m all for adventure but I don’t see the logic in jumping out of a perfectly good plane or jumping off a mountain top.

Still, some people get their thrills from the exhilarating rush of flying like a bird. Are you one of them? If you are this is the place to spread your wings. Strap yourself up (preferably with an expert) with tandem flights taking off from Bright most weekends.

All it takes is a phone call to Alpine Paragliding on 0428 352 048 or Active Flight on 0428 854 455.

“Faith is one foot on the ground, one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach.” Mother Angelica

As for me, I’ll keep my feet on the ground for now, at least one of them. There are plenty of ways to stay grounded whilst still having fun.

Take to the tracks

There are loads of tracks and beautiful vistas in this part of the High Country. Many head off to lookout points like Clear Spot Lookout, Mystic Launch, Mount Porepunkah, Huggins Lookout and Tower Lookout. There are some gorgeous views around there!

Tower lookout was an easy one to get to, but once there the track continued with minimal signage. We had no idea where we were going but ascended the track anyway. It was steep and rocky but I wasn’t worried. Except for one teeny moment.

At that stage the nose of our car was pointing upwards and all I could see was sky. We had no idea what was on the other side. A drop into nothingness?

Of course we made it! There’s always something waiting.

Like life we climb and work and persevere and sometimes we have no clue what’s over the ridge or what we’re getting into. But we keep going. And, one way or another, we always make it.

“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so … get on your way!” Dr Seuss

Take to the River

Sometimes we have to make our own way in whatever way we can. And it’s not always by the traditional route.

Reminds me of our Ute ride a few weeks ago. It was a case of “jump on the back and hold on.” Just a short drive down to the river on the property where my daughter lives. So a few of us climbed on for a rollicking ride.

Whether it’s on the ground, in the air or just trying something different, maybe today’s the day to be a bit daring.

We don’t have to go to any major extremes but how good does it feel to stretch ourselves a bit! To feel slightly scared because we’re trying something we’ve never tried before.

Take a course, learn a language, do something that makes you feel alive, something you’ve always wanted to do.

“Do you want to be safe and good or do you want to take a chance and be great?”

Remember, if we don’t take any risks we might miss out on some of the best experiences of our life.

Life’s all about trusting our feelings and instincts, taking chances even when we don’t have the answers, accepting changes and seeking out the joy.

The melancholy is slowly returning to motivation.

Let’s do it!

In light and love

Taking risks and making choices is what makes life so exciting. You can’t fly until you let yourself fall.

Here’s to flying …

And if I fall hopefully it’ll be amongst the stars.

 

80 thoughts on “Stepping out in the High Country”

  2. Beautifully done my friend. Letting go of the mundane to give way to the great.
    It is the edges in life that give us the choice to jump or back up.
    Good for you to jump out!

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  3. Fly high my friend! 🦅 I love the quote ‘be decisive’, very good. We have taken an almighty leap ourselves and bought a house at Goolwa Beach. Finally taken the plunge with the right house coming along at the right time. Exciting times ahead! ☀️🌊

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  5. Finding balance and maintaining mental (and physical) health for the long run are important. This is not a sprint, but a marathon, and this particular one we’ve been added onto during these turbulent times is not an easy kind of marathon (if there ever is one!) — so yes, it is about navigating the ruts and turns and muddy spots and swampy bogs along the way, and about making sure we make time for beauty and sanity in the midst of what can feel quite crazy making.
    Good for you!

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    1. Oh absolutely! Taking the time to enjoy what’s around us and to make choices that feel good and right, that to me is what life’s about. Thanks for reading and your comment. Keep smiling. x

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  7. Oh YES, I can relate Miriam! It is easy to become unmotivated, unfocused and just plain sad. No doubt on my part with too much thinking. It happens and luckily for me, pushing myself via exercise is my saviour. Plus blogging is another significant outlet.

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  9. Jump out of a plane? Not a chance! I will hike up a mountain, snowboard down one, and enjoy the dizzy heights and views, but always with feet or board on the ground.
    I hope the melancholy lifts for you soon, and you continue to enjoy all that beautiful backcountry with your family.
    Thanks, Miriam!

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    1. Aww, thanks PC. From one mountain climber to another, I’m totally with you. Here’s to keeping our feet on the ground while still enjoying a hit of adventure. Hope you’re having a good week.

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  12. Miriam, it can take a while to understand that one can fly far with both feet still on the ground! 😀 A beautiful reflective post that resonates deeply with me, Miriam. Melancholy is definitely a way to describe May here in the U.K. and the non-stop grey, cool weather is partly responsible. Sunny at last this morning and woke with joy and plans to head out for walk. Congratulations on your travel articles … that is fantastic! It is a matter of finding a balance with work, blog, family and friends, travels and you seem to be doing just great. This month there has been so much going in for me I haven’t had chance to post, although happily pursuing a couple of writing projects. Here’s to motivation for the rest of May and onwards! Lovey to hear from you and see the stunning landscape. Have a brilliant time with your daughter and bet you’re off on more horse treks! Hugs xx

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    1. Hi Annika, it’s always so nice to hear from you. How is it I’m not surprised to hear that you resonate with my feelings of melancholy. It doesn’t seem to matter what side of the ocean we live on or what the season, somehow these feelings of trying to find balance are universal. I hope all’s well with you and good luck with those writing projects. Enjoy the rest of this month. Hugs back. xx

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  14. Lovely post – full of fun photos and motivation to get past the ruts. There’s something about this time in May that I’ve been feeling that way too. I enjoyed your take on it and appreciate your words of wisdom! Happy Tuesday!

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  15. Hi Miriam… you’re always a pleasure to read… feeling the wind and sun on me just reading! Thankyou… Energies are so taking us inward… I feel to care for ourself more and more❤️ you wouldn’t think it possible but at the end of the day we only have ourself and our bodies are preparing for a massive shift. I took myself off to walk by the sea this morning, it was long due. Much love and keep inspiring and supporting us all😘 Barbara x

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    1. Hi Barbara, walking by the sea sounds like a wonderful tonic. I’ve just been reading a few of your past posts and really resonating with all you’ve said about the energies shifting. Thank you for your kind words and good wishes here. I’ll look forward to reading more from you on your blog. ❤️

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  17. Funny you mentioned it. My friends and I have been feeling out of sorts lately, and not interested on going online as much…as if we need to unplug more. 🙂 Continue listening to your voice within…it’ll guide you.

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  18. Beautiful and reflective post, Miriam. I do so understand how you
    feel. I am sure you will get out of melancholy once you taken the steps and found
    the balance that is right for you. At times this balance will swing and that
    is fine too.
    You have so much beauty around you to lift the spirits and visits to what
    looks like dream places.
    I do know what you mean, to let our spirit fly free is wonderful and necessary.

    bless 🤗
    miriam

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    1. Thanks Miriam for your lovely words and yes, it’s all about balance isn’t it. Hope you’re well and wishing you a happy rest of the month. Hugs and blessings to you xx 💕

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  20. Hi Miriam,
    The Highcountry looks beautiful! I can see how it would help to reenergize one. My motivation waxes and wanes about this blogging thing also. But I think that is all part of the process. I’ve not been writing as much as my conscience says I “should” lately either. I rationalize it as living in the moment, not writing about the moment.
    Loved your post – the photos are great and the message was one I could relate to as well.

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    1. Thanks Nancy, glad you could relate to my post. I think you’re right, the ups and downs and ebbs, it’s all part of the process and probably quite normal. Enjoy your road trip and living in the moment. Sounds like you’re in a beautiful place. xx

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  23. Excellent Miriam.. Every detour takes us on the route we are meant to follow.. 😀
    Loved the photos and meant to say so on your last post as well Miriam..
    As for the rut.. I was getting into one before my holiday..
    I think we need to dare and do something different alter our routines and not be predictable.. The High country looks stunning..
    Keep stepping Out and doing what it is YOU wish to do… And feel the JOY in every action.. for I certainly always feel the joy in each word you write..
    Your travel articles must be something else too.. Who could fail to see or feel your enthusiasm for your country..

    Sending love and well wishes Miriam.. Much love ❤ and special hugs

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    1. Sue, your words always fill me with such joy and inspiration. Thank you! Yes, daring to step out and be different is the way to get out of a rut for sure. Sometimes it’s hard and we have to push ourselves but it’s worth it. My daughter actually bought me a small owl on Mother’s Day with the words engraved. “Do more of what makes you happy”. How fitting hey? 😊
      So glad to hear your holiday helped rejuvenate you. Sometimes a break from routine is just what we need. Thanks again Sue and hugs back ❤️

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  24. May melancholy and yo-yo motivation absolutely does resonate with me currently. I can’t seem to be able to focus on a damned thing…… but this too will pass (without jumping out of any perfectly good aeroplanes I might add – and I definitely hear you when you say you’re staying grounded too Miriam).

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    1. Yes, everything passes doesn’t it Chris, both the good, the bad and the humdrum. Here’s to both of us finding our mojo and yeah, without the need to jump out of a plane! 😁

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    1. Hi Sue. Yes, I don’t see her nearly enough but I guess that’s what happens when they grow up and leave the nest. Still, I’m grateful for the weekends recently we spent together. Thanks for your kind words and good wishes. 😊

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  27. I really thought I’d left a comment here Miriam, but obviously not! I hear you on the May melancholy and believe it will pass eventually. Is it the change of seasons playing with our minds do you think? As usual your message and photos are spot on and I wish you well as we enter the winter months. Take care. xx

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    1. Hi Deb, yes I think you could be right about our change in moods and seasons. And I’m sure, like everything, the melancholy will pass. In fact I feel like it’s already lifted a bit after spending a lovely day with my sister. Hope you have a great weekend. xx

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  28. Miriam,
    Big life changes are coming for me and each of my family members. Thanks for the encouragement to fly. It sometimes seems daunting to jump into the next phase even though I know it will make for an amazing experience. I think you would really like this poem I wrote called Theory of the Undaunted.https://flashlightbatteries.blog/2019/05/07/theory-of-the-undaunted/
    It is aligned with your message.
    Thanks for all of the love you send out into the world.
    Ali

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    1. Hi Ali, I just read your beautiful poem which is brimming with hope and possibility. Thanks so much for sending me the link. I wish you and your family all the very best as you navigate those big life changes. Embrace it all my friend. xx

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  30. Pingback: Tuesday Photo Challenge – Round Up 161 – Dutch goes the Photo!

  31. I totally relate to you! Yes, a fine balance between real world and online. I’ve had other projects and things come up, I haven’t been able to spend nearly the time blogging that I’d like. My focus has had to be elsewhere. Glad your melancholy is going away, and motivation is returning! Take care Miriam💖

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    1. Yes, I’m with you Jenny. Sometimes blogging just has to take a back step but that’s life isn’t it. The great thing is, it’s always there when we’re ready to return. Thanks so much for dropping by. I love seeing your comments here. Take care xx

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  32. I can relate Miriam. My energy level was low in May, but thankfully I have great friends. I also have been pushing myself with exercise. Helps to keep that balance you are talking about. For me, it is a work in progress though. I am more the kind of person that goes all-in, or not at all. Very inspiring post my friend. Hope you’re having a good weekend.

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    1. Thanks Dominique. Yes, it’s strange how our energy fluctuates. I was very low in May but this month inspiration has hit me again. Exercise really does help, I agree. Keep well my friend. xx

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      1. I’m glad to hear you are feeling yourself again. Your words and photos are a great source of inspiration. Look forward to reading more from you dear friend. Keep smiling. xoxo

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  33. Your thoughts resonated. As my blog has growen find it ore and ore difficult to find the right balance between blogging and life. It continues to be a challenge. Now, with my problems of blurred vision, it is even more difficult.
    I think you have been able to perfect this balance,

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