Changing Course in the Grampians

Posted on by Miriam

It’s been over a month since we returned from our epic trip around Australia, a trip that morphed from three months on the road to ten. Not only did we journey through the centre of Australia and the length of the west coast, but it took me through a bit of an inner journey of realisation and discovery, awakening something in me that’s made me see the bigger picture so much clearer.

A journey of discovery starts with having new eyes. And right now, heading into the peace and mystery of the Grampians, the energy around here feels like our new home, even if the future is unknown.

Having time away and stepping into a slower pace of life has made us both reassess how we want to live the rest of our lives. Now, a month later, those inner changes and realisations have become outer realities in our world.

“Most of us have grown up seeing the world as a place of limitation rather than as a place of inexhaustible treasures. “

We’ve followed our heart and made some pretty big decisions, choosing to swap what could have been a busy stressful reality on our return for a more simple way of living. balanced and aligned with nature.

The Universe has our back

It’s amazing how the Universe conspires with us to make things happen, with signs and synchronicities guiding us during our trip. As we were getting closer to home, I started thinking about the type of job we wanted when we got back. Something different, perhaps at a caravan park, a motel or even a roadhouse. And then I found it: an online advertisement for a couple needed to help run an accommodation business in Halls Gap. So we rang and our lives changed direction again.

You can’t be stuck if you’re not trying to get anywhere. Which, to me, means that when you stop fighting with the way things are, magic happens. You relax, open, and any action you take comes from alignment with what’s true. – Author: Geneen Roth

We’re now in the Grampians area, one of our favourite places in Victoria where we’ve spent so many holidays with our kids over the years. It’s ironic that the Grampians was our last stop on our trip and it’s here we’ve found this opportunity to settle and work for awhile.

Halls Haven Helpers

So, what are we doing? We start our days feeding the animals on the property, the ever favourite alpacas, a herd of cows including resident Coco, the exuberant goats and a menagerie of chickens and fowl life. Most of the time guests join us for the interactive experience. Along the way we often encounter Mr P the Peacock, emus and of course the kangaroos are always in the background. There’s no more battling traffic on the busy metropolitan ring road for Doug. The most chaos we have are the gangly emus disrupting the alpacas.

We clean units, there’s 12 of them at Halls Haven, comfortable cosy self contained units with two deluxe spa cottages set around a picturesque lake. We help out with maintenance and gardening on the property and I’m learning the administration and booking side of the business. It’s everything we’ve wanted to experience and we feel inexplicably blessed to be here in this peaceful place with the two lovely owners, Jeff and Chris, who’ve made us feel, in a very short time, like it’s our second home.

How long will we be here for? Who knows. For the moment we’re going with the flow, learning the ropes and enjoying the opportunity of this different and rewarding lifestyle.

On our days off we head back to our real home, three and a half hours away. It’s close enough that we can get back for a weekend. Big changes are on the horizon, long term decisions we’re making and also some personal ones that are deeply heartbreaking with Doug’s dad close to passing sadly passing away, today (6 June).

This year is proving to be one of adjustment, learning to trust and surrender. It’s one of big decisions and change, taking life by the hands and sculpting it the way we want. It might turn out slightly different to how we envision, but I’m finding that when our thoughts are aligned with love, faith and a deep sense of flow that’s when the magic happens.

“Whatever comes, let it come,
what stays, let it stay,
what goes, let it go. “

It’s amazing what happens when we follow our heart and intuition. I feel as though we’re exactly where we’re meant to be at this moment. Waking up to the sounds of silence (and cows and kookaburras) and going to sleep amid mountains is food for the soul.

Magic wasn’t something I had to go in search of; it was here, within me, all the time. When hearts are open, when love is flowing, magic happens. – Katrina Kenison

May we all embrace this time of change, trusting that whatever path we’re on, and no matter what happens, we can always steer life in the direction we choose. May that direction be one of joy, peace, love and freedom.

Sending you lots of love and light.

Sunset view from our van

54 thoughts on “Changing Course in the Grampians”

  1. You are really blessed that you are at a point in your life you can go with the flow, take on adventure as it comes to you or you go to it. That’s quite a menagerie you are helping care for.

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    1. So true Tim, we really
      are blessed. I guess in the end it’s all about the choices we make. And yes, lots of different animals. The owner often calls it the “funny farm. 🤣

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  3. I am thrilled for you both Miriam… So happy you have manifested such a perfect job you can both enjoy as a couple and still be serving nature..
    The Universe never fails to deliver, especially when we are in the flow.. And it looks like you two are now becoming masters of the art of knowing what your dreams are made of and how to bring them into reality.. 🙂
    I am saddened to hear about your Father in law, and send you both thoughts for those future decision making times..
    So, so happy for you Miriam…. Loved the photos and OH my goodness, those Alpacas …. One of my all time favourite animals… Those eyes and smile….. LOL……. Who couldn’t love these gorgeous creatures …
    May you continue to rise with joy and sleep with contentment of a day well spent..
    Love and Hugs dear Miriam .. ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Sue, it’s always wonderful to hear from you, especially as I know how much you understand the laws of the Universe and how in sync with Mother Nature you are. We’re in a good place and I feel so very grateful and blessed. And yes, those alpacas are gorgeous creatures with the most soul searching eyes. Feeding them is always a joy.
      Thanks also for your good wishes, they’re much appreciated my friend. Sending you lots of love and hugs in return. ❤️❤️

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      1. Its wonderful…. But no more than you both deserve as you are in tune with the Universal Laws… of Attraction lol…. 🙂 Love from the heart…. Shows up in a million different ways.. Including the love in those alpaca eyes LoL 🙂 ❤

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        1. Indeed, it sure does. Thanks again Sue. We’ll be feeding them again in just under two hours. Braving the cold out there. Have a great new week. 😊

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  6. This sounds like the perfect job for you and Doug, Miriam! And for me too! 🙂 I’m so happy for you. “Whatever comes, let it come,
    what stays, let it stay,
    what goes, let it go. “ Loved this!
    I’m sorry to hear about Doug’s father…I’ll keep him in my prayers.
    I’ll look forward to more updates on your new adventure. Thanks for sharing! xo

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  7. magic happens when you are in the flow, and you two sure are! Sorry about Doug’s Dad and praying that goes as smoothly as those losses can.

    Having lived 5 months in a field of 36 alpacas I know you will totally love this lifestyle and Hall’s Gap is a stunning area to be living in. Sounds like you live in your van there? Enjoy 🙂

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    1. Magic does indeed happen in the flow Kate. As I write this the morning sun is beaming through our window (yes, we’re living in our van, though we also have access to the house) and I can see lots of roos outside. Sounds like you know full well the joys of living with animals. So good isn’t it! Thanks for your kind wishes. Hope all’s well in your world. xx

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  10. Firstly, so sorry to hear of your father-in-law’s passing. A difficult time of adjustment.
    Otherwise, I love this post. How wonderful to have followed your hearts and found the magic.
    Lastly, well now I will have to schedule the Grampians Peak Trail with a side visit to Hall Haven. 😉

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  13. Dear Miriam, sorry for your loss! I followed your trip on IG, such wonderful places you visited. And the best of all is that you had the opportunity to know yourself better and set up your priorities. Your new workplace seems wonderful, being close to all those animals and travelling people like you. Hugs to you!

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  14. I’m so sorry to hear about Doug’s father! Losing a parent is so hard.
    I’m glad you’ve found such a great employment opportunity though…it sounds perfect: no stress, beautiful setting, and the constant opportunity to meet new people!

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    1. Thanks so much Ann and yes, you’re right, about everything, losing a parent is very hard. However we feel very blessed to be where we are, it’s a good place. 💜

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  15. It’s so good to read your update Miriam, apart from the sad news of Doug’s dad passing away. I am so pleased you have had time away and are looking at what comes next for you both. Your foray into this new world is a great way to start your next adventure. Looking forward to hearing more of your news as you go forward. Take care xx

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    1. Thanks so much Deb. It’s been a great way to settle back into working life, with a new and fresh approach. Amazing how stepping back to look at the big picture can change our entire focus. Big hugs to you. xx

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  16. I can feel the Universal alignment all through your post Miriam. Also coming back from your comment on my post….I can really see you in the flow. I loved your pictures, such a treat. Thank you for sharing your journey so beautifully. So inspiring! ❤ I especially loved this quote from your post, "“Most of us have grown up seeing the world as a place of limitation rather than as a place of inexhaustible treasures.“ …I'm trying to live a life od limitless possibilities..so this resonated deep ❤

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    1. So glad my post resonated with you Zeenat, just as yours did with me. Seems that we’re both in the flow and on the path to finding those “inexhaustible treasures.” How wonderful! Thanks so much for your lovely comment! 💜

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  17. Our condolences to you both on your loss. I’m so glad you’ve chosen to live and work in a different environment. Being on the road opens your mind to so many possibilities. And what a fabulous region you are in. I expect many great Gramps pics!

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words L. And yes, the Grampians is gorgeous with so many fabulous highlights. Trouble is, we’re working most of the time! 🤩

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  20. The road of life certainly has many twists and turns. We find what we think is a map only to find out it’s old and outdated. So we change course again and hope the new road leads us to where we want to be, and it seems for both of us we made the right choice. You found your happiness a few hours from your home, I found mine on the other side of the world from mine. Though some dreams remain unfulfilled others have taken their place. We never really know what life is going to give us so we have to be open and willing to challenge ourselves and allow other experiences to shape our future. We always know what we want but sometimes what we need isn’t so obvious. Sometimes you have to make a drastic life change to see it. Many dreams have come and gone but I finally found what I need, and she along with her daughter live in the Philippines. In 5 more years of back and forth to the USA and my home will be there permanently. Sometimes we get lucky and life gives us what we looking for even when didn’t see it before.

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    1. Great to hear from you John. And yes it seems that for both of us, being open and willing and following our heart and intuition has lead us to a new way of life and happiness. It’s worth all those twists and turns isn’t it and trusting that all will work out. I wish you well in fulfilling all your dreams my friend. Much love from me on the other side of the world.

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  21. I love this post and your description of not just the great adventure you had traveling around Australia for so long, but also the inner journey you mention ~ this awakening and discovery within you that have given you so much clarity. The first photo you post is perfect in understanding this, we’re always moving forward somewhere even if it unknown. A life balanced and aligned with nature. And then for you to have found your current adventure, an opportunity to work and continue the path of adventure, it is simply beautiful. Congratulations on this continuing journey 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Randall, I really appreciate your wonderful comment. And you’re quite right, we’re all moving forward day by day, as there’s lots of changes happening everywhere, it’s how we react to these changes that determines our future/reality moment by moment. So very grateful for this adventurous journey we’re on. Wishing you well on your own. 🙂

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  22. Pingback: The Stories We Create – Out an' About

  23. Hi Miriam. Lovely post and so nice to read how your decision to break free and travel and led to new understandings. Our story is similar, and we are still “breaking free” and experiencing new locations and adventures. I think that first big step is the hardest, we become so set in our life pattern that we can’t see a way to change that. It takes courage to make that change. Some of our friends couldn’t really undersrand what we were doing when we sold up and headed off, and they still can’t see why we keep doing it! I wouldnt change a single thing, and I’m sure you wouldn’t either. Good luck with your ongoing adventure, the Grampians is a beautiful place to be experiencing your “new” life.

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    1. Thanks Bob and I couldn’t agree more with all you said. Our big road trip truly opened our eyes to a new way of living and, like you, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Not sure what the future holds but simplifying our life has been one of the best decisions we’ve made and we’ve never been happier. All the best to you both too in your ongoing adventures.

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