The Stories We Create

Posted on by Miriam

Exactly one year ago today we set off for our big trip around Australia. It was a road trip that changed the course of our lives.

Those who’ve read and followed our adventures will be aware of our journey and the lifestyle changes that came about because of our decision to travel. Since we’ve returned these choices have resulted in Changing Course in the Grampians.

Now, 12 months on, our road trip is temporarily over, however the printed stories continue. These are my latest two articles: A South West Odyssey (from Hopetoun and Esperance to Orleans) in the July issue of 4×4 Australia Magazine and a 12 page feature on the Top End Magic (of Kakadu and Litchfield) in this months Caravan World Magazine.

One of the joys of being a freelance writer is not just showcasing Australia’s wonders but knowing that our memories are immortalised in print, ones that might otherwise be forgotten. I’ve got a lousy memory!

The best thing about memories is making them.

The biggest buzz for me however was seeing one of my photos on the cover of the latest (Winter Edition) of On the Road Magazine. It’s a photo of our rig in the remote Gawler Ranges outback and I’m absolutely thrilled about it.

When a vision becomes a reality

I remember getting out of the car to take the photo. I remember the vivid red earth and the contrast of the old wagon alongside our modern caravan. My mind was already thinking what a great cover shot it would make. I could picture it clearly, those bright dusty outback colours. I put it out there, then I let it go. Three months later this is the result.

What I imagined in my mind became a physical reality, however when I saw it actually manifest I was so excited!

Of course our stories are not always out there for the world to see. The most satisfying stories are the ones we create for ourselves, when we’re the master of the plot, the director of the storyline and script and we’re the main actor in the middle of all the craziness. And the world is a bit crazy right now.

Though we can’t always control the outcome and all the unpredictable stuff that happens along the way, when we have an idea of how we want our life to play out, we have more chance of creating it.

Make the best story of your life

So be clear about what you want and make plans to achieve it. You don’t need to know all the how’s and why’s, just imagine the feeling of having it. With a bit of a roadmap in your mind, of the life you want to live, one that’s constantly evolving to match a higher state of being, we allow ourselves the freedom to create a reality of flow and ease.

Our thoughts are powerful so choose them wisely. Choose how you want your story to unfold and focus on those heightened feelings along the way. They’ll always guide you.

We’ve been in the Grampians for just under two months now, working hard and living in our van (except for those times when we go home). We’re enjoying a simpler lifestyle, one that suits us right now but one that still has its challenges. Most days are fabulous but not all go smoothly. However, when I realign my thoughts to trust and surrender, and remember to focus on the bigger picture, there’s an inner knowing that all is well. Everything is exactly as it should be right now.

My life is a story, and so is yours, and there are plenty of blank pages ahead of us. With so much still to be written, where it goes from here is all up to us.

Dr Seuss says it in his own profound quirky way. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who`ll decide where to go…“

So have faith in the journey and fill your book up with adventure, joy, love and happiness.

Wherever you are, I wish you love, light, fulfilment and a happy creative month ahead. Happy storytelling!

59 thoughts on “The Stories We Create”

  1. Wonderfully said dear Miriam… Indeed we are each creating our own stories by our thoughts and actions… And you both have certainly created some wonderful pages within your own story Miriam..
    Wow to that front cover on the Magazine .. Congratulations The photos you take are always stunning and amazing.

    We are each in the moment creating our tomorrows… And while as you said not each day pans out exactly as we planned… You can be sure each experience is what we need that helps propel us to the next chapter as we take each day one page at a time..

    Loved this… and your Story…
    Hugs and much love Sue ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Sue. Love what you said about how each experience propels us to the next chapter and then the next … it’s so true. Plus it’s how we react to it all isn’t it. One day at a time indeed. Hugs and love sent back to you my friend. ❤️💜

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  2. congrats on all the publications, and that stunning front page … so quintessentially ozzie! Appreciate your wisdom.

    Taming our minds is the greatest frontier to conquer … it brings real inner serenity!

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  3. Congratulations! I’m reminded of this quote that says, “the mind stretched by new experiences will no longer go back to its original dimensions.” In your case, those trips around the Land Down Under stretched your horizons by leaps and bounds!

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  4. Congrats on your photo and stories being published Miriam! I can imagine that would be a great feeling. And thank you for continuing to uplift and encourage with your words and stories. May we all write more loving and beautiful stories.

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  5. I feel your excitement… being where you want to be and cocreating your story❤️ Such a great cover! You can be proud of your passion for writing, photography and travelling💃🏼
    Such a lovely post Miriam, love your reminders to everyone to be clear in what you want, enjoy the journey and most importantly leave creation to create itself. Our divinity has a plan of its own so we must allow everything to be free❤️ sending love your way🥰

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    1. So very true Barbara. Each of us has a soul journey, a purpose that is sometimes so far from our understanding that the best we can do is trust the divine. Thank you for feeling and sharing in my excitement and passion for what I do. Sending you lots of love too. ❤️

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  7. And wow, what an amazing year of your OWN story, Miriam! It doesn’t seem that long ago that you set off and it’s been fun to ‘tag’ along with you. Congratulations on your stories for the latest issues and oh, that cover photo is highly-deserved! The contrast in colours works brilliantly and there is a truly epic scope to the picture! Wishing you a fantastic year ahead … wherever the road may take you! Keep Creating & Writing Your Story! xx❤️

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    1. Thanks so much Annika. It’s certainly been an extraordinary year, one that’s flown by so quickly and been filled with so much wonder. Looking forward to the one to come, even though much of it is filled with the unknown. I guess that’s what makes the story interesting!Sending you lots of love. xx

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  14. I love this! (And I’d like it, except nothing happens when I hit the like button…that’s happening for about one in four of every blog I follow right now, and I wish Word Press would fix it already! I have to sign in, again, just to comment on your blog. I’ve signed in four times in the past ten minutes, but apparently, Word Press can’t remember it…am I beginning to sound bitter and frustrated???)
    Anyhow, I’m so glad that selling your stories on your travels, and that you had the courage to take a new path. That’s an example to us all. And that Dr. Seuss quote is perfect!

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    1. Hi Ann, I hear your frustration. I’ve been having trouble commenting on many WP blogs too, with the same issues you’re describing. Very annoying.
      Anyway, thanks for persevering! And yes, I do love that Dr Seuss quote.

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      1. I’ve contacted the “happiness engineers” who told me the usual: update your browser, clear your cache, etc. I did it all, and yet the problem continues. I couldn’t even like your comment! Word Press is making blogging so hard….if I ever stop blogging, it won’t be for lack of inspiration or a desire to write. It will be because I’m tired of the endless battles with Word Press! Thanks for being you, Miriam….you give me the strength the keep trying. Seriously, you do!

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  17. Congrats, Miriam!!! You must be so excited to see that cover! What a crazy wonderful year you had traveling and documenting such beautiful country. I love all the words of inspiration in this post…all good reminders that we truly create our reality and that it is up to us to change the things we do not like. Sending you oodles of good energy and Sweet Blessings for creating the life you are so happy to live! ❤ ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Lorrie. You’re so very right, on all counts, and I’m so grateful for all we’ve experienced throughout this past year. Sending you lots of love and good wishes my friend. ❤️

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      1. I love how you live your life fully, Miriam! No excuses…and you step out and go for it. You have so much courage!
        Sweet Blessings for a wonderful new week ahead, Miriam. May it be filled with wonder!! ❤

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  19. That’s awesome! Those print articles remind me of my time as a travel writer. You’re invoking tons of nostalgia in me. And it’s amazing that you’ve turned your adventures into stories for the magazine. Plus, this article is so inspiring not just for travel seekers, but also to writers. Thanks for sharing!

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  21. Omg Miriam… this is fabulous news and I’m so excited for you! Congratulations! You are so deserving and I love everything about this post!!
    I so agree with you here:
    “Of course our stories are not always out there for the world to see. The most satisfying stories are the ones we create for ourselves, when we’re the master of the plot, the director of the storyline and script and we’re the main actor in the middle of all the craziness. “
    Take a bow 🙇‍♀️ as you saw this through and the result is inspiring and beautiful!
    💕❤️💕

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