The Bigger Picture

Posted on by Miriam

There’s so much change in the air. Can you feel it? Whether it’s a change of season or something even bigger, sometimes I feel like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, caught up in that whirlwind. At the moment we’re juggling work at Halls Haven in the Grampians whilst simultaneously clearing our home back in Melbourne. Since we made the decision to sell back in June, it’s like the Universe has conspired to rush everything along

Our decision to sell, the way it happened so quickly and the settlement date of 11.11 feels synchronistic. The date also coincides with our son’s final Uni exams and his need to find somewhere new to live. So, we’re not just moving out and relocating all our furniture to a storage container but we’re also trying to find him a suitable place to live.

It’s been an emotional journey. I’m excited yet I’d be lying if I said I haven’t had sleepless nights and shed a few tears about what we’re leaving behind. There’s so much involved in letting go, not just of the physical and material, but the stability of a predictable lifestyle. But do I regret our decision? Absolutely not. As someone once said, “happiness has more than one address.”

When you feel the Universe guiding you in a certain direction, somehow all the small details and moments of worry become merely steps that propel us forward. The clearing out, the getting dirty, both physically and metaphorically, it’s all part of the process.

I listened to Lorrie Ladd the other day and she spoke about how important it is to be real to ourself, not to deny our feelings, or pretend everything is perfect. She spoke about “getting dirty”. In her words …

“Don’t be afraid of what is uncomfortable, don’t be afraid of what is new. Don’t be afraid of what you are being pulled into, courageously go into it. Trust what you’re being shown right now, trust what you’re being asked to move into.”

Deep Shit or Sheer Bliss – It’s all how you look at it

Water views from our van: It’s all about perspective

“You can see the reflection of the sunrise on the lake.” said hubby to me recently, looking outside our van window. It’s actually a septic hole that has to be filled, but that’s Doug’s warped sense of humour. It’s true though, isn’t it? Everything is about the way we look at things. And where we focus our attention.

On the same morning, looking out the other side of the van, came this fleeting and magical gift from Mother Nature.

I love these views from our van and I’ve also grown to love the travel to and from here. It’s just over three hours in the car, enough time to relax, daydream, chat and watch the world go by. It’s like a bridge and a space between two scenarios which are all playing out.

Keeping the Home Fires Burning

Is ‘Home’ just a word or is it something you carry within you?

Where is home these days? For me it’s wherever I lay my hat, as the song goes. It’s where we happily raised our kids, in a red brick house that’s slowly being emptied and where, out the back paddock, the kids had so much fun when they were younger. More recently we had a bonfire, burning off the old.

Home is our van, which is part of our present and future. It’s a comfortable haven with everything we need in it.

It’s in the car, travelling between two places, a space that gives us time to catch our breath. Home is being with people we love. It’s laughter, and connection when hearts align.

Home is where the heart lives. Home is where you are in every moment.

Everything Passes

“Nature, time and patience are the three great physicians.”

Last week we had a health scare when Doug woke up early one morning, delirious with pain. “I don’t feel good” he said, as he passed out on me. What followed was an intense 24 hours as I rushed him into the Emergency department of the Austin Hospital where I had to leave him and then wait to hear what was going on.

We were due back at work that day, had packing boxes strewn around the house and our plans were in disarray, but my main concern was him.

I did what I had to do and then waited, trusted, surrendered and prayed. The next day news came and it wasn’t too serious, thank goodness. Tests showed the cause of the pain (a kidney stone) and he was home that afternoon. The stone has mostly passed through but hasn’t come out fully. But at least now he has pain relieving drugs and he’ll be more prepared. Everything passes, the good and the not so good, literally.

Cleansing on a Global Scale

Sometimes I feel like the overhaul of our house and what can happen to our physical bodies is similar to what’s happening on the planet. Every room is being cleared out, everything is coming out of the closet, EVERYTHING. There’s so much going on if we look beyond the distractions. Amongst it all so many things we barely recognise are surfacing. What a tumultuous and incredible time we’re living in. Do you sense the changes and the newness that’s coming?

It’s my birthday soon, on the 25th of September, and I’m fortunate to be spending it at home. I AM so grateful for another year around the sun. When I look back over the past 12 months I see what’s possible when we take a leap of faith, when we step out of our comfort zone and trust in the unknown and when we live from our heart and trust our intuition. I feel blessed.

It’s my intention to continue to follow the path I’m on, even though I don’t know where it’s leading! I’ll continue to share my journey and perhaps I’ll inspire a few people to follow their own dreams along the way.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” said Confucius. And so it is. Life expands when we’re willing to embrace uncertainty in pursuit of new opportunities.

From my heart to yours, I wish you all peace, patience and loving energy to contemplate the bigger picture. And to envisage a future that’s full of magic, mystery, possibility and wonder. Because it’s there and it’s waiting for us.

Finding a bit of inspiration amongst clearing out
Time on the road is like a bridge between worlds.
Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home – Matsuo Bash

68 thoughts on “The Bigger Picture”

  1. Good luck with all the upheaval, hope it goes well. Glad to hear Doug was ok – I once had a kidney stone and know how painful it was!

    And thank you for finding a WOTE video that I hadn’t seen before 😊

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        2. Hugely talented and creative. I’ve been with them for ten years, since YouTube recommended their Gotye cover. I have all their albums too. You could say I’m a fan!

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        4. It’s where it all took off for them – I think it is approaching 200m views now. They have made so many good ones. I’ve played them a few times on my blog, and they may be making another visit in December 😉

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  2. So many life changes. You are like a gypsy free to roam. Happy Birthday. Yours is a month before mine. I hope you find your son a suitable place to live.

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    1. Hi Brad, so sorry I missed your comment. But thanks for your kind words. Keeping our eye on the bigger picture is always a good way to get through changing and challenging times. Hope you’re well. x

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  6. Happy Birthday, Miriam! You had lots of adventures on the route this last year. It will be good to be at home a bit, a change, like the change of the seasons, that everybody needs. Happy Spring to you!

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  7. Once the sale of your house is completed you will feel liberated to fully immerse yourself into your travels. It’s much easier to live in a caravan full time when it’s the only home you have. Two homes can leave you in a divided situation. Enjoy!

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  8. ouch, hope Doug is feeling better!

    Please wish Daniel the best of luck for his exams and with his house hunting … what a huge adventure for you all. Having just returned from my trip across the Nullarbor, 11,000 km, I do get why you don’t want to be tied down. Sometimes we need stability and other times it’s fun to be mobile and continue exploring … I did mine the opposite way to yours 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Kate for your good wishes. It’s a big time for us all at the moment with new beginnings and lots on the horizon but both my lads are resilient.
      So happy for you and your adventurous road trip, yes, it’s absolutely liberating being on the road but I know you know that. Hugs x

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  11. I’m so glad to hear that your husband is okay! I’m sure it is very difficult to sell your house and most of your possessions, but it also sounds like a great adventure. I love what you say about not being afraid of the new…because I agree, things are changing very quickly and it’s so easy to be apprehensive. Thanks for the encouragement to lean into the change!

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  12. Doug’s warped sense of humor is golden; I love it ~ and happy to hear he is OK, but I winced at the thought of this… The daring adventure you have set upon is impressive and admirable, and I love the quote: “Don’t be afraid of what is uncomfortable, don’t be afraid of what is new. Don’t be afraid of what you are being pulled into; courageously go into it…” This is the excitement of life, and you are grasping it with both hands 🙂

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    1. Oh yes, we sure are Randall! It’s an exciting time for us and despite all the juggling we’re doing at the moment we’re looking forward to what lies ahead. Thank you for your wonderful comment and yes, Doug’s warped sense of humour truly is golden. One of the many things I love about him! Warmest wishes and big thanks my friend. 😊

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  13. So, so, loved this post dear Miriam… Yes I too feel the change in the air.. Its palatable you can sense it in all around us if we are in tune with our selves and our surroundings..
    I so admire you letting go and clearing out, and TRUSTING in the process as you do,.. So relieved Doug is on the mend and it must have been a tense and worrying time…
    You are juggling so much right now in moving and finding your Son a place too.. But again you are in the FLOW and are in tune with that Trusting of your intuition, as it guides you along the pathway to your future..
    Yes its all about perspectives, how we choose to look at things… Always a silver lining and a brighter picture… It’s like letting go of the debris, the clutter and the unwanted we have collected over the years..
    We have to create some smoke as we burn the old, to clear a way for our new beginnings.. Its a remarkable process and I see more and more now so clearly how we are clearing out the negative and our old systems to make way for new ideas, new adventures, and New ways in which we can all peacefully thrive together..

    We don’t grow good veggies in our garden unless we throw some manure on it.. 🙂 and people are going to have to see the dirt, for themselves to enable us all to move forward.. Love Lorrie Ladd..

    I hope Miriam you have a lovely Birthday and I know today here in the UK is the 25th, your day may well be over, but I trust you had a beautiful day..

    Sending LOVE and well wishes for your next stage in your adventure as you trust in the Universal Plan of following your Dreams, your Heart and your Inner wisdom..
    Much love to you both ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Hi dear Sue, as always your words are so perceptive and wise. I know you see and understand what’s unravelling and the whole concept of digging deep, clearing out and tending our gardens to make way for the new. I feel it in this process too of clearing out our house, even if, in the process, it’s often emotional. But I really am excited when I think of the bigger picture and I try every day to stay in tune with myself and where I’m at.
      Thank you so much for the lovely birthday wishes, I had a very happy day at home with my family being outside and enjoying some long awaited spring sunshine.
      Much love, gratitude and big hugs to you my friend. 💗

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  14. Oh, friend!! First…HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MIRIAM!! 🙂 🙂 I feel particularly happy that I ended up here on your birthday…but wait…It might be tomorrow where you are 😉
    I love this post…I am so happy Doug is feeling better and hope that nasty stone passed (I know how it feels!) I love the rendition of Turn, Turn, Turn…thanks for sharing. And it just makes me so happy to hear how grounded you are and that you are 100% on board with wherever it is that life will take you! I know, also, that it is not just left nilly willy up to chance…I know that you are a manifester and that you direct your life with your thoughts. It will be (IS) an amazing journey that you will live with amazing grace!!
    Hope all good things for you and your family ❤

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    1. Hi Lorrie, wonderful to see you here, and it doesn’t matter in the slightest that it’s the morning after my birthday. Thank you for the lovely wishes you sent me, I had such a beautiful day! And thank you also for all you wrote about my post and life. I’m so excited about what lies ahead for us. Once we find our son a place to live I’ll feel even freer to live this. Because you’re right, our thoughts create our reality. And there’s so much to look forward to. Much love to you my friend. 💗

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      1. Yes, Miriam 😊 And I completely understand how you want your son settled…and as a mom you are probably more worried about that than anything! It will all work out, in the perfect timing…it always does!! Keep celebrating the birth of you…I think we get a whole week!! 😊💜

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  15. What a post, Miriam. As usual you pack so much into one post so I could actually sit here all day long and comment on this that and the other. Your Attitude is something to behold and an Inspiration to all those who read your words. Change is scary at times and leaving behind what we have known for years is painful. Yet the heart tugs and you are led into New Horizons. This is the only way to live life ….. letting go and trust.

    I am so relieved to hear your hubby is OK. It truly is despicable how people are still being treated at hospitals, not allowing family in. So many of us have moved on knowing that the “scare” we had is well over with. I’m so sorry you had to be alone not knowing how your husband is doing. This just shouldn’t be!

    Your pictures, your thoughts, your quotes, all so very appreciated. Thank you for shining so brightly even in the tough phases. I am so proud of you, dear friend. You are showing others how to Flow by following your heart. Brava!!! xoxoxo

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    1. Oh yes my friend, letting go and trusting … it’s the only way to live and it seems to have become my mantra in life these days, surrendering to the flow and trusting that things are working out divinely. Thank you for your kind words Amy, and I know you understand what it means to live and be guided by our heart. Your beautiful photos are a testament to that. Sending you much love 💕 xxx

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  16. So much wisdom and truth in this post. Thank you for sharing, and I love the words of Lorie Ladd, and I have jotted the following word on a post-it “happiness has more than one address.” With the hope of finding a vinyl sticker of them for my laptop.

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  17. Happy belated birthday! Hope it was great. Love the quote “happiness has more than one address.” So true. Wow, you’ve got a lot going on Miriam! And sounds like you’re handling it beautifully. You have such a positive outlook. Glad your husband is ok, bet that was scary. Take care, I look forward to hearing about your new adventure. Big changes, big opportunities. I’m happy for you! xx

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    1. Thanks so much Jeni. Yes, we certainly do have a lot going on. Doug still has a few health issues but nothing that can’t be sorted and everything else is going well. Trying to take one day at a time whilst still keeping an eye on the bigger picture. Definitely a scary but mostly exciting time! Big hugs. xx

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  19. Congrats on the move and your bravery! It takes a lot to move a life–good for you! And I agree, we could use a little more of it on the planet but in a good way–some of the stuff coming out is not so pretty. Kidney stone–ugh. The worst. And truly as bad as childbirth, as I’ve done both.

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  20. Hello dear Miriam, what a lovely post about what your future holds. Wishing you all the best with your ‘next’. And that must have been so scary for you both about Doug’s sudden health crisis. Glad it wasn’t anything too serious. Very painful for sure, though.
    Take good care, and sending warm hugs 😘🌸

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    1. Thank you my dear friend. Yes, we’ve had a few challenges these past months but, like everything, it passes. Hope life is treating you well Dianne and big thanks again for your well wishes. Sending love and hugs back 💗 xx

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  23. Miriam are you becoming a nomad? wow you are brave, but you have just spent so much time living the life and you can see it work.

    Change certainly is in the air

    Brave – you are. freeing , flying free,! where ever you lay your hat is your home. Good on you. you are amazing.

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    1. Hi Bella. You made me smile. A nomad? Well, maybe we are though we’ll still have our home on wheels and one day we will probably buy again, downsize in a new area. We seem to be living in a world of huge change at the moment and, for us, we’re simply doing what feels right. Sending you lots of love and thanks for your kind words.🙏

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