Kia ora is a Maori greeting that folks use all over New Zealand to say hi or thanks. “Kia” means “to be” and “ora” means “well being.” So really you are wishing someone to ‘be well’ or be in harmony with themselves and their environment. It’s lovely right? So is New Zealand. All of it – in every way
We—my partner, kids, and I—just spent a month traveling throughout New Zealand. And now, I’m sitting on the plane home, writing this with an incredible heart full of gratitude for the experience and also quite a bit of heartbreak at the leaving of it.
If all you’ve ever heard is that New Zealand is one of the most stunning, lovely places on Earth, you’ve heard correctly.
We traveled all over both islands, and every single place was magic.
The people are kind. The culture is rich. They are very in-tune with the natural environment. They don’t use single-use plastic (I’m not kidding – no straws, no plastic cutlery, no plastic bags!). Even the signs are kind: Please enjoy 90 minutes of parking.
New Zealand is everything people say it is—and somehow, even more.
I meant to send a newsletter while I was there. That was my intention. But the days slipped through my fingers, each one full of beauty and joy, and now—just like that—it’s over. A month felt like it would be sooo long but time is a funny thing and now that we are heading home it feels like it passed in a moment.
I am bringing home: a ridiculous amount of puia shells, rocks, things made out of merino wool, trinkets of all types, a lovely jade necklace AND a newfound sense of freedom.
Freedom from obligation. Freedom from hustle. Freedom from the piles of expectations I put on myself. (Freedom might just be my new favorite word – it’s always been joy but freedom is giving it a run for it’s money).
As I sit here crammed into the very last aisle in the plane, in a middle seat between my two favorite girls, there is a heavy weight on my heart – how to step from beaches and hiking and art back into a reality of emails and laundry and junk mail (not to mention a country that feels unstable and unsafe)?
How do I hold onto the joy that came so easily when every moment felt like a gift? I’m not sure but I would welcome your advice.
Is vacation just a reset? Or can it be more?
Can I bring home the goodness of deep connection with my family?
The reality of walking around with so much joy that it radiates to the folks around me? The freedom that comes with choosing life first and letting the work come from the life?
I want to keep choosing adventure. Keep chasing connection. Keep carrying freedom with me, no matter where I am. Because – don’t we all?! Let’s do it.
Were we on vacation?
Yes. 100%. We were on vacation.
Did I work nearly every day we were gone?
Yep.
Was it still incredible in every way?
Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes.
How? Well – I get by with a little help from my friends!
My best friend Kari is a productivity coach for solopreneurs. She made my life smooth and easy while I was gone – handling all the things.
Brandon Perry – an audio engineer who alway goes above and beyond, made sure I sounded like I was in the studio—whether I was recording in a hotel room or an Airbnb.
They made it so easy for me to stay in the game but kind of also not really;) I’m very grateful.
Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour. – Walt Whitman
May peace be widespread, may the sea glisten like greenstone, and may the shimmer of light guide you on your way. – Maori Blessing from our amazing guide Te Puia
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