Camping Queen

“Camping Queen”

“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Andre Gide

I love how “ye olde” Universe gives me messages when my head has been buried in my work to let me know it’s time to wake up and notice. Within the course of a few days I received a gift of a T-shirt that said “Life Is Good – Don’t forget to play,” then I went to a gift store and there was a cute little mug saying “Play while you may.” 

So, the message was clear: time to play!  And then I saw another picture on Facebook of my friends Gary and Danny on a camping trip showing them in total bliss. In the past I would have seen their pictures and felt a yearning. However, this time I reacted to that picture differently because last weekend I was actually with them on my very first camping trip! It’s amazing to me that I have never been camping, but as much as I love being in nature it just never happened that I had friends to go camping with – until now. 

I must admit I was a little nervous since this was something new and out of my comfort zone. I also have to admit that when I drove through the last small town before getting to the campsite, I found myself taking note of the hotels that had a vacancy in case I had to bail out! But that’s where my favorite expression comes in: “If your inner critic isn’t making some noise in your head, you are not stretching enough.” So off on my adventure I went. I love the Mark Twain quote: “I have spent most of my life worrying about things that have never happened.” And that was my experience – nothing to worry about: everything was easy, effortless, and so much fun! 

I can’t totally claim that I was “camping” because Danny and Gary created quite a diva glamping experience for me – my own big tent, queen size air mattress, a brand new headlamp, wine at night, coffee in the morning…and the three other guys that were on this adventure took turns cooking amazing gourmet meals. So yes, I was a bit spoiled…but now I am hooked on camping.

I think the main lesson I keep learning is all about treasuring moments: the sweet connections with people, the smell of the trees, gazing into the campfire, having no agenda, relaxing, doing nothing and just staring off into space. My friend Lauren taught me a new expression – instead of FOMO (Fear Of~  Missing Out) my new mantra is JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out) – turning down the things that feel like obligations and allowing myself more space in my life for more fun!  And more camping! 

How about you – what’s your next adventure????