Tag Archives: travel

7 Ideas For Awesome Quests

The best thing about going on a quest for me, is all the awesome adventures you have along the way. When you throw yourself wholeheartedly into your quest, you will come back with so much more than you set out to achieve.

Sometimes, when you finally reach the goal, place or object you were seeking, it is better than you ever could have imagined. Other times you may be disappointed, or fail on your mission. But when you look back on a quest, it is often the journey to accomplishing your goal that is the most memorable and satisfying part.

On the road in Bolivia.

Having said that, the feeling of pursuing a grand quest is what makes the journey so exciting. You can build an epic adventure around any quest, whether it is something extremely silly, or wild and extreme. Here are some ideas to get us started…

1. Reach a high point of a city, country, or the world.

I recently travelled to Dubai because it is home to the Burj Khalifa, which was the tallest building in the world when I visited the observation deck at the top. Someone may have built something taller by the time you are reading this, and I will probably be planning to scale that too! Although going to the top of the Burj Khalifa was the main goal of my Dubai trip, the other experiences I had in that crazy city far outweighed those few moments of bliss stepping out onto the 1/2 km high viewing platform.

View from the top of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai.

Reaching Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal was another significant moment, which was part of a far more amazing trek through the Himalayas. But you don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to reach a high point. Find the tallest building in your city, or make it your mission to climb all the hills in your area. It can be as simple or elaborate a quest as you desire.

Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

2. Go celebrity hunting.

First of all with this one, it doesn’t have to be a celebrity you have any real interest in. It’s about the thrill of the chase! When we discovered a certain B-list celebrity lived near our parents houses, my friends and I had a great time climbing trees and running through muddy fields trying to catch a glimpse of him. None of us were fans (not that I’m aware of anyway!), but we still had fun with our binoculars trying to see into the blacked out windows of his passing car. Don’t judge me for this until you try it!

Climbing a tree to get a better view of a local celebrity’s house!

It is best done with friends as a purely recreational activity, otherwise you are just a weird stalker. Don’t take it too far and get arrested, or develop some kind of crazy celebrity obsession. If this happens, begin a new quest ASAP!

3. Learn a new skill.

Learning to scuba dive was the main purpose, and BY FAR the best thing about my trip to Indonesia a few years ago. However, the gorgeous beaches, stunning scenery, amazing temples and beautiful boat trips were a massive bonus!

Ubud, Bali

My quest to learn basic conversational Spanish while in South America was (almost) fulfilled when I found myself chatting to a local in a bar in Cusco, Peru after a few drinks. Words were just flowing out of my mouth. The grammar was all wrong, but we managed a semi conversation.

Long bus journeys passed by in the blink of an eye, while my head was buried in my Spanish book. It was also a great excuse to relax and watch TV with subtitles, picking up many new words and phrases. If you make learning something new your quest, I guarantee it will bring enjoyable experiences into your life.

3. Follow a river all the way to another town.

This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. Mainly because I have a terrible sense of direction and it’s hard to get lost while walking alongside a river! There is something so appealing about the idea of arriving in a new or familiar place the same way as the river. Plus being next to water is always so relaxing.

You could take this to the extreme and follow a river all the way to its source, or all the way out to sea. Or you could embark upon a quest to walk its entire length.

4. Find the oldest tree or building in your area, or further afield.

This one may involve a bit of research, but that’s all part of the quest! I am planning to visit a really old tree with a friend soon, and it got me thinking, I wonder where the top 10 oldest trees in the UK are? I could find out with a quick google search, but then I would probably end up on a whole new quest that I don’t currently have time for!

Amazing tree in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Going on a quest to find the oldest buildings wherever you are can be fun, even if you’re not into history. Plus you might learn something! Once you’ve ticked off the oldest buildings in your home country, you can go on a quest further afield to discover some amazing places. When you approach it in this way, you may find that you are more interested in history than you first thought!

Bristol, UK

5. Give yourself a time limit.

Not all quests need to have time limits, but it can make things more exciting! I remember going on a quest to find an indoor rollercoaster in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A fellow traveller and I gave ourselves an hour to get there. We had no idea where it was, and we ended up running through the city like maniacs.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

When we eventually found it, we realised that it was far too expensive to be worth the money for us poor backpackers, and we didn’t even go on! But we had a really fun time and an epic mini adventure. We saw parts of the city and spoke to people we never would have otherwise.

6. Food quests are the best.

I won’t write too much about this one, or I will make myself hungry. I’m always hungry, and earning enough money to satisfy my gigantic appetite is a constant struggle! If you love food, food quests are probably something you undertake pretty frequently anyway. Just make sure you have an emergency snack with you, or the quest could turn into a hangry rampage pretty quickly.

7. Turn a goal into a quest.

Want to save up money for your next adventure, further your studies, or start a new career path? Whatever your goal, life is an adventure, so completing your mission should feel like a quest, not a chore. Think about WHY you want to achieve this goal. What aspect of it makes you feel excited and alive?

Start to re-frame your goal in a way that makes it feel like an adventure. Dedicate a notebook to your quest, and jot down any helpful words or images that come to mind. What will life look like when you succeed on your quest? Focus on that, and ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Remember that being on the quest is as much the purpose as reaching the goal.

You can never have too many exciting quest ideas… please share yours with me in the comments below!

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The Magic Is In You – Water Wonderland

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This is the second in an experimental series of posts about connecting to the magic within and all around us. You can read the first post here as a general introduction to the idea.

I have chosen water as the theme because it is the one aspect of nature I can always rely on to soothe and calm me wherever I am.

The inspiration for this post didn’t come to me in the clear turquoise waters of a tropical island, beautiful lake, or river though. It was bubbling away in the jacuzzi at my local spa.

As I sat there in a peaceful daze, visions came to me of past times I’d been happily submerged in water, in places far and wide.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Imagined future scenes also flashed before me, until these visions enveloped me into a water wonderland which merged with the swirling delight of my present surroundings.

I sank deeper into the hot bubbling whirlpool in a dreamy stupor, and in that moment, all of my trepidation about leaving my current life behind to go off alone into the unknown again dissolved. I knew that wherever I was I would always have this. I could always return to the water world of my dreams that existed somewhere between planet earth and a paradise-like realm, where water was a sacred gift from the gods.

Iguasu Falls, South America

Water Meditation

Submerge yourself in water. It could be in a bath, a river, lake, pool, hot tub or the sea. (I have recently discovered the joy of having a wetsuit, which means I can swim comfortably even in the freezing cold water of the UK!) Find a safe quiet spot where you feel happy to stay for a while. Or, if you feel calmer on the move, find an open space where you can swim slowly without being disturbed.

The main aim of this activity is to relax and connect with your own magical water dreamland. Use the flowing quality of water to wash away any negativity in your mind and body, and feel how you become almost weightless. Feel yourself dissolving into the water, becoming more and more peaceful with every breath you take.

Your body begins to merge with the water, your movements becoming more fluid and easeful. You are one with the water, and realise that all of the peace and calm that the water provides already exists within you. Allow the twinkling reflections on the surface of the water, and swirling shapes your body makes as you move, to transport you to your water wonderland.

Sunset, Barbados

Allow images of beautiful waterfalls, lakes, rivers and oceans to float through your mind. Enjoy the anticipation of visiting these places, and the special memories of places you have already been. You are infinitely peaceful, and have a deep appreciation for this precious gift.

There is no set time for this meditation. Personally, I could spend hours in water without getting bored, but everyone is different. When you have finished, write down a few words under the heading of ‘water wonderland’ to remind you of this experience, or collect some pictures to create a collage of dream water paradises you would like to visit.

Try to take some of this relaxation and fluidity you have experienced with you into the coming days. Allow peace to ripple out from you in all directions, and feel like you can float through any difficulties you may encounter.

Thank you for joining me in our water wonderland, I hope you enjoyed it! Leave me a comment and tell me about your favourite places and inspiring experiences below ❤

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Learning To Love The Rain In Slovenia

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There’s a reason Slovenia is so green.

The land glistens and twinkles with freshly fallen rain drops.

Vintgar gorge

Emerald green rivers tumble down through lush tree-lined gorges.

Waterfalls appear to emerge from nowhere, like fountains, gushing out of the hillside.

It was hard to tell the thick mist of spray at the base of one waterfall from the nearly constant heavy rain we’d become so used to.

The lovely staff at the hostel where we were staying kindly lent me a giant rainbow umbrella. The bright spectrum of colours surrounded and sheltered me, filling my mind with happy thoughts, so that only the beauty filtered through.

Shrouded in cloud and mist, the scenery of the country was somewhat elusive. But when the clouds parted, the magical views were all the more special.

Bovec, Slovenia

Fairytale Lake Bled took on an eerie grey hue to match the sky, adding to its mysterious appeal.

Lake Bled

Any traces of resistance to the weather we’d been experiencing were well and truly washed away for me when we reached the vast Soca river.

Soca river

Unstoppable, peaceful and so powerful. I cried out with joy as I stood on the river bank, breathing it in, letting it carry my troubles swiftly away with its dynamic yet oh so soothing flow.

Far from the clear turquoise water we’d seen in pictures, the sediment churned up from the heavy rainfall gave the river a very pale opaque appearance. I found this striking colour to be just as beautiful as the amazing emerald green of the Radovna river in the Vintgar gorge.

Vintgar gorge, Slovenia

Winding our way down through the ethereal gorge, we became more and more enchanted with every step.

As we rounded each corner, a new spellbinding view opened up before us, enticing us further and further along the path.

The hypnotic sounds, colours and shimmer of the water soothed and energized me. The gorge seemed to contain the swirling magic of the river, allowing us to soak up more and more of it as we followed its course.

After so thoroughly appreciating all of its consequences, how could I ever complain about the incessant rain again in this beautiful country again?!

Have you been to Slovenia? Did it rain the entire time when you were there, or were we just lucky/unlucky?! I would also love to hear about any times you have found the beauty in something that you’ve previously disliked. Leave me a comment 🙂

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The Spirit Of Adventure

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I am an adventurer at heart, and probably always will be. I’m writing this post because for a really long time I’ve had an internal battle of ‘home’ vs ‘wanderlust’ going on, and it’s been driving me a bit crazy. I’ve felt like I should ‘grow up’ and ‘settle down’, do the sensible thing, prioritize safety and comfort, and stay close to the people who already know and love me.

Doing this has been great for a while, and 100% what I have needed. But home isn’t just a place, it’s a state of mind. One that I only seem to be able to access when I am being true to myself and my desires. When I think about what I want long term, the only thing I can feel genuinely inspired by is a life of adventure.

Flying high over the desert in Peru.

I love that feeling of home, familiar faces and places, and the warm glow that surrounds me. But when I deny my need for adventure, I cut myself off from this connection with the world around me. Ironically, forcing myself to stay home for too long can be the very thing that prevents me from feeling ‘at home’.

Flowers in the garden on a sunny day – that beautiful feeling of home.

It makes me feel sad sometimes that I’m not motivated by the same things as most of the people around me. I actually find the hard work, persistence and determination of friends that have saved enough money to buy a house, or weathered the tough times in long term employment in order to raise a family, incredibly inspiring. I know that they must really want it.

People that follow an unconventional path often project their own feelings onto those that choose to find peace and contentment in a more ‘ordinary’ life. Obviously there are exceptions, and there certainly are people that are dissatisfied with their boring job, partner and/or miserable existence. But that’s not what I see. For the most part, I see people that go through ups and downs, but are committed to their future, and get enough joy from their day to day lives to know that it’s worth it.

Adventure for most people is a fun interlude during an otherwise comfortable life. I know people that come home from an action packed holiday and are actually glad to get back to their normal routine and familiar surroundings. They have amazing memories of the experience, they may learn and grow from it, and it will enrich their lives. This is awesome. But it is not me.

Amazon jungle adventures

I need more. I want longer adventures. I need to go deeper in the jungle. I’m no Ranulph Fiennes, but I am intent on pushing my own boundaries further than I can even imagine right now. This doesn’t mean I’m going to take crazy risks (I’m actually incredibly safety conscious these days!), but it does mean I will chase my crazy dreams.

I often wish my dreams were more aligned with those of my friends and family… a beautiful house in the countryside, some happy children, fabulous holidays, or a creative project that fits nicely into life at home in the UK. But what I really want is to belong, and I only feel this sense of belonging when I am following my own dreams, not someone else’s.

I first knew adventure was more to me than just the occasional holiday or adventurous hobby when, nearing the end of a 5 month long trip around South America, I imagined not having to go home. I glimpsed a freedom greater than anything I had ever dared to dream of.

A condor soaring through the vast Colca Canyon, Peru.

Many years, and many adventures later, the call towards freedom had become stronger than ever. Every time I experienced the wild beauty of life, I knew this was where I belonged. Not in any one particular place, but in that place within me that was unconstrained, limitless and free.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

My passion for exploration and adventure is so all-consuming that when I am not adventuring (which has been too often during the last couple of years), the weirdest things give me wanderlust. I was in a cafe a few weeks ago with a friend, and the smelly toilet actually made me yearn to be far from home in a warm country with inferior plumbing, where all the toilets smell like that.

That was a turning point for me. I knew I needed to take action. I am now pouring my overwhelming passion for adventure into planning and saving for a looonnnng trip to Costa Rica this winter. For the last couple of years I have been channeling my adventurous spirit into my businesses and creative projects, which I hope to continue overseas.

The main challenge has been developing the confidence to rely on myself to earn money, and to ride out the highs and lows. It’s still a challenge every single day, but it’s getting easier. I have a little adventurousness left over now, so it’s time to wander again… to Costa Rica and beyond!

What does the spirit of adventure mean to you? Is your wanderlust in balance with your life, satisfied by regular adventures? Or is it raging out of control, to the point where even eating at a Chinese, Indian, Italian etc. restaurant brings you close to tears with the overwhelming desire to BE THERE?! Leave me a comment with your thoughts ♡

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Nature Meditation

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Some places are so spectacularly beautiful that we are effortlessly drawn into their magic.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Time seems to slow down and we feel a profound inner stillness.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

A view can seem so surreal that it brings us a fresh perspective on life. The whole world somehow feels more alive, and more strange!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Our surroundings interact with us and remind us that we are part of this extraordinary vision. Contemplating a magnificent ocean view is a full sensory immersion. The endless gentle roar of the waves, the feel of the salty sea air on the skin, and the unmistakeable smell, are so powerfully soothing.

Big Sur, California

Interacting with nature in a more dynamic way can also bring about feelings of deep peace. The full body co-ordination involved with outdoor activities such as rock climbing, paddle boarding, skiing and surfing (along with countless others!), can really force us into a state of calm concentration and aliveness.

The adrenaline of a bungee jump or a sky dive, combined with the rushing air and amazing views can only be compared to the feeling of being the hero of a real-life computer game! These were among the most intense natural highs I have ever experienced.

Meditation was rarely my intention with these out-of-this-world experiences; but they did open a doorway for me to experience the immense beauty of the present moment. Seen with fresh eyes, beauty appeared in details I had previously missed. The world became so vivid to me, and I had much more appreciation for the subtle charm of ordinary things.

I realized that peace was accessible to me anywhere, any time.

A tiny patch of land where nature is allowed to flourish, 2 minutes from my home in the UK.

If we make it our intention to deepen our sense of peace and connection to the world around us, a walk in a local park can be as magical as visiting a more dramatically beautiful place. It may not have such a powerful impact, but if we allow its gentle beauty to permeate our being, the effect can be just as profound.

If you open your heart to the beauty of the present moment, you will be rewarded.

Whether you’re taking a peaceful stroll in nature, sitting quietly in your garden, or swimming in the ocean, consciously connecting with the magic of your surroundings will deepen the feeling of peace you experience. The benefits will continue throughout your day, and beyond.

So my challenge for you today is to become one with the subtle magic of the present moment. Give yourself a minimum of 5 minutes to deepen your bond with a natural environment or a particular aspect of nature. It could be as simple as contemplating a beautiful flower or leaf, or gazing up at the vast open sky. Or if you have more time, climb a hill or follow the path of a river. There are endless possibilities.

Just remember that your intention is the most important thing. When you combine a strong intention to nurture your bond with nature and feel peace in your heart, with a simple action that is in alignment with the intention, you will find that you create a new magic all of your own.

How do you connect with nature? What magical moments have inspired you? Leave me a comment below and share your wisdom 🙂

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10 Affirmations To Assist You During An Adventure

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An adventure for you might be as simple as getting up early to go to the gym, or going to a party where you don’t know anyone. Or it might be climbing a mountain or doing a bungee jump. We all have our comfort zones. Some days simply venturing outside feels like an adventure to me, yet at other times traveling solo through remote areas of foreign countries where I don’t speak a word of the language has felt like a walk in the park.

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Whatever your current adventure threshold is, affirmations can really help to focus your mind when taking on challenges. Try using these, take bits that feel empowering, discard bits that don’t, or make up some of your own!

1. I am infinite.

One of my top affirmations for just about anything. It’s simple and straight to the point. Most of the rest of this list is saying the same thing in different words. In fact, much of what I write on this blog relates to this powerful idea. For some ‘infin-spiration’ read my recent post ‘You Are Infinite’.

Me being Tarzan in the Venezuelan jungle!

2. I am an eternal being journeying through time and space. I can do anything.

This one puts things into perspective! When I’m afraid, remembering this really helps.

3. Adventure brings me expansion into peace.

When we do something that takes us out of our comfort zone, we see that we can cope with a lot more than we think we can. This brings a greater sense of peace in day to day life.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

4. The earth is my friend and gives me infinite love and support.

Having the mindset that our environment is friendly rather than hostile can drastically change the way we interact with it. When I got lost in Kuala Lumpur, late at night and carrying a heavy backpack, I panicked. I was in very little physical danger as I was in a central part of town with plenty of people around. But it had been a long journey and I was tired, hungry and not thinking straight. I saw friendly people who tried to help and give me directions as a threat, and I strode off in the opposite direction from my hostel, determined to find my own way there!

I got there in the end but I was very sweaty, exhausted and annoyed! In contrast, when I got lost in the middle of nowhere in Cappadocia, with no water left and in the blazing heat, I was ridiculously calm. I was still exhausted and very hot, but the beauty and silence of my surroundings put me at complete ease. I continued walking happily and found my way back quickly. I’m sure I’d still be there now if I had decided the desolate landscape with crumbly rocks and thistles was out to get me!

Rose Valley, Cappadocia

5. I am strong and calm.

This one speaks for itself really. Desirable qualities for any adventurer!

6. This experience is helping me tap into my infinite source of inner strength.

When we’re struggling, telling ourselves we’re infinite sometimes seems unbelievable. This is when getting a bit creative with the wording can do wonders. We may not feel infinite at that moment, but we know we have felt much more capable than this in the past. So remembering that this strength exists, and our experience is helping us to find it, can be an excellent stepping stone.

White water rafting in Peru, just before we flipped over and smashed my face on the rock! I wouldn’t want to experience it again, but surviving it made me feel strong.

7. I am one with my surroundings.

Similar to number 4. When we experience something that challenges us, it is easy to fall into the trap of feeling separate and isolated. At the end of the day, adventure is something to be enjoyed, not endured. This affirmation can remind us of why we’re here, and to become totally immersed in the experience.

Poon Hill in the Himalayas, Nepal.

8. I am growing into my limitless self.

For the times when enjoying it just doesn’t seem feasible! We grow from every experience and that is an amazing thing in itself.

9. I am infinitely capable and can deal with any situation with ease.

Feeling tired, hungry, scared, lost or alone can trigger feelings of insecurity which can fool us into believing we are much less capable than we are. We suddenly become like a vulnerable small child again. Remind yourself that you are infinitely capable and that you can not only deal with this, but you can deal with it easily.

10. I am a super magical goddess/god/being/creature!

If all else fails call upon your magical powers! When we’re challenging ourselves, it can seem like we need superhuman powers to succeed. So give it a try, and use this super magical affirmation!

I hope you enjoyed reading these and found some of them useful. Affirmations and visualizations work best for me when I play around and have fun with them, so feel free to mix them up into your own special blend. I’d love to hear from you with your top affirmations, or any new ideas these have inspired. Happy adventuring! ❤ ❤ ❤

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Angkor’s Treasure

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When I think of the temples of Angkor, I don’t think of Angkor Wat standing majestically against the stormy dark sky, although it was an impressive sight to behold.

Angkor Wat

I remember the moments of peace and quiet, away from the crowds, gazing up at the weird and wonderful carved stone faces of Bayon…

Temple of Bayon

… and exploring dark mysterious chambers with my best friend and travel buddy.

I remember climbing impossibly steep stone steps…

… and even more precarious descents, covering every inch of the ancient ruins.

The astonishing Ta Prohm reminded me that even these mighty monuments bowed to the great force of nature, as the forest slowly reclaimed its territory.

Ta Prohm

Catching glimpses of Angkor Wat between the trees…

… and from the air in a tethered ballon…

… left me with much more than the image of the giant religious monument in my mind. The powerful symbol of Angkor Wat simply acts as a reminder of our epic adventure exploring this sprawling treasure trove of ruins in the jungle.

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You Are Infinite

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Our lives are ruled by our beliefs, and what we believe about ourselves often becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

I am infinite.

Choosing to believe this one simple thought has led to a complete turnaround in my day on countless occasions. Over time, these days are adding up to a big improvement in my life.

When your confidence takes a knock you probably have a hard time believing you’re capable of washing the dishes, let alone anything more complicated. But luckily, you don’t need to justify it.

All you need is your imagination.

Ubud, Bali

Whenever you experience difficulties in life, remember the power that lies within you. No matter what your situation, you always have had, and always will have, the potential within you to create magic.

Raw citrine crystal necklace from my Etsy shop.

This power has nothing to do with your past achievements or external circumstances. It depends only on your ability to let your mind gravitate towards the things that light you up inside.

It is the power of the imagination that makes us infinite. Our imagination is far greater than the sum of all our experiences. We have the ability to draw inspiration from our past, and dream up new worlds which build on these magical moments.

Magical moments – beautiful pagoda on the Yen river, Vietnam.

You may not be where you want to be just yet, but you still have the capacity to appreciate beauty and feel peace in the here and now. You can create something beautiful with what you already have, and you can share that with others.

When a magnificent scene of natural beauty takes your breath away, know that you are only able to feel its magic because it resonates with the magic inside of you.

Iguacu Falls, South America

If a vision truly resonates with your soul, the possibility exists for it to become real. Even if you have temporarily lost faith in yourself, a true heartfelt desire holds the power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Sometimes self belief can be the hardest thing in the world, especially when doing something outside of our comfort zone. When we don’t have a solid track record of success to inspire confidence , our strength lies in tapping into our imagination, our passion and our dreams.

A dreamy Himalayan sunrise. Photo taken from the top of Poon Hill on the ABC trek.

These dreams and visions are a core part of who we are. To have imagined them they must be within us, and when you realize that you start to see yourself in a much more expansive way. If we can dream of such beautiful things, we must have this beauty inside of us.

To see an improvement in any area of your life, the image you hold of yourself is often the most important thing you can change. (I talked about this in my earlier posts It’s Not What You Do, It’s How You Do It and The Super Power Of Visualization.)

Any time you doubt your own ability or feel fearful about something, try asking yourself: “What would infinite/magical/superhuman (insert your name) do?” Then do that.

It feels kind of silly at first, but I promise you, once you get into it, you’ll start to notice a real difference in how you feel and the way you approach tasks. It may not always be easy to make the leap from feeling incapable and scared (I’m talking from personal experience here!), to visualizing an unlimited, elevated version of yourself… BUT IT IS POSSIBLE. Just keep practising!

If you’re ready for a bit of practice, check out my post How To Create Your Own Heaven.

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Citizens Of The World

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I am inspired by visions of beauty all over the world, from striking real life Indian goddesses amidst stunning temples,

Vittala temple complex, Hampi, India

to prayer flags lining paths through remote villages in Nepal.

On the way to the start of the Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal.

I am inspired by the love of life and welcoming attitude of people everywhere I go, from the kindness of countless strangers across the globe, who have cooked me delicious meals, performed impromptu traditional dances, and shared the joy of singing and playing music together…

Men dancing in Amed, Bali.

… to the lovingly cultivated celebration of nature that is my parents garden.

I am reassured to find that wherever I travel in the world, despite the cultural differences, people all have the same underlying appreciation for, and desire to celebrate and honour, this precious life. From elaborate man made religious buildings with a hint of nature…

Ubud, Bali

to the more subtle yet absolutely awe inspiring Gergeti Trinity Church, Georgia, dwarfed by the dramatic landscape that surrounds it.

Gergeti Trinity Church, Kazbegi, Georgia

I take pieces of these people, places and things with me and weave them into the wonderland of my imagination. I hope that the things I create will inspire joy in those around me, just like the things that inspire me touch my own heart.

Necklaces from my Etsy shop.

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How To Create Your Own Heaven

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Developing the inner landscape of my imagination has been, and continues to be, the number one thing that helps me to overcome challenges and grow in everything that I do.

Whether you’re bursting with dreams and desires yet to be fulfilled, or are happy to take each day as it comes and rarely think of the future, you can use the power of your imagination to bring more joy into your life now.

I do not claim to be an expert on the inner workings of the mind, but I do have a LOT of experience with bringing myself from an uninspired, tired or agitated state, into one of peace, clarity and creativity.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking too logically when it comes to making dreams a reality. I talk myself out of things on a daily basis because I try to predict the future, and plan an exact sequence of action. When I’m able to let go of the outcome, everything flows so much more smoothly.

Nepal

Step 1: Discovering inspiration

It’s important during this step to understand that inspiration isn’t just something for artists and inventors. Finding the things that light us up is crucial in providing motivation for reaching our goals in life, as well as bringing us joy and an abundance of energy.

The view from Poon Hill in the Himalayas at sunrise.

If you have visions that seem totally unrealistic, all the better. Imagining flying during my yoga practice led to some of the freest movement and floatiest handstands I’ve ever experienced. Visualizing myself as a magical being with an ability to create enchanting music has allowed melodies to pour out of me when I’m playing my guitar and singing, even though I’m not an experienced musician.

You may already know what inspires you, or you may need to work on finding out. When I first started making jewellery I knew I liked doing it, and was mainly trying to re-create things I’d seen on my travels. I later realised it was the peace, beauty and freedom of expression the bohemian jewellery represented, that I resonated with. That led me to find my own unique style, and start making my dreams a reality.

One of a kind black onyx macrame necklace from my Etsy shop.

Pinterest can be a great place to start your search for inspiration. By collecting images that inspire you, your visions evolve, and you can revisit them whenever you need to. Look at images that you love and figure out what it is about them that you love. What emotions do they stir in you?

Think about things that have brought you joy in the past, and things that you find yourself daydreaming about doing, having and being in the future. What feelings do these evoke?

Step 2: Finding your unifying theme

This may be a word, a collection of words, a grand vision, or a feeling, that links everything together. I struggled for so long because I had no idea where to focus my energy. I had so many different dreams and goals, and felt completely overwhelmed when I thought about how to attain them. (I attempted to put this into words in one of my earlier blog posts ‘Living Your Passion’.) I still have all these dreams and goals, plus new ones now, but I feel much calmer and happier on a day to day basis.

Initially, I was unable to see how my passions for travel, music, making jewellery, yoga and massage were related. It seemed completely infeasible to pursue them all, and I felt I had to pick one. Now I can see the underlying feelings that inspire my interests are very similar. Peace and freedom are words that come close to representing my unifying theme.

Beach on Sentosa island, Singapore.

Visualize yourself doing all the things you love, or that inspire you, in your own version of heaven. What overall quality does it have? Try to describe it in words, images or whatever comes most naturally to you. This should help you to see the whole picture of how your dreams and goals could work together, rather than being in competition with each other.

Desert in Peru. I felt my freest during the time I was away travelling in South America.

Travel plays a big part in my vision, but it is the feeling of freedom and expansiveness I feel when travelling that appeals to me. For others it may be a fascination with different lifestyles and cultures. There is no ‘right’ answer, since our motivation is a personal thing.

If you dream of wealth and luxury, as many people do, why is it these things inspire you? Is it the feeling of safety and comfort that wealth can bring? Or would you enjoy the freedom, the confidence, and just the feeling of general awesomeness?!

Step 3: Creating your ‘heaven’

Once you’ve got some kind of overall vision which represents your passions and sources of inspiration, you can start to move into that reality. It doesn’t matter if it’s not clear yet, or if there are still some bits which don’t seem to fit together. It’s a lifelong process and your visions will grow with you.

I feel a great sense of peace and inspiration when I visit beautiful temples and other grand monuments. This is one of the temples we visited at Ayutthaya, Thailand.

A vision of heaven: Ayutthaya, Thailand.

The secret to getting this step right is to let go of the final outcome and live your dreams NOW. There is absolutely no point in putting all your energy into achieving goals in the future if doing so makes you unhappy in the now. But, on the other hand, there is immense value in fulfilling your dreams, so ignoring them isn’t the optimum thing to do either.

But with such grand dreams, how do you begin to live those now??

This is where your unifying theme or vision comes in, or at least the feeling behind it. There may be no practical way to be travelling the world indefinitely right now, or to become a millionaire overnight, but there are certainly many ways to give yourself the feelings that motivate these dreams.

Simply spending time in a park or a beautiful garden, immersed in nature, brings me a great sense of peace.

If, like me, freedom is very important to you, try to find ways to bring more freedom to your day to day life. For me, this looked like starting my own business, allowing me to decide how I spend my time. For you it may be booking a trip, or opening a savings account.

A piece of my freedom: starting my own business doing what I love, my Etsy shop.

It’s not about what you do, it’s about how it makes you feel. Prioritize your core desires. If you want to be filthy rich because it would make you feel awesome, special and amazing, do everything within your power to feel awesome, special and amazing NOW! Take pride in your appearance, constantly remind yourself of your skills and positive qualities, and expect the best from yourself and others.

If you crave comfort and luxury but are flat broke, prioritize self care. Enjoy taking long luxurious baths, learn some self-massage techniques, or take extra care to make your living space feel heavenly.

Summary

Prioritizing how you feel NOW doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. Quite the opposite, in fact. When you get into the zone of feeling good NOW, you’ll find it much easier to work towards achieving the things you desire for your future.

In my opinion, dreams are to be lived. If you use your dreams as an indication of what to bring more of into your life NOW, you can begin to enjoy them immediately!

Walking around Warmley Forest Park near home (Bristol, UK) is a great way to re-connect with my inner peace.

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Tess Heaven

Explore, inspire, create

Tag Archives: travel

7 Ideas For Awesome Quests

1. Reach a high point of a city, country, or the world.

2. Go celebrity hunting.

3. Learn a new skill.

3. Follow a river all the way to another town.

4. Find the oldest tree or building in your area, or further afield.

5. Give yourself a time limit.

6. Food quests are the best.

7. Turn a goal into a quest.

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Water Meditation

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Nature Meditation

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Angkor’s Treasure

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Citizens Of The World

How To Create Your Own Heaven

Step 1: Discovering inspiration

Step 2: Finding your unifying theme

Step 3: Creating your ‘heaven’

Summary