September 30- Myrt & Wang

Good morning, friends,

I did a lot of work this morning, so this will be a shorter blog post as you got three yesterday, lol.

Yesterday was a much-deserved relaxing day. Keira and I had a nice, slow start to the morning and then went to Wangaratta for some errands, lunch, and some shopping!

I really needed a good, slow day. I took their dog, Winston, on a bit of a walk to ensure that I got out even though it was a lazy day. When we got back from one of the walks, this beautiful southern moon moth appeared. Another one on the verge of death, I am glad they can find their way to me so I can lay them to rest.

The wings on it were so beautiful; I believe that's why they are called moon moths. I think I know what my Australia tattoo will be, and then I will get my moth one back at home with Evangeline because I want her help in creating the masterpiece that it will be.

I also spent a lot of time with Ben yesterday, we were watching the Geelong Cats 2022 championship game. He was teaching me a lot about Footy and it was really fun. To be able to get to know your friends partner from across the world can be a bit difficult so I am very glad to be able to spend time with him while I am here. He is going to be family soon. I cannot wait! Ha

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Some things that I have been thinking about over the past couple of days:

Read this in a book recently:

Having a strong sense of controlling one’s life is a more dependable predictor of positive feelings of well-being than any of the objective conditions of life we have considered.

This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. The sense of control is something I am trying to let go of, but the more I can control what I plan to do in my own day brings me so much more joy and truly the freedom to do exactly what I want.

Doing something you love on a schedule you can’t control can feel the same as doing something you hate.

I think a lot of the jobs that people do may feel this way when you are stuck working difficult hours and trying to still find time for friends, family, romantic life, personal time. It doesn't all line up, and it can make you feel like you are not living the life you are meant to.

Kids don’t want your money (or what your money buys) anywhere near as much as they want you. Or want you with them…

This is also something that has been pressing on me lately. My first nephew, thinking about what I want to do with my life, my friends talking about having children, working with children, it really makes you think and remember what is truly important. Time with them over money you spend on them. I am someone who will never be bought over with money. I do not want physical things; I want people's time. It is the most valuable thing that you can give. It really makes me reflect too on the things I used to spend money on versus the things I spend money on now.

There may be some bigger changes when I get home again. I am already a minimalist, but the more I learn, the less I really seem to know (shoutout BoyInSpace).