I had a ‘need to pinch myself’ moment this week.
I’d finished a training session on one of the local beaches, Bilgola, and sat recovering on the sand. Gazing out at the ocean, taking in the views, I spied a pod of humpback whales playing in the water not 500 metres from where I sat.
At first I could only see the tell-tale plumes of spray blowing skywards from the top of the humpbacks. Then, as the pod swam closer, the distinctive tail flukes appeared as these majestic creatures flipped entirely out of the water, twisted in midair, and landed loudly on their sides. It was breathtaking to witness.
Watching those gentle giants roll around in their ocean playground, less than a kilometre from my spot on the sand, I was reminded that very few people in the world get to appreciate anything close to this natural beauty on any given day. It was a revelatory moment that reinforced my reasons for living here.
Whether it be admiring the humpback whales, watching lightening storms roll in from the east or sharing great food and drink at a beach BBQ, the variety and quality of life by the ocean is something I would struggle to ever give up. On paper, my daily routine is quite ordinary. I walk my dog, go to work, train with friends in the early evening, watch a little TV. Yet when you peel back the surface layers, my life has fundamentally changed underneath.
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| Photo credit: Nina Matthews Photography |
I no longer try to avoid the daily walks with my dog, previously reduced to dragging him around the block, hurrying home before it got dark, with cold hands buried deep in coat pockets.
Upon leaving, I felt a huge sense of relief at turning my back on what had been such a large part of my life, but which could be no more. I turned to the beach for my salvation and began to train in the soft sand, on the stairs, through the surrounding parkland, and practice drills in the beach pools (a personal favourite of mine).
I’ve never felt more invigorated with my training and in tune with the environment. Feeling the sand between my toes and the sea breeze in my hair, I feel in my element. Working-out has become fun again and I count down the days until my training buddies and I next meet.
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| Photo credit: StephEvaPhoto |
I’m lucky and I know it.
When I think about the point of this post, the reason for sharing this aspect of my life, I realise it’s simple. I want to show you what’s possible if you change things up, if you follow a dream. I want to show you a different side of life, a life unexpected, a life less ordinary. So if you’re considering a move like mine or you fancy a change, do me one small favour.
So how have you followed your dreams?
Do share below.
What a great reminder Russell. I, too, gave up the gym a while ago 🙂 There’s nothing like running by the water.
Thanks, Lauren. I think we sometimes need to remind ourselves what we have here and not take it too much for granted.
I’m not missing that damn gym at all and my wallet feels healthier too! Have you ever run around Iron Cove or Farm Cove (down by the Botanical Gardens) – two great running trails by the water!
I was worried there for a minute. Giving up the gym at his age? He’ll turn to fat, I thought. I was relieved to read that you now train in a way that stimulates both mind and body. I, of course, have never trained and it shows in my midrift and lack of stamina.
If I could see breaching humpbacks at the end of every workout, I’d never be tempted to stay in bed. One of the most captivating sights I’ve ever seen. I love revelations like this that overwhelm you with positive feelings about the life you lead!
It sounds like you are in a really good place right now, both emotionally and geographically! Kudos for having things so well balanced and for taking the leap that got you to where you are now. I know you’re aware some people spend their lives dreaming about what you have, and some never get this sorted in their entire lifetime.. You’re a pretty cool dude, Mr Ward! And the best bit is you share it, so we all experience a little of what life is like for you. It gives us all the motivation to shoot for the moon…
Of course everybody has their difficulties in life, so I will remind them about your UGLY BIG TOE right now, just to keep it real and make you appear more human 😉
Sounds wonderful!
Thanks Emily. I’m sure life in Chile is pretty wonderful too. Hope you’re well.
Thanks Lauren. It’s a pretty amazing thing to see when you’ve just worked out. Sure beats watching the TV on a big screen in the gym or sitting around at home.
That said, it’s taken me a number of years to finally realise I need to be out there living it to really enjoy it and be a part of my environment. The odd walk or drive past the beach just doesn’t cut it.
Haha, turn to fat indeed. This is a perfectly honed training machine, I’ll have you now. Otherwise known as Adonis. Greek Adonis. I wish.
Stimulating the mind and body (preferably without the use of chemicals) is my key to enjoying this life. Getting outside seems to be working for me, much as sitting in a beachside cafe watching the world go by and supping on a skinny latte also works.
I’m sure Bodrum provides a whole host of stimulants for your good self but maybe here is not the time or place to divulge such secrets 😉
I’m in a good place for sure – there’s always room for tweaking a bit of this and that, but half the battle is finding balance, prioritising the things that bring you peace and happiness, and removing a lot of the ‘noise’, as I like to call it. The unnecessary stuff. I’m also big on positive thinking (not that I practice it as much as I should!).
Cool dude? Moi? Nah. Just bloody minded in the pursuit of happiness and living the dream. Might never fully get there but I’ll have fun and learn a lot while I try.
And thanks for re-sharing my ugly big toe revelation. Just waiting for the nail to grow out then I will reveal the new shiny big toe, replete in all its perfect splendour! (yuk)
What a lovely piece of writing. You make both me (and my dog) jealous!
Hope all is well.
Best, Karen S.
Hi Karen, great to hear from you and thanks for the lovely comment! You and your dog are welcome here any time 🙂
Have you seen my latest post on Milo? I think you might like it. It’s here: http://iwasanexpatwife.com/2011/11/17/is-it-wrong-to-be-so-attached-to-a-dog/
Hope to chat again soon and love to the family.
x
A sigh of longing. That. Is. All. 🙁
Russell I’m sharing you on Northern Beaches Know -How as this too is what relocating families dream of. More time with the family ,nice weather ( not recently!) and the ocean views . I too walk my dog happily on The Northern Beaches .We are so lucky to be here for sure
One day, Vix, one day. It’s not impossible and it can be less expensive than you’d imagine.
Thanks Lesley. We are very lucky and one thing I’ve learned on my travels is to never take anything for granted. Every time I’m down there, I look around and remind myself to be grateful for what we have here.