Over the summer holidays we completed our first overnight hike as a whole family. My husband and I have done a lot of multi-day hikes over the years using tents and a year ago he took our eldest daughter and her friend on a multi-day hike staying in huts but having all three girls on…
We have reached a new milestone as a family – we are preparing to embark on our first overnight hike as a whole family. I am very excited about this – we are going to do the Pinnacles Walk and spend the night in the hut. At the time of writing our children are 11,…
We all have a voice in our heads. You know the one that chats along to you during the day, passing comments on what is happening around you, convincing you to do something (or not). If you pay attention to what this voice is saying, really pay attention, you might notice that what it is…
“I’m scared that if I want it, then I will cry if it doesn’t happen Mum” This was part of a conversation a had with my 10 year old a few months ago. She was sharing with me that a lot of her friends at school were telling her that she will win the…
Hard to believe we have been home from our big hiking trip for 2 weeks and I have only just found the space to sit and write about it! My husband turned 50 earlier this year and as part of his “year of 50” he wanted to walk one on the New Zealand Great Walks….
Standing the golden beach, staring out to the crystal blue waters. Tears silently running down my cheeks as I tried to calm my distressed breathing. “You can do this but you have to get your shit together now” the voice in my head said. I close my eyes for a moment and focus on breathing…
A week from now I will be boarding a plane to Fiji. Without children. Sounds pretty awesome doesn’t it! A few weeks ago I won a prize through New Zealand Herald Travel to take part in the inaugural Ocean Swim Fiji event. The ironic thing is that reason I won is also exactly the reason…
Change. It flows like a river. Sometimes it moves rapidly, rushing you towards your goal. It feels exciting, energising. Sometimes in meanders slowly, winding gently back and forth. At times you wonder if you are still traveling in the direction you are meant to be. Sometimes, like an eddy, you seem to come…
CHOICES Life is full of them. Every single day. Sometimes choices can feel overwhelming or hard. Sometimes they can feel exciting, liberating. Let me share a few thoughts about choices that will perhaps be of support to you as you navigate the choices you face today, tomorrow or many moons from now. Nothing is…
I first met Anna in August 2017. I had arrived at a local beach playground to set up my daughter’s birthday party. Anna had just finished a short ocean swim with some other women. I decided anyone willing to swim mid-winter in New Zealand was the kind of person I wanted to know and so…