Yesterday I read the latest post from one of my favourite blogs, Famiglia&Seoul. If you’re not already familiar with Famiglia&Seoul, pop on over and check it out. Gina has set herself  a challenge of getting outdoors for at least 15 minutes every single day, for 365 days. I think I’m entranced by this so much because I’m not naturally an outdoors kind of girl. Don’t get me wrong, I do love nature, but I just don’t naturally gravitate outside. I am consciously trying to make more of an effort in that regard, both for my benefit and for R’s as well. For our health, our creativity, and to help us better connect as a family. When I read Gina’s post, celebrating her 30 day anniversary of getting outdoors, I was completely inspired. The entire post is beautiful, but something in particular that she said really struck a chord with me. Gina mentioned that when she’s outside with her (utterly adorable) son, she is present in the moment, and the usual day to day distractions are fogotten, at least for a while. Being present in the moment, being fully present, is my greatest aim, and equally my greatest challenge, as a mother. There is always so much else to think about – what will I be making for dinner tonight, the load of washing has just finished, the beds aren’t made yet, did I call the doctor to change that appointment, I think those library books were due back yesterday…. and so it goes.

So when I read that getting outdoors for a while might help to switch off all that other “stuff”, I immediately suggested to R that we take a walk down to the creek near our home. He jumped at the chance to get out and about. So where did we go? Well, despite living in the middle of suburbia, we have this on our doorstep…..

Pretty special, isn’t it? We’re so lucky. This is right in the middle of two suburban streets. A magical little spot we can head to on the spur of the moment and just enjoy the calm and the wonder of it all. When R was a newborn, and I was at home alone with no car to get out and about, I would bring him to this spot every day. It was the best time of our day. Then I stopped going. Mr. Perfect Day often takes R for a walk to the creek but I usually opt out these days, seeing it as a chance for some alone time to catch up on housework, paperwork, or ironing. Say what?? I choose housework over this? Priorities need to change here! Continue reading →