Happy Wandering – The adventures of two pals across the planet

November 3, 2019

Reasons I love exercise

Moving to Byron Bay literally sat me on my arse. I had gone from working 3-4 jobs in Brisbane whilst studying in what can only really be described as a hectic 18 months, to working 3 days a week and trying to manage the most ridiculous foot pain I’d ever experienced. I remember being sprawled out on the couch, Bella by my side, watching Harry Potter movies back to back over the course of 5 days. I felt like I was going slowly insane. It was enforced time to pause and reflect. I came to the resounding conclusion that I have been living a life that was mostly fuelled by…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Insight

October 29, 2019

Working the plan

Back in Oz and since landing I have bought a mountain bike, joined a gym, and climbed the highest mountain in the region. Ha ha ha!! Nothing like a bit of external motivation to kick your goals into action. I realised early on in my working life that I much prefer to work in groups to do things that require me to be accountable. At least one other person to show up, do the thing, then we can socialise. Win. Hence me stepping into the conversation of blogging about this adventure with M-J. How fun to have a ‘reason’ to be in consistent communication, buy tech gear (yay outdoor stores!),…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Planning

July 20, 2019

Stubborn Love

Everyday is a learning day. Days spent in your company feels like learning how to manage myself in an emotional manner where I can continue to be balanced. Or at least make it out of your presence to let all the crazy seep out of my pores. Talking about freedom in life, in relationships, in the way you see the world. It leaves me at a loss for words. I feel like I’m stuck in a Jane Austin novel, responding to societal cues rather than USING MY WORDS. The words don’t come in the moment, I am paralysed by my own inability to formulate what it is I’m feeling into…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Relationships

July 4, 2019

Subconscious Surfer

“If we sleep together, will it destroy you?” Legit question. Probably easier to formulate a response if you cease tweaking my nipple and kissing me with that mouth of yours. Of COURSE the answer is no. I will not be destroyed. I have lived a whole life without you and your penis (medium sized, as you have mentioned a few times. I’m sure it’s wonderful.) I really appreciate you asking me this question though, I know you care about me as a whole and complete person. As I type this, you’ve sent me a text letting me know about speed cameras in my neighbourhood as if demonstrating that my broader…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in SoloWandering

November 8, 2018

Climbing through the Looking Glass

It was a scanty beginning… Summer camp, North Carolina, 2005. I’m standing on Looking Glass Rock in the middle of a multi-pitch, wearing these weird and effing TIGHT rubber shoes. I gaze out, far above the tree tops, I am so high up. I’ve climbed this chunk of rock and I really have no idea how I got here or what the hell I’m doing. All the serotonin has hit my brain and I’m overwhelmed. I burst into tears. An indifferent reintroduction… Brisbane, Urban Climb West End, 2013 I bought a 10 pass deal that let me climb indoors a bit, then get some free weeks off a membership. It…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Travel

March 24, 2018

Snapchat flirtations

There are many things that bring me joy in life. Many. I am very thankful that I have the perspective to take something that’s not ideal and be able to learn a lesson from it. I was in a position recently where a gentleman that I had previously had a bit of a crush on (it had never gone anywhere) indicated my previous feelings were (now) reciprocated. For some context, this was done via snapchat on St Paddy’s weekend – thus my engagement into the outlined conversation was perhaps a bit guarded. Said gentleman also resides in a different timezone and I have no idea how much Irish celebration he’d…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in SoloWandering

January 29, 2018

12 months a dog

Hi! I’m Bella Mae Sheerney, a German Shepard cross who has spent the last 9 months of my life living with my Fairy Dog-Mothers at Gypsy Cove. I don’t really remember the first 11 weeks of my life, I know I was hanging with my brothers and sisters before heading to the RSPCA where I met these two on Easter Sunday. Let me tell you, that was an emotional day for all involved. So 12 months in… Thought I’d share some Bella Mae learnings: Walking is pretty sweet, running is super fun! Especially if there is someone chasing you, or there’s a bird. Cutting loops in the grass is a…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Grateful

January 5, 2018

I took a walk

On the back of a very chill Christmas, a spectacular start to 2018 on top of a mountain, and generally giving myself permission to stop and rest for a week – life has felt easy. I realised some time ago that the pathway of my life was not that of those surrounding me. At most opportunities I have wandered, time frames and reasons varying. On the side of Mt Tambourine in South East QLD I realised I was pretty much the only person left to provide approval for the life I have chosen. And I love it. I can honestly say that in 2017 no two days were replicated. It was my…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Self

November 1, 2017

Guidance & Listening

The weekend past was full of adventure and uncovering new places and spaces. I am a huge fan of spontaneity and when I get asked to come play on the Australian coastline, who am I to refuse? Being based in Brisbane, accessing the coast comes with an hour or more of travel which leaves lots of room for personal refection. This driving time was full of questions, many of which I have yet to resolve. Since returning home from Maui and running the marathon that I’ve been planning and discussing for most of 2017, it feels like I’m back at the bottom of the roller coaster. There was a peak,…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Balance, Relationships

October 4, 2017

Sparks & Embers

Oh life. It throws you a curve ball every now and again to check you’re still focused on playing the game. At work the other evening, doing my ‘Facilitator of Fun’ role, we had a fire alarm go off. That was a bit of a signal that this was going to be a different kind of night! The electrician who came by to sort out our situation was beautiful, weaving a new level of enjoyment into my work evening (on top of all the beautiful people already in the gym – for the record). I have a natural level of flirt that is imbedded in my personality, a this was…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Brisbane, Relationships