A Birthday Break

Yesterday was my birthday, and I spent it in the woods, doing nothing much at all, away from the people and amongst the trees. And it was glorious.

And so very much needed.

July was a helluva month. What I wrote two weeks ago was…well, only the half of it. (feel free to snort if you get it) The next two weeks went downhill (uphill?) from there. I got sick, and once I was finally on my feet (sort of—still nurturing a torn up ankle and a stuffy nose), Stella Luz, my van, decided it was the perfect time to turn off and refuse to turn on again. Several times, until she received the needed parts and very expensive TLC.

The mechanic was amazing, working with me on all the levels a nomad needs when time, place, and funds are limited. He’s also a pastor at a local church and invited me to the Wednesday evening service. I don’t align anymore with organized religion, but I also try to seize any opportunity to connect with the Divine. Besides, I believe it was Divine intervention how this mechanic and I met, so I at least wanted to show my gratitude.

Unsurprisingly, his message that night hit me right in the heart and soul. And it was really just a confirmation of what I wrote two weeks ago about working and living in alignment and answering the call of the heart.

Because I lost so much work time in July, I was busting my ass to make up for the loss of income and the significant pile-up in expenses. And all for less earnings because…well, there are a lot of gig workers complaining about what’s suddenly happened with earnings across all the apps that I won’t go into. I’ll just say the money is no longer there, no longer worth the wear and tear on my body, my van, and my sanity.

So if I wasn’t clear before: I GET IT, UNIVERSE.

I shouted that out loud at a red light through tears of frustration. Then I did what needed to be done so I could escape the matrix and return to myself.

These past few days were exactly what I needed. Within hours, I’d already begun to feel more like myself. I’ve reconnected with the trees, the Earth, and nature in all her glory and mess. I’ve given my time and energy to people and tasks that are important to me. I’ve made nice progress on the Writers Cauldron re-launch plans and with my new story that feeds into the Knights of Souls and Shadows series (and all of my series, actually).

I call the time I escape from the hustle of work and society and go off-grid “wilding.” It’s one of my favorite acts of magic I discovered after starting VanLife, and I try to do it at least once a month, if only for a day or two. I highly recommend it!

My goal is to reverse that ratio—spend more time wilding and much less time peopling. Unless, of course, they are people I want to people with. Like loved ones, soul family, and you.

While I’ve been out here, I received some promising news that could make all the difference for me and my business. I just need to hang in there a little bit longer with baited breath that it comes into fruition and sooner rather than later. In other words, I’m manifesting the shit out of it! :)

Not all birthdays have to be big celebrations. In fact, as long as I get to talk with those I love, I might prefer the quiet ones. Especially when they include wilding and writing, two of my favorite things. So Happy Birthday to me. How did I get this old anyway???

How was your July? Have you been able to escape to your happy place this summer? What do you do to return to yourself when life seems to be out of control?

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