Since taking on this new adventure of ours we have been forced to live oh so simply. So much so, I look at how we used to live and doubt we will ever go back to living in quite the same way.
From a financial view point, money has been super tight. We have been budgeting as hard as we can to make every single dollar stretch, though we are fortunate we still have enough. We struggled to make ends meet a for couple of weeks there, but when it comes to the crunch we were able too because we have the knowledge about how to live frugally but well. We also had great comfort in knowing it would only for a short period of time while we got our feet on the ground. Each week things get a little better and a little easier. We pushed ourselves hard to get here, and it has not been without its challenges. But most things worth doing in life have their challenges, yes?
It strikes me though that we are so fortunate that we don't need to live with that kind of stress day in and day out, as so many families in Australia do. This experience has helped us to gain better control over our finances, become more financially disciplined and to become more determined carefully manage our finances moving into the future.
Another thing I have come to realise the deep value in having the skills and knowledge of how to do so much ourselves. I always knew this was one of our strongest assets as we moved into this season of drastic lifestyle change, but having seen it first hand I have gained a greater appreciation for it. We live well out here, albeit very simply. Our skills enable us to save money, buy second hand, up-cycle and search for the things we need and find them at the absolute best price. We can fell our own timber for building with, and we know which timbers are hard wood, good to use and are naturaly resistant to termites and white ants.
With fiances being so tight we have had to be more careful with our fuel usage then usual. Which can be frustrating at times. The result of that is that I have spent more time getting to know the closest centre. I have spent lots of time in the local library which has in turn given me space to blog x3/week on Mon/Wed/Fri and I have become more disciplined in my writing, which is a something I very much enjoy. I have spent more time going on walks, and chatting to the locals who run the op-shops. I hope to volunteer at the school when once they have the kids all settled in and they are looking for help.
As a family on weekends we are spending greater quality time together. We go for walks and explore the bush, when its hot we all swim down the river and boys help Grant with various building jobs. I get a little restless as I miss having a 'home'' which is properly set up, but at least I have lots of time for reading, so there is always that. I have also had the time to give this blog of mine lots of love and time recently.
The little boys tent. Cosy swags and a few of their very favourite and most precious toys.
From a financial view point, money has been super tight. We have been budgeting as hard as we can to make every single dollar stretch, though we are fortunate we still have enough. We struggled to make ends meet a for couple of weeks there, but when it comes to the crunch we were able too because we have the knowledge about how to live frugally but well. We also had great comfort in knowing it would only for a short period of time while we got our feet on the ground. Each week things get a little better and a little easier. We pushed ourselves hard to get here, and it has not been without its challenges. But most things worth doing in life have their challenges, yes?
It strikes me though that we are so fortunate that we don't need to live with that kind of stress day in and day out, as so many families in Australia do. This experience has helped us to gain better control over our finances, become more financially disciplined and to become more determined carefully manage our finances moving into the future.
Another thing I have come to realise the deep value in having the skills and knowledge of how to do so much ourselves. I always knew this was one of our strongest assets as we moved into this season of drastic lifestyle change, but having seen it first hand I have gained a greater appreciation for it. We live well out here, albeit very simply. Our skills enable us to save money, buy second hand, up-cycle and search for the things we need and find them at the absolute best price. We can fell our own timber for building with, and we know which timbers are hard wood, good to use and are naturaly resistant to termites and white ants.
With fiances being so tight we have had to be more careful with our fuel usage then usual. Which can be frustrating at times. The result of that is that I have spent more time getting to know the closest centre. I have spent lots of time in the local library which has in turn given me space to blog x3/week on Mon/Wed/Fri and I have become more disciplined in my writing, which is a something I very much enjoy. I have spent more time going on walks, and chatting to the locals who run the op-shops. I hope to volunteer at the school when once they have the kids all settled in and they are looking for help.
As a family on weekends we are spending greater quality time together. We go for walks and explore the bush, when its hot we all swim down the river and boys help Grant with various building jobs. I get a little restless as I miss having a 'home'' which is properly set up, but at least I have lots of time for reading, so there is always that. I have also had the time to give this blog of mine lots of love and time recently.
We have learned the art of waiting, which sounds weird right? But in learning the art of waiting we have discovered we have more time. Need something from the shops? Well, lets see what we have on hand to make do rather then do the hour return trip into town over our rough as guts driveway. We have realised most jobs can actually wait rather then giving into the temptation of wanting everything "right now." This not only saves us time but also money. Purchases are well thought out and planned. We avoid the temptation and lure of constant advertising and in turn it is easier to make decisions about things that tie in with our goals instead of wandering off track. It has forces a greater level of slowness and mindfulness into our lives.
Off to the side of this picture is a bucket full of water, even though it was a cloudy, overcast day safety and fires is always a priority.
We have gained a greater appreciation for the simple things. Running water? AMAZING! I have running water to the van now which means I can rinse and wash dishes without physically having to full up buckets and haul it to my sink. We also have our washing machine on camp now, and though our generator is a little weak, it still allows us to wash our clothes without going to a laundromat. Luxury! As of tonight we should be able to have an actual shower, with running hot water. No longer will we need to heat up water in the kettle and fill up buckets. Can you just imagine the bliss and simplicity? And there is nothing better then building a small cooking fire, and preparing a delicious camp oven meal. Hearing it sizzle away, while enjoying a glass of wine by the side of a campfire under the stars with my very favourite people in the world, and usually a dog or two by my side is utterly priceless.
So good with lashing of home made pan gravy.
This move is sometimes frustrating. It is slower then we hoped, it is sometimes uncomfortable and even lonely. But there is beauty in every step along the way, if only we stop to really look for it.
May you find beauty in your day today and if you would like to share it here, I'd love to hear about it.
Much love,
Emma
xx
