Find Magic in the Small Things
Our last day of work was the 11/3/24 but we flew home on the 12th. Our fly home day consisted of a 2am wakeup, just in case the first 3 alarms didn't go off, because the bus left camp at 3am. Next a two and a half hour bus ride that you mostly tried to sleep for. Then came the delicious chicken, cheese and mayo toastie at the Kal airport because you've been awake since 2am and your body is confused as to what time of the day it is. Granted we landed in Perth at 8am so we had a whole day ahead of us. Which consisted of first having the best shower of your life because you're finally properly clean and a little high. Next, it's an uber eats delivery because you are exhausted by 10am because you're tired from the early wakeup, 14 days straight of work (I was dayshift only, night shift is brutal) and five hours of travel time. Next its time to lay on the couch and probably nap.
Something we really tried to get into the habit of doing was allowing some laziness but then doing stuff for ourselves. FIFO made us appreciate how much we love to cook and control what enters our own bodies. The food at work was very delicious but also very rich and processed. I spent my last two weeks of work fasting at breakfast, eating a toasted wrap for lunch and soup for dinner. I not only felt so much better, but I lost at least 5kg (not sure on exact, I didn't weigh myself but the mirrors at work weren't great and noticed a huge change in the mirror when I got home).
Leaving FIFO (and being unemployed) has allowed us to slow down and listen to what our bodies need. I'm discovering new and old hobbies like cooking, baking, creating art, stretching, yoga and reconnecting with family and friends is what I'm focusing on right now.
I've created myself a 'magic room', where the room can be whatever I need it to be (Insert Harry Potter reference). Exercise, writing, reading, art, sewing, drawing, it's become my space to help me look after myself. I've watched how incredibly selfless and caring both my Nana and Mum are, two people I admire and aspire to be like, but have also watched them care for others at a detriment to themselves. We forget to look after ourselves and leaving FIFO really taught me to do just that.
Being home permanently has been a whirlwind of emotions, good, bad and fantastic.
I came home to find out that Nana had been in hospital for almost two weeks, very unwell but on the mend. I took the day to process this as she way okay, and then went to see her in hospital the next day. This is a big reason as to why I quit FIFO. Family and legacy is so important to both Tom and I. She's our last living grandparent that can communicate. Having Tom come with me to the hospital and seeing her through his eyes was amazing. That's been happening a lot lately. I'm seeing friends and family differently. Nana is one of the most incredibly strong people I know. I am so damn proud to be able to say that, Nana, Mum and myself are all three peas in a pod. I've watched the incredible women they are and strive to be like them. Only, I want to care for myself as much as they care for others.
I was influenced by Hilarie Burton and others she cited in her book "Grimoire Girl" (highly recommend to women confused in their mid 20s) to create something that would help my Nana. I ended up creating a mixture that was full of herbs and spices that are good for health and recovery. I made extra and we've added it to everything! Please see attached recipe and ideas on how to use!
My toxic trait is overthinking and overanalysing everything! Have really been putting an emphasis on checking in with how I'm feeling lately. I've been doing the annoying thing 2-4 year olds do and asking myself 'WHY'?
Who, what where when, why?
Why do I feel so lethargic and off?
When was the last time I ate?
Why is the person I love the most in the world really pissing me off?
What exactly is upsetting me right now?
Where is my favorite stuff that will help me through this moment?
Something else I've used that's a quick and easy way to reconnect with yourself is checking in with your senses. What can you see, feel, taste, hear and smell? Taking 30 seconds to bring you back to your surroundings and reality can help in so many ways.
I'll be talking from experiences and making lots of suggestions formed on opinions of a 26 year old. I sure as hell don't know everything, so take everything I say with a grain of salt and just take the bits that work for you. Like many of us, I grew up too quickly, but I was fortunate to have an incredible support system of family and friends and would love to share some wisdom I've collected from easily over 100 people. It's one of my undiagnosed OCD traits, give me a topic and I'll learn the everything about it so I can have a complete understanding of it. I'm still growing and learning, but we all are.
Mindfulness Tip: Whenever you have a moment to yourself count at least 10 breaths in and out, it could be when you're driving in the car stuck in traffic, in the shower, before bed, when a co-worker pisses you off. Really concentrate on the way the breath moves in and out of your lungs and do a quick scan of any pain or discomfort in your body.
Also some light reading: https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/spiritual-meaning-of-pain-upper-middle-back
https://tucsonspiritualdirection.org/spiritual-meaning/middle-back-pain
