Expectations vs opportunities: or, why we've failed at this blog and that's okay

 

One of the themes of our sabbatical has been *expectations* vs *opportunities*, and how changing our focus from one to the other can make all the difference (in travel, work, parenting, life). Case in point: we had grand plans to keep an updated blog of our travels here in New Zealand...which has not happened! Eric and I had really high expectations of ourselves for what these blogs should look like: detailed, frequent, witty, insightful, polished. These expectations were not actually realistic, so instead we just started avoiding it. Every few days we'd point fingers and say, "You should write a blog!" "No, you should write one, I did the last one!" 
 
Turns out that when we got here, we found that we didn't actually want to spend more time behind a screen trying to come up with some sort of forced commentary on our experience. Instead, we wanted to take this incredible opportunity to have 2 months out of our normal lives to practice just BEING where we were. 
 
It took a while to let go of those expectations we initially had about so many aspects of this experience...including the $%*& blog! When you look forward to something for 3 years, it's impossible NOT to have expectations. But those expectations started feeling oppressive. Despite being in this amazing place, I couldn't totally relax or feel settled; I couldn't quiet the voice in my head telling me I had to "make the most" of my time. And I don't know about you but constantly second guessing myself never leads to a good place. But now that I've been working on acknowledging and letting go of my expectations (which often weren't actually mine at all, but others') and started looking for opportunities instead, I've been able to experience more of the rest and spontaneity and joy that I'd hoped to find. Not the most earth shattering insight, but one that's made a big difference for me. 
 
So, TL:DR: we failed at keeping up a blog, decided that was fine, and instead have been taking opportunities to build connections, get to know NZ friends, explore this country's gorgeous diversity of landscapes, learn about its complex history, delve deeper into Maori culture, hike and walk and do yoga, bond with our kids...and rest. 
 
It's been the trip of a lifetime and we are incredibly privileged and grateful. We have 2 more weeks exploring the North Island before we are excited to come home and share stories about our experience with friends and family. In the meantime, here are some pictures of our last 6 weeks on the South Island.

















































 

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