When you’re confused about what to do next, fully surrendering to the possibilities will help you see a clear path ahead.
It all started the day I had lunch with my university friend, Sarah.
Sarah had been travelling since graduation and was full of exotic tales about life in other countries – different languages, foods and cultures. What she was experiencing sounded amazing. She told me she had no plans to settle down and was, in fact, preparing to pack her bags again soon and travel to the UK. Several of our mutual friends were already there, and Sarah extended the invitation to me to travel with her. The idea sounded fantastic and I wanted to jump at the opportunity. I’d always wanted to go overseas and this seemed like the perfect chance to have the adventure of a lifetime.
The trouble was, that I had recently embarked on my career path. I was working for a reputable company on a specific project. This was work I had dreamed of pursuing while obtaining my degree, and it wasn’t an ‘ideal’ time to leave. To compound this, I also had a strong sense of wanting to do the decent thing by my boss and my colleagues, which meant seeing the project through to completion. On the flipside, I was worried that if I didn’t go travelling with Sarah, I would miss my chance entirely. For weeks I was conflicted; paralysed by confusion and completely frustrated with myself because I was totally incapable of making a decision. I was caught in one of those classic scenarios where you have your heart whispering in your left ear, and your brain nagging in your right ear, both with opposing views. While leaving with Sarah sounded very tempting, I could not summon the courage to quit my job. My inner-conflict was all encompassing.
In the end, tired of waiting for me to make up my mind, Sarah left without me. Over the following weeks, at every opportunity I dawdled around bookshops flipping through travel guides. I finished the work project and, as the assignment came to an end, I discovered that I had enjoyed it immensely even though at times I had been very distracted. I also discovered that I had a real talent for the work I was doing. As a result of my dedication and commitment, I was offered another opportunity within the company, with a promotion and a pay rise.
Ultimately, the extra money in my pay packet meant that I could afford to go and visit my friends and this is eventually what happened. I ended up enjoying the best of both opportunities, although at the time I did not know that it was going to work out that way.
What I know now, looking back, is that by actively not making a decision about travelling versus my career, I was practising the art of allowing. I sat with the confusion I felt. Even though it felt like I was really stuck, I was in fact, surrendering to the natural ebb and flow of my life and letting the next thing come to me.
These days I try to practice the art of allowing more consciously, especially at times when I feel deeply conflicted, and my head and heart are giving me different messages.
When you’re in a state of confusion, resistance can easily set in. This causes anger and fear and panic, tension and stress. Then, as a consequence of these emotions, we can also feel tempted to force a decision. But it is at exactly these times – when we are most uneasy – that we need to practice the art of allowing.
Sometimes it takes real effort to do nothing and simply be in the experience. Especially because most of us want ‘control’ and we feel the need to be in charge of every aspect of our lives, especially at junctures when we perceive that our present circumstances are under the threat of change.
But by practising the art of allowing, we accept that change is constant. We also accept that control is an illusion. And when we slow down, relax, and simply observe what is happening in our lives, we can also sense how these things make us feel. We also need to have faith that our instincts (our inner-built compass) will tell us when the time is right to reach out for an opportunity.
When we do this, we’re truly living in the present. And we open up the scope for lasting and transformational change; secure in the knowledge that our journey is as individual as we are and that whatever comes next, is meant to be.
It’s a beachside destination that is sure to take your breath away. Located an hour’s drive from Sydney is Wollongong, a holiday hotspot for Sydney-siders after a weekend or full-time coastal escape. Boasting a relaxed vibe, incredible beaches (perfect for surfing and swimming), rockpools, ocean baths, BBQ parklands and scenic walking tracks – ‘The Gong’ as it’s known has plenty to offer every type of traveller.
It was during a day trip that I stopped by to see what all the fuss is about. I’ve heard numerous people say it was a must-do destination in New South Wales and they weren’t wrong. Only downfall to my visit was not spending more time there, as there was so much to see and do.
Here is how Wollongong wooed a city slicker like me to want to escape to the coast:
The beach is your backyard
Being situated right on the coast overlooking the Tasman Sea, it’s no surprise that the main activities and attractions for Wollongong are water-based. From learning to surf its crystal clear waves to snorkeling its lively reefs to frolicking in its ocean baths, locals and tourists alike love soaking up Wollongong’s beach lifestyle.
I spent most of the day exploring and unwinding on Wollongong City Beach. Only walking distance from the city centre, this pure white sandy beach spanned for kilometres, allowing beach-goers enough space to unwind and sprawl out unlike most of Sydney’s beaches.
At the top of Wollongong City Beach is a lush green lighthouse lookout area. From this point you can see right out to the ocean horizon, see surfers riding the ocean waves below, and also catch a glimpse of snorkellers lapping up the rocky reef waters.
A spiritual experience
One of Wollongong’s most renowned attractions is the Nan Tien Temple. Opening in 1995, this Buddhist Temple is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and has thousands of visitors each year. Only a 10-minute drive from the city, the Nan Tien Temple is an unforgettable spiritual attraction featuring grandeur architecture, artwork and splendid gardens and lotus ponds.
It’s a great spot to roam around and learn more about the Buddhist culture and its various temples and sites. The main temple area is quiet spectacular featuring intrinsic artwork, manicured lawns and my favourite, a large gold wishing tree. Here you’re able to purchase a wish ribbon for the year ahead, which is thrown onto the tree to hang.
TIP: Ensure you wear appropriate clothing (skirts/shorts below the knee and no midriff or spaghetti strap tops, they need to cover the shoulders and torso).
Grazing at Graze Cafe
After a busy day soaking up the sea and Wollongong’s Buddhist culture, a trip to one of city’s newest balcony restaurants was in order. Graze Café located on the main shopping strip, Crown Street – it boasts a Mediterranean atmosphere and has lovely balcony views of the mall. The staff are welcoming and the dishes are both warmly and deliciously prepared. From beef medallions; smoked salmon pasta; Tuscan salad; and fluffy Nutella pancakes, the food at Graze Café is pretty irresistible.
During my visit, I couldn’t help but try and demolish both the Angus beef burger with waffle fries, and the Philly steak sub with cheese and bacon melted fries. And, didn’t these go down like a treat! Even if you’re not in the mood for a meal, this spot is still a nice place to grab a drink or coffee, and simply watch the world/shoppers go by.
Have you been wooed by Wollongong in New South Wales? If so, tell us your favourite spots.
About the writer
Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at www.stuffitgotravelling.com.
Life is all about balance. We have days when we wake up and feel great, which sets the tone for the day, where nothing goes wrong, the day flows harmoniously, and everything you do works out exactly as you want. For some unknown reason the following day is the exact opposite, where you can’t do anything right and you wished you didn’t put a foot out of bed, rolled over and went straight back to dreamland.
Both of these dualities will pass and repeat some time again in the future. There’s no doubt about that. But finding the happy medium in our lives is the key to our happiness and we have to take the good with the not so good.
There is a shadow side to everything. By accepting each day for what it is, we are able to appreciate all of its wonders. We begin to realise life is all about the good and the not so good, the light as well as the shadow side.
Nothing ever stays the same forever. Just look at the cycles of life, the ebb and flow, the high and the lows we experience, the seasons throughout the year, life is full of impermanence. How boring would life be if everything stayed the same? Having a winter that lasted forever, never being able to enjoy the warmth again, how dreary does that sound?
By detaching from the good and accepting and learning from the not so good, it will give you more substance to enjoy what is, and the role these opposites play in our lives. The school of life never stops, nor the lessons that it teaches. Though when you have a more balanced perspective and interpret the challenges you find yourself in, life becomes more enjoyable, mystical even. The bigger picture in your life will unfold naturally, opening up like a new chapter in a book. You will be more consciously aware of the part that you’re playing, allowing you to read between the lines.
Remember to enjoy the obstacles along your life’s journey. Life is not a treadmill, when you’re not enjoying the day you can’t simply hop off because you don’t want to go through the pain anymore. You need to stay on and keep going, continuing to learn the lessons that life’s teaching you by embracing what is and accepting life.
You will begin to see things from a different perspective, finding out there are many different shades, not just good and not so good, there is much in between. Life is for learning, there are gems to be found in every scenario and every experience throughout your day, you just have to have the right tools and know where to look.
Everything that you learn, which gives you an enlightened moment is a treasure. Savour it as this is a gift given to you by life itself. Don’t look back at your day as good or bad, there is no consistency in life, that’s a fact. But by being kinder to yourself and others around you, and learning the art of surrender to what is, you become free with no attachments to good or bad. Because sooner or later through your own evolution you will realise what you go through, the experiences day to day, is the gift within itself.
Each day provides its own gifts. -Marcus Aurelius.
About the writer Luke Sheedy is a gifted life advisor, motivator and free thinker. He combines his metaphysical talents to advise clients on their natural strengths, talents and abilities. Luke helps release what is holding you back, so growth can occur and your life’s plan can unfold naturally.
It’s a restaurant favoured by the rich and famous, with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyonce and Al Pacino known to have made a culinary trip to Catalina in Rose Bay, Sydney.
Opening its doors 20 years ago, Catalina is a Sydney institution serving up one hell of a fine dining experience that will makes you feel like royalty. Not only is the food spectacular but Catalina has stunning panoramic views as a result of being situated right on Sydney Harbour’s eastern foreshore. As you dine, yachts, boats and ferries can be seen travelling along the harbour’s pristine waters. There’s even a dock for seaplanes to fly in/out from Catalina for those wishing to fly and dine. Now that’s fine dining!
As to be expected the service at Catalina is outstanding – it’s a place where your glass is never empty, dishes are elegantly explained and you’re never waiting long to be served. I was fortunate to spend a weekday lunching at Catalina and wasn’t it a breathtaking and opulent experience. The food is to die for – fresh produce, perfectly flavoured and succulent dishes, and heavenly desserts.
As I was dining on the harbour I couldn’t resist sampling the local seafood. So I began my culinary journey at Catalina with natural and lime, chili and tobiko Sydney rock oysters. This was served on a bed of ice with a shot of special sauce (not too sure what was in it but it was tasty and went well with the oysters).
Following this entrée I ordered the pan-fried snapper with potato and garlic mash and lemon caper butter. Simply delicious! During these courses the matching drinks were a glass of Moët & Chandon and Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc – these went down a treat.
Then onto my favourite part of any dining experience being the dessert. I selected the off the menu raspberry soufflé with fresh strawberries, sorbet and ice cream. It was divine and decadent – a perfect end to a lovely meal!
How to get there
There are a number of ways to get to Catalina. Parking is available at the Woollahra Council Car Park surrounding nearby Lyne Park. Bus services are available with services 323, 324, 325, 326, 327 and L24 stopping near Catalina. And, my most preferred way is by ferry as the Rose Bay wharf is directly next door to Catalina. You can jump on the Rose Bay ferry from Circular Quay.
What celebrity hotspots have you dined at? Was Catalina in Rose Bay, Sydney one of them?
About the writer
Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at www.stuffitgotravelling.com.
From Far from the Madding Crowd in Dorset to Frankenstein in Manchester, England staged one big, beautiful movie set in 2015, and crowds flocked to see where their favourites were shot.
VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford said: “Our research shows that 40 per cent of tourists want to visit locations they’ve seen on the big and small screen [like Downton Abbey], so we know there is a huge appetite for ‘set-jetting’.”
VisitEngland teamed up with Creative England to select some of the biggest films to grace our screens in 2015, revealing to film buffs exactly where the action was shot…
INTO THE WOODS
The film adaptation of the eponymous Broadway musical Into the Woods features an all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick and Johnny Depp. Showing off a number of quintessentially English locations, the soon-to-be Disney hit was shot at Dover Castle in Kent, Waverley Abbey and Virginia Water in Surrey, the Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire, Hambleden Village and Hambleden Barn in Buckinghamshire. The film follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel-all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.
CINDERELLA
This live-action feature is inspired by the classic fairytale Cinderella and brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece. English locations including the grand bridge at Blenheim Palace, Black Park in Iver Heath and the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich all help to set the scene for this childhood favourite. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film stars Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden and Helena Bonham-Carter.
A LITTLE CHAOS
Starring Kate Winslet, Stanley Tucci and Alan Rickman. The story centres on a female landscape-gardener who is awarded the esteemed assignment to construct the grand gardens at Versailles, a gilt-edged position which thrusts her to the very centre of the court of King Louis XIV. But the 18th century French palace and grand houses were actually shot in England at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, the Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire and Cliveden House in Berkshire. Some of the cast stayed at the Grade I listed, luxury hotel and grand stately home, Cliveden House, during filming. With a garden central to the story, the production also needed some versatile outdoor space and found most of what they were looking for in Black Park, a country park next door to Pinewood Studios, which covers over 500 acres of woodland, heathland and grassland.
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
A new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s 1874 novel, the film stars Carey Mulligan and Michael Sheen, with screen play by David Nicholls. Filmed predominantly in and around Hardy Country in Dorset; Mapperton House, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Sherborne, Eype, Purse Caundle, West Bay, Beaminster and National Trust property Cogden Beach all play a part. Few authors have such strong associations with their local area as Thomas Hardy, and today you can explore two of the writer’s houses – his childhood home and Max Gate, the property Hardy designed himself and moved into with Emma after his marriage.National Trust property, Claydon House in Buckinghamshire, also features in the film, doubling up as Boldwood.
FRANKENSTEIN
Based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel of the same name, the latest adaptation features an all-star cast. Daniel Radcliffe will star as hunchback Igor, whilst James McAvoy will portray Victor von Frankenstein. Filming locations included Manchester Town Hall, Chatham Historic Dockyard, the Old Royal Naval College, including King Charles Court, and the bank of the river Thames in Greenwich.
Have you ever set-jetted? Drop us a line in the comments to let us know where you’ve visited and what was filmed there. We’re keen to find this one being filmed in Scotland!…
More things to do in England
We’ve had a helpful piece shared with us via your-rv-lifestyle.com on 100 things to do in England – worth a browse if you’re heading over this way!
Images copyright to individual film distribution companies.
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When you’re confused about what to do next, fully surrendering to the possibilities will help you see a clear path ahead.
Life is all about balance. We have days when we wake up and feel great, which sets the tone for the day, where nothing goes wrong, the day flows harmoniously, and everything you do works out exactly as you want. For some unknown reason the following day is the exact opposite, where you can’t do anything right and you wished you didn’t put a foot out of bed, rolled over and went straight back to dreamland.
