By the time you're reading this, I'll probably be finishing a surf session and driving up to Big Bear. It’s actually Tuesday at 2am as I write this, but I prepped it ahead of time so I can fully unplug this week. My friend is spontaneously joining me for a day or two (yay) but other than that I'm so excited to just be solo after.
I'm challenging myself to not bring my laptop or nice cameras this week. There's also this thought I had about taking "bad" photos and videos if I want to capture anything. What I mean is not being a perfectionist - documenting for my own memories and for actual little moments that matter to me.
This whole mindset shift connects to something I've been thinking about these past few days. After traveling to so many places in the world, I've really learned to appreciate what simplicity can offer. Experiencing what's quite opposite of the hustle and bustle I'm used to really put things into perspective.
In September I did a trip to the Nordics (one of my favorites - so many stories to tell and videos I still haven’t released). I got to experience simple, slow living, especially in Norway and Sweden. There's something beautiful about their way of life: waking up to mountains, taking a sip of coffee, and feeling genuinely happy from just that. Don't get me started, but yes, I do miss it.
Actually though, look how happy I look. The place is literally magical. 😭😌
It showed me you don't need much at all to live a happy life. Alas, these are some of the happiest countries in the world, after all.
So lately I'm craving those simple joys - the kind that don't need to be captured perfectly or shared with anyone. Maybe that's what this week is really about.
I will say I feel grateful for the ability to spontaneously take a week off. I don't do it enough, but I'm thankful for the life I've built to be able to do this.
As we creep into August, I'm starting to more seriously think about how I envision my life for next year and moves I might be making. Lifestyle I want to embody. I'm feeling excited about it.
All this reflection might bring some shifts for GDT - a few ways to engage this fall before I follow what’s calling me for the rest of 2025.
Anyways, now I'm just filling space. I'll have more to share when I'm back. I suspect the mountains will have some answers for me.
xx,