Jun 11, 2013

Life at Camp

 
 The best things in life come unexpected. Also known as, the next three months of my life.

This week marks week three of my new camp lifestyle and position. What a ride it has been! Within weeks, my camp experience has been filled with new faces, strangers turned into friends, Chaco tans, facing fears, personal + work challenges, overcoming mountains...literally and figuratively, exploration, long working hours and simple living. I never thought I would be living at a camp as a Digital Media Specialist, but now I wouldn't want it any other way. For all the moments of pure exhaustion, physically, creatively and emotionally, there are more moments of accomplishment, adventure and pure fun.

Our theme at camp this summer is "Defy Gravity"... meaning to overcome the weight of everything that brings us down. Whether that be our circumstances, other individuals, our personal flaws and challenges, we can lighten that load through understanding, acceptance, forgiveness and a little faith. Our hearts may break and trust may be severed, but the true test is how we handle each situation and overcome them. One thing I have quickly learned from arriving at camp was truly dealing with the extra weight in my little heart that I have carried with me. It may have hindered some healing and made facing some personal or professional fears and challenges more difficult. As fast-paced as camp life can be, it actually has slowed down my mind enough to recognize the areas I have neglected in past years and give me some moments of clarity.

This summer I plan to:
forgive
explore new territory
give work my best effort
not just meet, but connect with new friends
heal
live a healthier lifestyle - spirit, mind and body
treat myself
go beyond the surface
be the best version of myself
get an awesome Chaco tan
reflect
overcome mountains
get a stronger mind and body
have fun
drink more tea and less coffee
put smiles on kid's faces
lend a helping hand
open my heart
keep my mind open
do what I love and love what I do
learn
grow
eat more apples
have more adventures
get rid of the extra weight (figuratively and probably literally, too)
be myself
love myself
love others
challenge myself
accept others
and defy gravity.

I have had a rough time understanding and accepting some challenges I was faced with earlier in the year, but it has lead me to here. Right now. This moment. For that, I am thankful and each day my trust gets stronger for what the universe has in store for me.

Although I have internet access and (some) cell service in my office, my communication with the "outside" world is quite limited. Please be patient as I answer emails, catch up on blog life and find balance in it all. Don't be offended is my response is delayed!

Also, if you want to write to be at camp this summer, email me and I can send you the mailing address.
I'd love to be pen pals :)

12 comments:

  1. What a beautiful experience for you - I am so overjoyed for you. Enjoy & savor every moment!
    e m m a ▼ d e e r

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  2. It sounds like you're having a great time! I'm glad that you're able to learn a lot about yourself and be able to make steps to facing things you haven't been able to face. I hope to make this summer a summer of learning for myself as well :)

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  3. I'm so excited for you!!! It sounds like you're already getting so much out of the experience.
    I'm totally jealous :)
    I'd also love to be a pen pal with you. There's nothing more fun than getting snail mail!

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  4. Gurrrl you know I'll write you at camp - that's the best kind of pen pal-ing! I'll send you an email about that ;)

    It's funny how being brought out of our day to day routine, environment, and habits, really gives us new perspective. I hope you find the peace you are looking for this summer. Sounds as though you are open to it, and that's usually the biggest part.

    xo
    http://kittysnooks.blogspot.ca/

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  5. Um hello!!! I just found your blog and I LOVE IT!! I have nominated you for the Liebster award! Check out my post about it here: http://thezaleinvail.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-liebster.html

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  6. I hope you have a wonderful time! I'm sure it will be a unique and rewarding experience :)

    xo,
    kristyn

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  7. What a lovely post! And an awesome list! Camp is definitely a learning experience.

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  8. What a lovely post! And an awesome list! Camp is definitely a learning experience.

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  9. What a great experience and such a beautiful picture! Have a wonderful time. love, www.shearlyperfect.blogspot.com

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  10. Hi Melissa~ I left a little present for you on my blog today ....^.^

    http://stars-in-jars.blogspot.ie/2013/07/liebster-honour-part-deux.html

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  11. so amazing, enjoy your time there

    faysincerely.blogspot.com

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  12. Wow, sounds like a great experience to be having (slightly jealous over here). Anything that involves getting a chaco tan line I am a fan of ;) -Court @ lovecourtxoxo.com

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