

(Image by TSL)
I’m back from running away to New Zealand.
Well, I didn’t really run away. I just took a long break. A break from all things social media. And maybe, to some extent anyway, from my world of Autoimmune Protocol stuff.
And, it was good. I can definitely recommend it!
Taking a technology break had unexpected benefits.
It made me look up.
I wasn’t constantly checking email. I wasn’t blogging. I wasn’t on Facebook. And, for a large part of my time away, I had no access to the internet, so I couldn’t have even if I wanted to.
Granted, I was in New Zealand. Hardly a difficult part of the world in which to connect with nature and steer clear of all things social media…

(Image by TSL)
There’s a real purity in New Zealand that doesn’t exist in the states. It’s actually not an easy thing to find in our world anymore. It’s a unique place because it is so far away from the rest of the world. There is a sense of isolation and also being protected. (Elijah Wood)

(Image by TSL)
And, because I wasn’t in my own home (or kitchen), I had less control over my diet. Not that much less, to be honest – my Mum is seriously accommodating when it comes to my dietary requirements. But there are definitely fewer options on a boat. Not a high-speed blender in sight! I got very organised and made bulk almond milk before freezing it into portions!
I also became slightly obsessed with an Al Brown recipe for a roasted cauliflower salad that I have modified to fit my needs. Watch this space – it’s a winner!
Anyhoo – back to running away and my social media holiday.
I think the biggest takeaway for me, is that I didn’t really get just how addicted to checking my in-box I had become. Out on the water with a cheeky glass of red*, watching the sunset with people I love helped me appreciate how important connecting with both nature and loved ones in REAL time can be.

(Image by TSL)

(Image by TSL)

LM remains unconvinced!
(Image by TSL)
So, if you didn’t get the chance to take some time out over the silly season, I’m going to suggest you have a good look at your diary and see when you can run away. Just for a wee while. It makes coming home all the sweeter.

(Image by TSL)
*Did I mention I loosened the reins on my AIP stuff a little?
Welcome Home. See you next week 🙂
With bells on, Missy K. Travel safe X
I’m glad you got a good long break. And happy to have you back~!
Me too, P. I reckon you and Matthew would love NZ (Canadians and Kiwis are a lot alike!)
Sounds like you did some healing while you were there, even though not in the expected way. Welcome to a New Yesr with a new direction!
I think it was a case of no stress, C. It was quite marvie!
I bet you enjoyed Nz….and you definitely chose the right season…i spent 3 months in Nz last winter…..beautiful and….brrrrrrrrr
It is really a peaceful place….welcome back!
Thanks E! Hope you had a fab’ break, too.
My Mum is originally from Germany – she reckons she was never as cold in Germany as she gets in NZ in the wintertime. One of the reasons I live in Sydney!
Pleased you had a nice time in my backyard! Happy New Year! 🙂 Tell us more about the boating…
T – we had the best weather. Down to the Coromandel via the bottom end of Waiheke, across to the Barrier and then to Kauwau. It was sublime.
Did you have a lovely silly season, my blogging buddy?
Sounds like a wonderful trip you had. We enjoyed the silly season with family. Thanks for asking. 🙂
New Zealand really is a magical place to visit and going without technology when surrounded by so much beauty is so much easier although I’d never include my camera as technology 😉 What a wonderful time you had TSL, I am envious.
2BD – cameras are DEFINITELY not technology!
How are you and yours? Did you have a good break?
We are all good, looking forward to the long weekend though. Christmas and NY are rarely relaxing times when we are visiting family, but it was nice to see everyone again.
Wallabies in NZ? Surely you are pulling our collective legs TSL?! That’s incredible!!
PS – NZ holiday is in the pipeline. You may or may not have had something to do with this 😉
It’s true, PI. Sir George Grey, twice Governor of NZ, introduced them to Kawau Island.
Oh! – PLEASE do let me know if and when – you never know, I might be able to help.