Keeping family close.

Last week, I took my family away for a little stay by the ocean. Me and the three kids piggybacked on the tail end of my mum, my sister’s and my niece’s week getaway that they had planned. The idea was that the cousins could have all this time to explore and enjoy each other's company. I had booked the safari tent for a glamping experience at one of our favourite caravan parks.

Over Christmas and New Year, our family went on a big adventure overseas to multiple countries. As a result of that we often stayed in rooms where all of us were all together. One thing I really missed since we returned to Australia and back to our busy life and all of its commitments, was this space of us being together. Sure, it has its challenges and sure, it was a bit of a balancing act, but actually I felt really safe and liked having my kids and my husband all together. Yes, there was snoring, farting, complaining and wiggling people noisy in their beds. But there was something so much more enriching about knowing that they weren’t too far away.

Since we have returned home, I've really been resenting the walls that have been dividing us. The doors have been closed and our family returned back to the oasis of their own bedrooms with very little engagement or connection, unless they were hungry.

I booked the safari tent to bring back the closeness of our trip. One big room, and boy, were the kids disgusted there was no TV in the space. I was delighted!!

Rainstorms, Canvas Walls & Remembering What Matters

While we were there, the town was hit with crazy weather, overnight we had large amounts of rain and wind. Being in a tent meant we heard every single sound. Every frog, every tree swayed, every bit of rain splattered on the roof of this canvas tent. At some times it was a little unsettling, but it was okay because we had each other close.

Day one, we all got to know and remember what it's like to be together in confined spaces. Finding that mindfulness so as to remember this space belonged to not one single person but to the group so being thoughtful about your belongings.

Day 2 found us settled and saw our 14yr old actually saying:
“Mum, I like this. I like that we are all in together”.
I replied, “Me too mate, it makes my heart happy”.

I really enjoyed the nostalgic feeling of laying in bed and chatting to the people I love and care about. Falling asleep at night chatting and then waking up in the morning still being under our doona and chatting some more. Our little 7yr old slept with me and having that little warm, snuggly plump body next to me was reassuring even if he did kick me multiple times in the back while he spelt. LOL

When Work Becomes the Default and Connection Becomes a Privilege

Again, we've returned home to multiples of walls blocking us off from one another.

Everyone slipped back into their corners, and I notice, painfully that unless there’s food on offer, we barely cross paths.

It hit me that if I want connection, I have to create it.
It’s not automatic. Not in this season of life. And not in this culture, where “busy” has become the default.

I’ve worked from home for 13 years. And I love it. Truly. I love what I do. I love my clients. I love my creative brain and the purpose it gives me. So when the kids are off doing their thing, I just… keep going.

Laptop open. List ticking. Life moving.

But the truth is just because they can entertain themselves doesn’t mean they always should have to. And just because I can keep working doesn’t mean it’s what my soul needs.

Sometimes we all need to be corralled into one space again.
To remember how to be with each other.

As we come to the end of school holidays, we are well aware that we are about to enter into some of the busiest sports sessions in our house of the year - Winter sports. Football will be in full swing and Soccer is back for our youngest. Our daughter will be preparing for her dance competitions. So life is about to get busier again. We have made some restrictions this year, everyone is only doing one sport at a time.

When we had 3 kids doing 2 sports each, we never saw each other, and the siblings became strangers and overtired. It's just a matter of taking those in-between moments and refilling them with really wonderful moments. Like having sleep outs on couches, special breakfasts, creating an activity a month where we were all together.

A few days ago, I was chatting to a woman in a local store. She asked me what I do, and I said I’m a mum of three, married, running two businesses. She smiled and said, “Oh love… you’re in the trenches.”

I didn't really understand it at the time. I knew she was talking about war and battle. I thought initially she meant the war and battle was between us as family members, the battle was of balance between stillness and action, movement and rest. That’s a much tricker battle.

So here’s what I’m holding onto:
Connection doesn’t have to be big.
It just has to be intentional.
You don’t need to plan a holiday to reconnect, sometimes you just need to sit under the same blanket and breathe the same air.

And that? That’s the real work we so often forget to prioritise.

So, to all the families heading into another busy season: I hope you find your version of soul rest.

The kind that isn’t just sleep, but togetherness.
The kind where we chat in the dark, and laugh in the mornings, and remember that connection doesn’t have to be scheduled but it does have to be chosen.

That’s the kind of soul-level remembering we do inside The Soul Care Healing Method.
Not just healing. Not just self-awareness. But returning to the version of you who knows how to create meaning in the middle of the mess.

If that’s the kind of shift you’ve been craving — I’d love to invite you to explore The Method.
It’s open now, and it’s here to help you reconnect — to yourself, your people, and what matters most.

→ Come see what it’s all about

With love and a heart full of chat-in-the-dark energy,

As always, thank you for reading.

Gayle xx