I've been camping before but only for a few days.
About 8 weeks ago I agreed to step completely out of my comfort zone and partake in a week long camping holiday.
I'm really more of an indoors kind of girl so the idea of sleeping outside for the whole week was a little daunting.
I'd be lying if I said the whole week was entirely up my street, I have a pollen allergy, I hate dirt and like my home comforts but I did enjoy my time camping.
I learned a few lessons about myself on that holiday which have been useful since I came back:
1. Being a light sleeper isn't the worst thing in the world, it's annoying at home when I have work to be up for in the morning but when you are in the middle of a field and are woken by the sound of a barking dog or someone coming back from the toilet, it doesn't really matter.
2. There is plenty to enjoy that doesn't come from a screen. Yes I had my phone with me, was able to charge it and could keep in touch with friends and family but in all honesty, if I hadn't been able to charge it, it wouldn't have been the end of the world. There was plenty to see and do nearby. I'm trying to disengage with my phone a bit more, so I don't miss out on the beauty near home.
3. You can make whatever environment you are in one that feels like you belong there. We put lots of nice quirky touches to our tent, particularly things like lighting, throws and blankets my sister in law had loaned to us to make it look like a nice living space for the week and one that reflected a space which felt familiar and comfortable.
I learned a few lessons about myself on that holiday which have been useful since I came back:
1. Being a light sleeper isn't the worst thing in the world, it's annoying at home when I have work to be up for in the morning but when you are in the middle of a field and are woken by the sound of a barking dog or someone coming back from the toilet, it doesn't really matter.
2. There is plenty to enjoy that doesn't come from a screen. Yes I had my phone with me, was able to charge it and could keep in touch with friends and family but in all honesty, if I hadn't been able to charge it, it wouldn't have been the end of the world. There was plenty to see and do nearby. I'm trying to disengage with my phone a bit more, so I don't miss out on the beauty near home.
3. You can make whatever environment you are in one that feels like you belong there. We put lots of nice quirky touches to our tent, particularly things like lighting, throws and blankets my sister in law had loaned to us to make it look like a nice living space for the week and one that reflected a space which felt familiar and comfortable.