Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland

Usually I come to Woodford and am overwhelmed by the welcoming, open, creative energy here. But not this year. I didn't feel the overwhelm. I didn't feel the stark contrast between 'the real world' and Woodfordia. And for that I am truly grateful. 

2017 started off not so great for me, in a turbulent whirlwind of uncertainty and change. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what was next, and I didn’t know how 2017 would end up looking for me. But then I made a decision, and learnt how to fly, using the turbulent winds to buoy me up and send me into a world of adventure.

Spreading my wings into the world was a more amazing experience than I ever could have imagined. You’ll miss home, they said. You’ll get lonely, they said. But, no. And no.

I spent 2017 connecting with the most wonderful people, exploring some of the most beautiful places in the world, following my intuition, and feeling more entirely myself than I ever have before. It was a year filled with so much love and gratitude that it was often as if I would burst with all of the joy building inside me. Expansive is the word that comes to mind.

So, you see, when I landed at Woodford there was no stark contrast with what came before. There was only the continuation of the beauty, gratitude, openness, connection and love that filled so much of my 2017. If you’ve been to Woodford before you’ll know that it is an unbelievably special place. It’s not just a festival - it’s a community, a family, a world-unto-itself, and it’s a place that feels like a bubble of ‘how the world should be’, where people are open, friendly, generous and loving. Every year the conversation follows: ‘Why can’t the rest of the world be like this?’ 

But for me, now, the rest of the world is. I feel so incredibly blessed that the magic of community and connection that fills Woodford also fills so many areas of my life. 

My wings are still unfurled, and I plan on keeping them that way, even when I’m grounded in one place. I still don’t know what’s next, but what I do know is that it will be fantastic. I’m looking for the next opportunity, and in the meantime, I’m enjoying the expansion and connection that is available in every day.

New Years. Snapped by Woodford Folk Festival.