BACK in May, I achieved a lifelong dream.

To stay in a gypsy caravan, and marvel at the romance of it all. *sighs*

You can read all about it here, about how much we loved it as a family and see how beautiful these gypsy caravans really are, but for now I want to talk about what I learned from staying in one.

Because make no mistake, it was a soulful experience!

We stayed in the caravan for two lovely nights and I learned so much about myself and life, when I was there, that I feel compelled to share it with you.

If you want to figure out the meaning of life (!) or just see what a similar experience can teach you, I cannot recommend staying in one yourself, highly enough. Just do it!

1) We don’t really need all the stuff we think we do

It’s true you know, we really don’t. Sure it’s nice to own pretty things but at what cost? To your purse and to your time?

Staying in the caravan made me realise that the majority of the stuff we have in our homes isn’t necessary – simply just nice to have.

And although I’m not saying I’ve going to give up buying pretty cushions or fabulous artwork anytime soon, it’s sure made me think about my consumption of material things.

2) Joy is found in less not more

In the Western world we are all about ‘more’ – a bigger house, a better car, a wardrobe stuffed with fabulous dresses (just me?!) but actually I’m beginning to think we’ve lost our way.

Because as long as our necessities are catered for (food, shelter, warmth etc) the rest of it can actually hinder our joy, not increase it, if we’re not careful.

The gypsy caravan was very basic accommodation, but it was a beautiful basic. And it made me realise that simplicity, in many ways, means more joy not less.

A simpler life and a simpler home gives us less to worry about, less to clean and less to pay for.  And more time to get on with enjoying life.

3) Getting away from it all is vital to my wellbeing

There’s nothing quite like that holiday feeling is there?

I need a break and change of scene frequently. I’ve always known this (I blame my free spirit personality) but our little break in the caravan cemented it for me.

Getting away from home and from work is crucial to my wellbeing and I need to do of much of it as possible.

4) There’s something to be said for peace and quiet

I live on a lovely street, in a lovely part of town and I am very fortunate to do so. But blimey it is noisy sometimes. Sirens. Traffic. People.

Being away in the countryside made me realise how much I yearn for and cherish true peace and quiet. And how good it is for us!

The only sounds I could hear in the gypsy caravan at night were birds tweeting or raindrops on the canopy and it was totally and utterly blissful.

5) You can do a lot with a small space

When we came home from our gypsy caravan break, our house looked huge! I could not get over the space and it made me realise how little of our space we use properly.

You can do an awful lot with a small space if you just put your mind and creativity to it. And you can make it gobsmackingly beautiful too.

6) Going to bed early is a treat

When Elsie went to bed in the caravan, the husband and I followed soon after. We had to otherwise she’d wake up and wouldn’t sleep.

But curling up in the gypsy bunk wasn’t a chore but a total treat! I can’t quite believe I’m saying this but there really is something to be said for catching some zzzz’s before 9pm.

In fact I would even suggest that going to bed super early – just for the hell of it – is the new rock and roll.

7) A happy life = freedom

Staying in a gypsy caravan means it’s impossible not to try and imagine what life must be like for travellers. Especially during years gone by.

You really get that sense of freedom. Of a life well lived. Of a life well travelled.

Perhaps there is some gypsy blood running through my veins from ancient ancestors, but I gotta tell you, I don’t half envy that sense of freedom and adventure. And I definitely need more of it in my life.

8) Switching off from modern life feels great

My phone is my lifeline. Constantly vibrating or bleeping, it brings emails, notifications, alerts, messages and people all to my immediate attention.

I would be lost without it. As we all would.

Whilst on holiday, I did upload an odd pic to Instagram or send an odd tweet, but for the majority of the time, my phone was off and my attention was elsewhere. And it felt, amazing.

Switching off for a little from modern life and the online world, is a really good thing to do. And we should all probably do it a lot more.

9) Family time is everything

Make that quality family time. Just two days away together as a little unit of three, made us all incredibly happy.

And there was something about being together in a small space which really made it feel even more special too. I truly thought we would end up being damn right grumpy with each other, but for two days that didn’t happen. (Who knew?)

Precious family time is so important. Not just for the kids but also, for us parents! Time together to relax, enjoy each other’s company and create happy memories really is everything.

10) I need one in my life!

One day, somehow, somewhere, I will own a gypsy caravan. I simply have to.

Perhaps not for a while, perhaps not until I’m an old lady, but one day, I’ve got to make it happen. Staying in the caravan was a real dream come true for me and even more magical than I could ever have imagined.

I’ve always loved gypsy caravans and our little break has only served to intensify my affection for them.

Gypsy caravans look beautiful, are incredibly cosy and are the ideal place to retreat from the world and relax with just the heat of a wood burning stove and the light of plenty of candles.

I mean, I ask you, what is not to love?

Now if I could only win the lottery…

With love,

Kate

This post is linked to #TheList