The sound of the ocean waves was calling my name and this beach house along the Great Ocean Road was exactly where I needed to be. This open plan, one bedroom abode was modernly styled with a wood fire and an open air deck overlooking the ocean, surrounded by native trees and shrubs. The weather wasn’t the beachy kind I had hoped for during my stay although I do believe it was exactly what this solo adventure girl needed: some quiet, sit still and be warm time. And the universe knew exactly how to keep me still by removing the sun for the day.

I spent most of the day indoors, watching the waves crash, deep breathing and reading the design books found on the bookshelf. I yoga’d in front of the wood fire and enjoyed a cheeky afternoon nap, snuggled up in the crisp linen sheets. Loose leaf tea options were tucked away in the pantry so I paired one with the choc chip biscuits my sister had been nagging me to try. That was followed by stove top popcorn and the self entertainment of tossing kernels high into the air and catching them straight in my mouth. Four out of five was pretty good. I have stepped up my A game that’s for sure. My soul needed this more than I knew. Life is so busy and I always try to make the most of every sunny day. But not today. Today was a soulful recharge by the sea.

The next day wasn’t much better weather wise, although I pulled on the thickest wetsuit I owned and headed to the beach for a surf. I’m no pro, but I did manage to catch a few waves. Super fresh. Mighty fun! I was so grateful to discover an outdoor shower back at my beach abode and it had hot water too. It washed away my sandy toes and any lingering worries visiting my mind.

The wood fire was still just going and the sun appeared for a brief moment, dancing through the windows. I took that moment and sat at the dining table, sipping my cup of tea and watching parrots zip from tree to tree in the front yard. Speaking of birdies: a local one told me about the glow worms nearby at Wye River and I was hella keen to photograph them. Although it wasn’t the best evening for glow worm magic, so bI added that idea to my future Jac adventures list. I know now I have a beautiful home to stay at nearby, so that part is all covered. I am looking forward to that glow fest. I fell asleep that night to the sound of the ocean with a fresh breeze coming through the side window.

As the next day arrived, it was time to leave. I moved slowly packing my things while taking in one last look at the view. The waves were still rolling in steady and calm as if reminding me that the world keeps moving even when we pause. I felt lighter, clearer and quietly grateful. The kind of gratitude that settles deep inside your chest.

I drove away with the warmth of the fire, the salt on my skin and the rhythm of the ocean within my heart. This stay was a gentle reminder that some things we plan don’t always go to plan and rolling with the waves of life is what reminds me there is beauty in the unexpected.