Last year, our lives were all about movement- exploring Australia, discovering hidden gems, and embracing the freedom of life on the road. But this year has been different. We’ve swapped the endless highways for something new: exploring creativity, personal growth, and fresh experiences in ways we hadn’t before.

One of our biggest changes is moving to a four-day workweek to create a better work-life balance. Our year away made us realise that there is more to life than work and that we needed to make some changes and we wanted more time to focus on creativity, learning, and simply enjoying life at a different pace. And while we’re not travelling full-time anymore, the spirit of exploration hasn’t left us. Instead of seeking out new landscapes, we’re discovering new passions, skills, and even a different side of ourselves.

Kirsty’s Creative Journey

One of the biggest shifts this year has been diving deeper into creativity. I recently attended a Steve Parish photography class, an experience that pushed me to see the world through a different lens- literally. It wasn’t just about snapping photos; but about storytelling, patience, and finding beauty in the details. Steve Parish is an icon in Australian nature photography, and learning from him was both inspiring and eye-opening. One of my biggest personal challenges during the class? Facing my absolute fear of snakes. Not only did I get close enough to photograph them, but I also found myself truly appreciating the details I would have once avoided at all costs!

Another new experience? Spending time by myself. After so much shared adventure, carving out solo time has been an adjustment but also a chance to reflect, recharge, and embrace a different kind of independence. It’s reminded me that exploration doesn’t always mean crossing borders—it can also mean looking inward.

Brett’s Culinary & Social Adventures

While I was focused on photography, Brett was off on his own adventures. A boys’ weekend to the Sunshine Coast gave him a well-deserved break and a chance to reconnect with friends in a way that travel often does—through good food, shared experiences, and plenty of laughs.

The boys also did a cooking class at Spirit House, a renowned Thai cooking school and restaurant set in a lush rainforest setting. Brett had been before, but this time, sharing the experience with friends made it even more enjoyable. Cooking together, experimenting with bold flavours, and creating delicious dishes was a fun way to spend time- and, of course, a great excuse to enjoy incredible food!

Exploring Through Learning

Alongside these new experiences, we’ve also embraced the challenge of further study (again!). I’ve started a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics, diving into a whole new world of numbers, insights, and problem-solving. Meanwhile, Brett is preparing to finish his MBA in the second half of the year, finally getting a chance to finish what he started a couple of years ago and put on the back burner while renovating and travelling. Learning in a structured way again has been a shift for both of us, but it’s another reminder that exploration isn’t just about where you go- it’s also about expanding your mind.

The Bigger Picture: Exploring in a Different Way

This year is proving that adventure doesn’t always require a passport or a packed car. Sometimes, it’s about saying “yes” to opportunities that challenge and excite us differently. Whether learning a new skill, stepping outside of routine, or simply experiencing things differently, we’re still embracing that same digital nomad mindset- just with a fresh perspective.

So, while our GPS isn’t leading us across the country anymore, we’re still on a journey. A journey of creativity, education, connection, and curiosity. And if this year is teaching us anything, it’s that exploration isn’t just about where you go- it’s about how you choose to experience life.

What new experiences have you embraced lately? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re exploring life in your own way!