A Week in Fiji.
Our trip to Fiji got off to a rocky start, with a long day of flight delays and exhaustion leaving me feeling frazzled. All I wanted was to collapse into bed, but waking up the next morning to the warm tropical breeze, I felt the stress of the journey start to melt away.
Day two was exactly what I needed pure relaxation. I spent the day basking in the sun, enjoying the ocean, and letting the world slow down around me. A cocktail or two didn’t hurt either. It was the perfect way to hit reset after the chaos of our arrival.
On day three, we headed into port to explore a different side of the island. It was fun, but by the end of the day, my anxiety started creeping in. You know that overwhelming feeling when everything just feels like too much? That was me. So the next day, while my family went into town, I decided to stay behind and soak in another quiet day by the ocean. It turned out to be the best decision. I needed that time to reflect, to sit in the stillness and just breathe. It helped me centre myself and let the anxiety fade away.
Later in the week, we booked a day tour to a secluded island—the kind of paradise you dream about, with clear blue waters and pristine beaches. I was so excited, expecting a peaceful escape into nature. But when we arrived, we realised we were sharing the tour with a large group of 90 plus. While they were lovely, the day felt more tailored to them, and we ended up feeling a bit like we were intruding on their experience. It wasn’t quite the island getaway I’d imagined for our small family group.
That said, I’ve always been the type to focus on the positive, and that day, the snorkelling made it all worthwhile. Slipping into the water and immersing myself in the vibrant coral reefs, watching the colourful fish dart around—it was magical. In that moment, the frustrations faded away. There’s something about the ocean that makes everything feel lighter, and I found peace in the rhythm of the water. It was a reminder that even when things don’t go as planned, there’s always something beautiful waiting to be discovered.
The rest of the week was more relaxing meeting locals and learning about Fijian culture. The people were so welcoming, and the music and singing it all just felt so full of life. Their connection to nature and community was something really special to witness. It left me thinking about the things that matter most how sometimes slowing down and just being is the best gift you can give yourself.
As we packed up to head home, I felt a mix of emotions. Grateful for the rest, proud of myself for navigating the anxious moments, and inspired by the beauty of Fiji and the people I met. It wasn’t the perfect trip, but in a way, that’s what made it so memorable. Fiji gave me the space to breathe, reflect, and find peace—even when things didn’t go as expected.