Lessons from the Fjords: How Paddle boarding in Norway Inspired Simplicity in Life and Business
Two months ago I returned from an insane, awesome, inspiring, life-changing solo adventure wild camping and paddle boarding on the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords. The days were spent paddling, eating, hiking and sleeping, on repeat…a week spent living perfectly in the moment.
As I fast approach my 50th birthday, I’ve been grappling with a strange sense of in-betweenness. My teenage children, once the centre of my world, no longer need me in the same way they once did. While I’m so proud to see them growing into their own lives, it’s left me with a big question: Who am I now, beyond being their mum?
I guess you could call it a midlife crisis, and despite procrastinating about it for weeks, double-checking with the family that they would be happy for me to go, I finally got round to booking the trip of a lifetime. It felt like the perfect way to escape the noise of everyday life and reconnect with myself. I wanted to step out of the roles I’d been playing for years and give myself space to rediscover who I am and what I want. Little did I know, this trip would change the way I see not only my life but also my work.
The Power of Simplicity in Nature
Everyday we got up at 7am, waking up to atmospheric mist drifting across the fjord, and unseasonally warm temperatures. Tent down, mattress and sleeping bag rolled away, everything packed into the dry bags, drank coffee and ate breakfast, and we were on our way.
Wind conditions were very light, so in the sheltered spots the water was like glass, reflecting the towering cliffs. It was humbling to be surrounded by such raw, untouched beauty—a landscape that felt both powerful and serene.
What stood out most was the simplicity of it all. There were no distractions, no unnecessary elements—just water, rock, and sky in perfect harmony. It made me realise how often I complicate my own life and work, layering on more than is needed and losing sight of what truly matters.
Nature has a way of reminding us that less can be more. The fjords don’t shout for attention; they simply are. That sense of quiet confidence resonated deeply with me. It made me question where I might be overcomplicating things in my day-to-day life, whether in my personal life or in how I approach my business.
In that moment, I felt a clarity I hadn’t experienced in a long time. The beauty of simplicity was no longer just a concept—it was something I could feel, something I wanted to bring back with me and infuse into everything I do.
A Shift in Perspective
As we paddled the days away there was no choice but to live in the moment - we were simply too busy in the moments to do anything but.
At home my days are consumed with juggling the needs of my children, managing a busy household, and building a business. My identity is so wrapped up in being everything for everyone else that I hardly noticed how much of myself I’d set aside.
This trip forced me to pause and confront some truths. I have realised that two months back, those old habits are creeping back in. I often fill my time with unnecessary complexity—endless to-do lists, overthinking projects, or trying to do things in ways that don’t align with my values. But in the simplicity of those fjords, none of that mattered. I didn’t need to be more than I was. It was a liberating realisation.
This trip wasn’t just about finding peace in nature; it was about finding peace in myself. It’s given me a new lens to look at my life and my work - focusing on clarity, ease, and the things that truly matter.
How it’s Shaping My Business
Coming back from Norway, I knew I wanted to take the clarity I’d found on the water and bring it into my work. It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle of running a business, but the truth is, complexity doesn’t equal success. That realisation has inspired me to simplify my approach, not just for myself but for my clients as well.
Simplifying My Brand
The minimalist beauty of the fjords has reminded me of what I want my brand to stand for: simplicity, clarity, and ease. I’m leaning even more into Scandinavian-inspired design and processes that reflect these values. My goal is for everything about my business—from the way it looks to the way it feels—to mirror the calm and focus I felt out there on the water.
Streamlining Client Work
I’ve always believed in making things simple for my clients, but now I’m even more committed to creating streamlined, fuss-free experiences. My VIP days are designed to deliver impactful results quickly and without stress. No endless back-and-forth or complicated timelines—just a focused, efficient process that gets things done.
Prioritising What Matters
Perhaps the biggest change is my renewed focus on quality over quantity. I’m stepping away from the pressure to constantly produce more and instead focusing on meaningful projects that align with my values. Whether it’s designing a website or setting up a digital system, my goal is to create something that’s not only beautiful but also truly useful and aligned with my client’s goals.
This shift isn’t just about how I run my business; it’s about who I want to be as a business owner. I want to embody the same calm, purposeful energy I felt in those fjords, both for myself and for the people I work with.
Bringing the Calm of the Fjords into Your Business
This trip wasn’t just a personal wake-up call; it made me realise how universal the struggle with over-complication can be. Whether you’re running a business, managing a household, or simply trying to keep up with daily life, it’s easy to get caught in the trap of doing too much. But there’s so much power in stripping things back to what truly matters—and that’s exactly the approach I bring to my work.
Here are a few lessons I took from the fjords, and how they align with the way I help my clients:
Embrace Minimalism in All Forms
Simplifying your business starts with your digital presence. Whether it’s designing a clean, beautiful website or building a streamlined system, I help my clients cut through the noise and focus on what’s essential. Your website and systems don’t have to be complicated to be effective.
Streamline Your Workflows
Every business has repetitive tasks that steal time and energy. Through my VIP day services, I help clients set up automated systems for email marketing, sales funnels, and other key processes, so they can reclaim their time and focus on what truly drives their business forward.
Make Space for Reflection
It’s hard to think strategically about your business when you’re bogged down in day-to-day operations. By simplifying your tech and systems, I help create space for you to focus on the bigger picture—whether that’s growing your business, exploring new ideas, or simply enjoying more downtime.
Let Go of the Pressure to Do It All
You don’t have to master every tool or spend weeks figuring out your website or tech stack. My process is designed to take that weight off your shoulders. In just one day, I’ll help you create something functional, beautiful, and easy to manage, so you can focus on what you do best.
Simplifying isn’t about having less; it’s about making space for more of what matters. And if you’re ready to take that step—whether in your business, your website, or your systems—I’d love to help you get there.
Book a discovery call today, and let’s explore how we can simplify and streamline your business together.
