This is the sixth in our series of interviews to deepen the connections between all of us who love the sea and Sea Soul Blessings. And today, we’re interviewing Loran Hills – she talks about trying not to worry, valuing mistakes, and the powerful impact of nature and the sea on her life.
She’s also a photographer – and these are all her amazing photos.
Tell us a little bit about you:
Hi! I’m Loran Hills, age 66, married 32 years, retired social worker and therapist, living in Sheridan, Wyoming, U.S.
I have two grown daughters who live in different states. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to them being too far away for me to see them on a regular basis. I’d love to be able to go to lunch, catch a movie or pop in for a Sunday dinner.
What does nature, and the sea in particular, mean to you?
“The world is a magical place and over time, nature has become everything to me. I love the cycles of sun and moon, seasons, animals, mountains. There’s an element of truth in the natural world that doesn’t exist within humans. I depend on nature for solace and comfort.”
I was lucky to spend time at the beach as a child. We spent our family vacations in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware.
I have such good memories of playing in the sand and water every day. I adore the smell of the ocean, the sound of waves and birds calling as they fly overhead.
One of my favourite memories is the pink sand beaches in Bermuda. I’ve been lucky to visit many different bodies of water over the course of my lifetime – the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic, the Tasmanian coast of New Zealand, the rugged beaches of the Pacific Northwest.
I’ve snorkelled in Costa Rica and Tahiti, enjoyed warm Florida waters with their unique shades of blue, and admired cold Alaskan bays.
How do you feel on a good day?
On a good day I feel confident, calm, energetic and inspired.
How do you feel on a bad day?
On a bad day, I feel depressed or anxious or both.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
“I get inspired by many of my visionary female friends on Facebook and Instagram. Women are creating incredible things – businesses, works of art, books, movies, blessing cards!”
It means a lot to support my friends when I can. Right now, I’m in a Memoir Writing class that’s really inspiring me.
What do you worry about on a typical day?
I have a great deal of concern about climate changes. On those bad days I worry about the sixth extinction.
In general, I try not to worry because it doesn’t do any good.
I do what I can and volunteer for Treesisters.
Where do you find joy?
I find joy in time spent with my daughters. When I can’t be with them, I find joy in the natural world. There’s a trail near my house I love to hike. I visit certain trees, admire wildflowers, listen to the birds and squirrels, and walk my dog who also finds joy with me.
“A beautiful sunrise or sunset gives me joy, a rainbow, a glowing moon.”
What do you love to do, read, watch or listen to?
Besides travel and spending time in nature, I love to write, dabble with paints and coloured pencils, read, and watch Netflix series like Jane the Virgin or Call the Midwife.
What makes you cross?
Politics, greed, corruption. Harm done to people and animals.
How do you look after yourself?
I stopped dieting a few years ago. Since then I’ve learned to accept my body as it is and as it ages. It’s a real practice.
I walk when I can and when weather permits. I try to eat locally and/or organically, when it’s possible. I don’t wear make-up but I do indulge in good hair products and pedicures with non-toxic nail polish.
What would you most like to change about your life?
There isn’t really anything I want to change about my life at the moment but I would like to know what I’m going to be when I grow up! Mostly I want to continue to grow spiritually and to maintain my mental and physical health.
What have you learnt about life that you wish you’d understood earlier?
“I didn’t understand how to make good decisions for a long time. I didn’t know how. With time and experience, I learned how to think things through rather than choose impulsively. I wish I’d known what was required to make healthier choices, but I learned through my mistakes. I’m where I am now because of those mistakes so I don’t wish it too often.”
How would you describe Sea Soul Blessings in 3 words?
Deep as the sea (oops that’s 4!)
How do you use your Sea Soul Blessings?
I use them as daily reminders before I sit to meditate.
What do they help you to change?
They help me remember what’s important.
If someone was thinking about trying Sea Soul Blessings, how would you encourage them?
If you’re looking for a quick daily check-in, the Sea Soul Blessings cards are perfect. The blessings are gentle and kind, perfect for self-care practices.
If you’d like to be featured in one of these interviews, I would love that, get in touch!
If you’d like to get yourself some Sea Soul Blessings, you can do that right here.
If you liked this, you might like the other interviews in the Sea Soul Community series: