As a young girl I would often lead my younger cousins down the trails and into the backwoods in Northern Minnesota. Not knowing where they would lead us or if I we could even get back. Never gave a second thought to dangers that may lay ahead. There could have been a Momma black bear with cubs or a snare that may have been set; that I wasn’t even aware to be on the look out for. I was not concerned with any of these dangers as a 10 -year-old child adventurer. I was very loved and felt invincible!
I believe it was because I was so loved, that I always felt safe. I trusted that my family and the Higher Power would take care of me. Obviously, it worked out. I am still here. I even survived my teenage years, my early twenties and into my forties; trusting my curiosity (and family support structure) even if the path it takes me on may seem a little scary at times. Often, I find my curiosity and bravery (even if it is bravado at the time) often lead me to new wonderful experiences.
When Adventure Sister Stacy and I set out on our first trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area many years ago, we had no idea what we were getting into. We’d never done anything like it before. We were both just in need of new experiences. We both needed some ‘me’ time at the same time. What would be better then going up the BWCA where the only option there is to ‘rough it’ with the minimum needed to survive and no cell phone signal.
Sure, we were nervous, not to mention that our families were a little worried for us as well. Yet we were strong women who were bound and determined to get away from it all. This decision, to risk going deep into the forest, led to where we are today. Five years later we have written three books about our continued adventures and life experiences spurred on by this one first choice. We chose to be scared but brave and adventurous anyway. Because of this; we are currently working to get our trilogy published.
I find, that when I am bored with my day to day routines, I look for something different to try to spice-up my life. Some years it’s wondering into the forest. Some years its contemplating the risk to write and share my personal stories and art with the world.
This year, my curiosity and drive to make a difference in the world, led me to run for the State House of Representatives. It was a scary decision to run because I didn’t know what to expect. Yet I am trusting this adventure I’ve been lead to.
Being brave does not mean you are not aware that you are vulnerable. It means you see the risks, you contemplate how it will affect you, and even weigh the judgment of others. Sometimes you know that if it goes bad, it might go really bad. Then I choose to chance it anyway. Or not.
I choose to do this because of the support and love of my family and friends who will catch me if I fall. Often, in adulting, we know that others are depending on us. So we choose their concerns and wellbeing over doing what our souls call to us to do.
After I became a mother, I settled down pretty darn quick. Yet now that she is grown and out of the house, I feel that it’s okay to start taking some calculated risks again. I believe, that in our society, we have gotten to the point where fear is ruling our decisions and even impeding our growth.
Change is scary and taking chances are risky. But I feel that if I do not try or even take small steady steps in the direction I wish to go, then I will always be in the same place. There is no mental or spiritual growth in staying in the same place. Without new experiences in my life, I get bored.
There is no innovation or progress if we are content with the status quo of our life. Is this why life feels uncomfortable at times? To make us want to keep moving forward to a possible ‘better’ life? Maybe the Universe puts opportunities, to take those chances and risks, in front of us for this reason.
I believe in chasing your interests, dreams and drive to where your heart calls you because it’s calling you for a reason… The reason why you were put here on earth in the first place. I also believe all our wondering, inclinations, and inquisitive yearnings are instilled in you to lead you to your life’s purpose. Probably why I was a political junkie and so interested in environmental protections for the last ten years.
Life is sometimes scary when it asks us to level up in our efforts. Whether it is starting a new job or a new life, with a move far from the home you’ve known, it can challenge our bravery. What I find scarier though is staying the same and not giving myself the opportunity to grow.
I strive to grow so much that I bloom over and over again. By bloom, I mean to help to make the world just a little more beautiful than it already is, by increasing my effort to benefit the greater good. I strive to be send positive vibes out to the Universe because it needs it.
I realize I am blessed with an abundance of love in my life. I have come to see love as the water I need to bloom where I am planted. I bloom by being brave enough to first crack open the cocoon of my soul’s seed. My soul’s desires sometimes seem to be fertilized by the darkness that makes me ache to reach for the sun.
At times I crave the growth so strongly that it allows me to overcome my fears. I believe being brave, even when I am scared, has turned out to be the best way to bloom into the life I am meant to live. I was planted on this path; I might as well trust it because it was meant to be.
I believe divine guidance is always taking place in my life and if I don’t trust my path, I stall my growth. Yes, being brave is hard and scary but I recommend you try it anyway. Nobody likes to be stuck in fertilizer too long!
Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings today and always! Love,
Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister
@EmyforHouse15A
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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister
Emy Minzel 