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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Brave enough to bloom

August 20, 2018 Emy Minzel

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

Lessons through disappointment~

August 9, 2018August 9, 2018 Emy Minzel

It’s going to be the second week in August and I have been on the water and in my kayak only one time, back in June. For unforeseen reasons, both lake vacations I had scheduled to take this month had to be cancelled. I had been puting off lake time and rest during early summer because I knew I would have the opportunity in August. That was the plan anyway.

I was supposed to go to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with my Adventure Sister Stacy, the first week in August. Then to a resort (on Lake Kabetogama) with my Husband for his birthday and our Ten-Year Wedding Anniversary a few weeks later. Turns out things changed and not just one but both vacations had to be cancelled. This turn of events was a devastating blow to my spirit to be frank.

I was so very much looking forward to spending time on the water; reconnecting with my dear friends, my Husband, myself, and the nature I love so much. It literally feels like the Universe took away my Birthday. Oh, and like I told you in my previous blog, my one and only child moved out of the house this week. So honestly, although I have a great deal of important things to do, my spirit is feeling neglected. I’ve also noticed this feeling reflecting in my attitude and spirit.

We all get this way sometimes, when life changes or events begin to feel overwhelming or never ending. We may dream of getting away to escape it all; so that we can have quiet time to process our next move or to simply have a moment to quit moving! Going and going like the Energizer Bunny, does not allow me to stop and contemplate my feelings, choices, or strategy for the future. When I am unable to find time to reconnect with what is important to me; like spending time in nature, floating on the water, cooking, or writing, I can feel it in my soul.

At first, the news of my cancelled vacations led to a short pity party for one. But I decided not to wallow and keep moving forward with life, as that is what adulting is about. I had decided it was guidance from the Higher Power that my energy was needed at home and on the campaign trail. Yet, as the week of my BWCA vacation passes and my body does the motions of work and progress, I feel the usual upbeat energy of my spirit and drive fading. Because I am not making time for my own needs.

It is easy to get caught up in living the life others think you should be. Especially as a Candidate. I have a whole team of people who bust their butts for me and I do not want to let them down nor myself by not doing everything I can do! My campaign life is exciting, important and the way I see myself making a positive difference. Yet, is neglecting my own needs the right way for anyone to live their lives? Probably not. I am hard on myself as I have high standards not only for me but the people around me.

Yet when they need a break, I am compassionate and understanding while they take one. Why do I feel like I do not deserve one or that I am not able to take one? I am lacking disposable income for vacation this summer because I have cut my working hours down to meet the campaign needs. It was a sacrifice I was able and willing to make. The repercussions though, are that I feel like I missed out on some much needed and deserved time out in the forest and on the lake to recharge.

I am not looking for pity, I understand many people are not allowed the luxury of vacation. These choices are mine and I believe my heart and efforts will see me to making a positive difference in the world. If not, I still made a lot of great friends and had wonderful experiences this summer! I knew it would not be without hard work or expense, I was up to the challenge/adventure.

What I am not willing to sacrifice are the needs of my spirit or ignore the calling of my soul to do what I must do. I must be the change I want to see in the world, to do that, I must make time to be authentically me. My spirit is being called to the water, asking me to rest for a bit to find balance and peace.

My soul, is telling me that I have been telling myself, “What I want and need does not matter.” I am not making my spiritual needs as important as other things in my life. I am not making my ‘peacefulness’ a priority. I am putting the wants and needs of my campaign, my family, and my goals over my spiritual wellness.

This is a reality for a lot of people in our society. I believe this lack of connection to what is tranquil and quiet is where a great deal of our displaced anger comes from in our Nation. All work and no play makes Emy an angry girl. This is not an obscure dilemma for most people in our world today. I find myself covering up my sadness of not being able to connect with nature (or enjoy some of our short Minnesota summer) by coping with anger. I am distant and distracted.

I am distracted by my desires to be anywhere but here sometimes.

I know you feel these words.

This is not normal for me, I am usually and naturally an upbeat person. I thought about not posting such personal feelings. Yet I wanted to acknowledge that I believe; most of us are striving daily to do better, be better, have better, but that we get lost in the ‘doing and getting’ part. Forgetting that stillness and connection to Spirit/God is of great importance, not only for ourselves but to our connection with others and society.

So, what is a girl to do? I don’t know. I am not a Guru. I won’t offer advice. I will only share my experiences and feelings for you to judge me upon. Do I go put my kayak out on the local lake that is full of algae and pollution? Nope. Don’t need that energy. (Although I acknowledge it is there and strive to do all I can to fix it.)

Do I find a friend with a backyard pool to float in for a moment in the sun? Nope, not what I am looking for. I need a change from the daily grind. I need new experiences and scenery to stimulate my mind. I want to hear nothing but nature and water. I must reboot like my computer! My body, mind and spirit connection needs to be tended to.

As with the unpredictability of life, I am not sure when or where it will happen. Yet, I am trusting that Spirit has a plan for me to do just this. Somewhere out in this big Universe this opportunity is waiting for me. Until then, I will be thankful for the good in my life. I will enjoy the nature from my front porch. I will focus on the song of the birds and the wind rustling the leaves of the trees instead of traffic.

I trust the higher power knows what is best for me at this time in my life. I trust this path, I trust this frustration, I even trust the feeling of having my Birthday taken away! This gives me incentive to acknowledge, respect and tend to my own needs.

The nurturing instincts I have for my loved ones, the planet, animals and others must be also extended to myself. Life lessons or tough love from the Universe can open our eyes to the reality of our actions. My needs are important too. And so are yours. Remember that.

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Well, I’m an empty-nester.

August 7, 2018 Emy Minzel

My one and only child has just moved out. She is 24 and had moved from home, for college, previously. Then came back home for a couple years. I very much enjoy her company as she is my best accomplishment and I am proud of the woman she has become. I know she is ‘beyond’ ready to start her life of her own, though.

I, on the other hand, feel sad about this life change even though I know this is what she is supposed to do and that she is very capable of taking care of herself. She is brave, independent, smart and determined; so I know this is the right time for her to go. Yet it doesn’t make me feel any better because I will miss her sweet face, her caring efforts and funny, sarcastic cracks every day.

She won’t be too far away and I know how to work a phone. As a mother of one, I know how to stalk the girl and she knows I will if I have too! I have been known to call her friends to find her and I am not above it even now even though she is very much the responsible adult. I am only concerned for her wellbeing and know that she can take care of herself, but the mom in me, needs confirmation that she is breathing today.

I find it somewhat amusing that I feel so protective of her, but I was raised to protect what you love, and I will continue to do so. Even if that means annoying my baby girl with texts and phone calls just to make sure she is okay today. Fortunately she will be bringing our dog Hank with her to the apartment, after she settles in, and this makes me feel much better about the change. Hank is a good boy and will keep her company, while providing emotional support and protection.

This is just another change that seems to keep reiterating that I am entering a new phase of my own life. I will be an empty nester, with an aging dog (Gus is 12 now) and a husband who works a lot. I am thankful I have work, writing and campaign life to keep me busy and my thoughts from straying to worry and the feeling of loss.

I know my daughter needs to move out on her own so she can spread her wings and be free from her feeling of being trapped in childhood. I totally get that. When it is time to move on, we feel it strongly. I remember when I left the security of my Mom’s house many years ago. I was ready and so was she. It was good for both of us! I believe this will be the same for my daughter.

I am thankful for the business of the campaign to keep me busy, so I don’t have time to dwell. I would like to use this opportunity to keep moving forward to protect the Minnesota I know and love for future generations to enjoy. There is a peace in knowing I am moving forward in life in a way that will make a positive difference in my community.

I may not be able to mother my child as I once had but I still have a whole lot of love, compassion and nurturing instincts to share with the world. I am ready to do just that for the greater good of our future in the Minnesota I know and love. Divine timing is unfolding in our lives if we step back and look. It’s up to us to trust our intuition and impulses that carry us forward to the future we desire.

To all the empty-nesters out there… what did you accomplish once you made time to follow your feelings and impulses? Did you write a book? Climb a mountain? Simply take some quiet time to find yourself again? This transitional period for middle age women and men can be a wonderful time in our lives. Tell me how you ushered in a new era once the kids were gone! I would love to hear from you!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Small Wins have Big Impact

July 26, 2018July 26, 2018 Emy Minzel

After an emotionally long month on the campaign trail, I finally had a big win. We (my campaign team and I) have been working tirelessly to keep our forward momentum going, and at times it is overwhelming with all to-do’s that need to get done for the campaign, on top of work and home life. Last Friday, we had a fundraiser, at a local business that supports Minnesota’s native environmental restoration and invited many people from my community. I was humbled and felt blessed by all the support of other local business owners, advocates, and neighbors that attended.

I was not nervous at this event and felt that I delivered my speech very well. No note cards needed, it all came from my heart, and thankfully I found the words I needed to express my thoughts and issues I wanted to address that evening. I met many wonderful people, who often told me, “Thank you, for running. We needed you to do this for us, we appreciate your hard work, keep up the good work!” I’m not one who fishes for compliments or praise but for some reason all the thank you I received, really helped me to see that my effort is very much needed and appreciated. Who doesn’t like to be appreciated occasionally?!

It got me thinking, that even though these past months I had been working sun up to sun down, I have also been meeting many wonderful people I would have never had the chance to if I weren’t pursuing this political position. I had a great time at a community picnic I was invited to at the northern end of my district. I was so thankful to be invited and get to meet more people and have the opportunity to make more friends.

I have this habit where I tend to over think, over analyze and stress myself out over things that haven’t happened or (I think) might happen, which has gotten to be quite annoying. You know it’s bad folks when you annoy yourself with your own bull. I think it’s a human trait to make a mountain out of a mole hill when I don’t want to do something. I will procrastinate until I finally give in, only to realize it really wasn’t so bad after all. Why do I do that to myself? I make more stress and anxiety for nothing sometimes.

For example, as a candidate, it is a practice to go “door knocking” to make direct voter contact with your constituents. I haven’t knocked on a door since I was a Girl Scout selling cookies. I was certain, selling cookies, was a much easier sell then selling myself for the State House of Representative seat. Turns out, I was wrong! Door knocking was quite enjoyable, I got to meet more of my neighbors, and get exercise, while also hanging out with a few awesome Emy for House Volunteers that came with me!

I was putting off door knocking because the thought of it made my eye twitch. I have come to find out after I tried it a couple times, that I really like it! Isn’t that funny how we can want something so much but be so resistant to some of the things that move us out of our comfort zone?

Like public speaking, I was terrified at first but after a few times it does get easier. Once I learned to just trust my heart, my words, and to allow myself to be authentically me it was much easier. Going to meetings, community picnics, fundraisers, door knocking, fairs, parades and all the other events and festivities that allows me to meet voters can seem overwhelming, but once I get there, I end up having a great time and I feel energized to keep on keeping on!

Even after a long month of hard work, I have concluded that this political journey is worth all the emotional ups and downs, lack of sleep and sometimes even sacrifice of me time and family time. To be able to work towards the greater good, serving others, seems to be what fills my soul with purpose and joy.

Now if there were only another 12 hours in the day so I could spend more time with my family and loved ones, that would be great! But there is not, and this is the path I have chosen. I have put myself “out there” for my community and for the environment I wish to protect. This path is exactly where I am supposed to be, even when it feels hard, I know it is right.

I am thankful for all the folks who continue to support me and the people I meet that turn into Emy for House Supporters after we talk. Friday’s fundraiser was the emotional reward that I needed to keep carrying on. I am thankful for the moments of Joy that keep me dedicated to winning this election for my community. I am thankful for the opportunity to be so well received while being authentically me. I am feeling very blessed.

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister