Tag: #adventureawaits

Shifting in sharing my caring ~

emyminzel

I’ve been asked to write a mission statement for the campaign to help me decided on running for State Representative in 2020. This request got me really thinking about the crossroads I am sitting at and what direction would be best for me.

How do I want to spend the next years of my life, and how will it feel when doing so? I can take two very different journeys depending on my decision. This choice is hard because it’s a big one that will change the trajectory of my days, my future.

Who am I really at my core? I know I have a desire to help others, I care deeply for people, all living beings and the planet. I ask myself over and over. “What is the best way for me to put these passions to good use? I have had the extraordinary opportunity to try different approaches on for size and see how I felt doing so.

The political path is exciting, empowering, educational, and brought me closer to the members of my community. There are also downsides of this choice. Politics are not conducive to balance in lots of areas of my life. There is a sacrifice of family time, personal desires, career, and on top of the lack of help I would need. Not to mention the contentious arena that supports a Bloods Vs. Crips kind of rivalry.

Listen, I will fight if I have too. But deep down, I am a lover, not a fighter. Lately, I feel the calling of peace. Many people were surprised by my choice to jump into the political arena in the first place. I would often think of it as an avenue to express an alter ego side of me. I was often conflicted in my mind and heart following the political trail. Not in policies but in my personal life.

At times I would even compare myself to Bruce Banner and the Incredible Hulk. To continue the governmental track would mean to endure more of this same frustration. Is pursuing this political path worth my balance, wellbeing and the future of my life. Is there another way to make a difference that feels better?

Over and over, I asked myself what if’s, how and why? Can I make a difference in the world around me in a different way that feels good to me, my family, and those I love? I work from home for a reason, and I love it here. I live a blessed life I am beyond thankful for it. These questions got me looking within, getting back to my roots, surrounding myself with loved ones that know my heart.

I was asking myself the hard questions of who I want to be as I grow into this next pivotal transformation in life. I am thankful for the time I have had to contemplate the pros and cons of each choice and how it will affect me and others I care most about. I am thankful for the opportunity to see myself in the future and how I think it will look.

When I started this political journey, I had called on the inspiration of my grandmother, EmaDee, who was a Registered Nurse for over 40 years in a very small-town hospital. She was a good, kind, and caring person who had a positive impact on her community just by showing up and being herself. My grandmother is one of my heroes because of these traits. I’ve always wanted to be like her in this way.

This desire has never wavered or changed. It was the way I was going about it that altered. I have been allowed time to process this shift, how it feels to me, how it affected my family, and how it changed me has been a blessing.

I know I can still be politically active in a different and muted approach. I do not have to be the candidate; I can be supportive of the changes I wish to see differently. I am excited to see the next candidate get the opportunity to share their passion for our community in such a big way! I can support others who run by being a cog in the wheel of revolution.

My voice does matter and how I used it counts. I have come to see that this political path is a little too extra for me at this time in my life. There must be a balance in the way I care for myself and others. Right now, I feel that I must focus on helping me before I tackle the problems of a whole community. I am choosing to put the oxygen mask on myself first.

Who I am in my soul is full of spirit, love, compassion, and joy. To choose a path that supports and nurtures this part of me means I am kind and truthful with myself. I have a massage therapy practice that fills me with purpose and brings many wonderful people into my life. The real me behind the political persona is a hippie at heart. I am content with being precisely this — just me. I don’t need a microphone to be myself.

Understandably, there may be some disappointment by some, but I must do what is best from me at this time. I have chosen to take the alternate path and continue my career in caring. I’ll begin with Yoga teacher training and see where I go from there. I am choosing to foster the goodness in myself by finding the balance I seek.

I hope to share this kindness with the people around me in a similar way. Teaching is also a powerful approach to help foster a positive, feel-good effect on myself, my family, and the community I love! By sharing my caring in a different form, I can open more hearts, bring inner peace and Zen, with an agenda to create a community of acceptance and connection.

This teaching opportunity can also be a powerful technique in being the change I wish to see in the world. I wish to see more love, more kindness, and more connection to one another. This decision is how I am choosing to be the change. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey through life together. I cherish you.

Nameste!

With love,

Emy Minzel

 

Visit me at :

EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

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Stacy Crep ~

https://stacycrep.com

 

Photo credit – Emy Minzel, Wild rose bush with bee in my back yard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boundary Waters Solo Adventure Day 3

emyminzel

Last night was rough, I woke up wanting to go home, like right now. During the late-night, I had a tummy ache and needed to climb the hill with a flashlight, not once but three times! Ugh! I was doing my best to be brave while making a lot of noise at 1 am in a dark forest alone.

Listen I like to rough it, I don’t mind getting dirty, fighting dangerous waves, caring heavy loads or even sitting out a thunderstorm in a tent. Turns out that this girl draws the line at tummy tribulations in the Boundary Waters! I know I am not alone here.

I was feeling better when I got up at 6 am with the dawn, even though the skies were clear the sun did not peek over the treetops until around 8:00. As I sat drinking coffee, soaking in the scenery and contemplating if I was going to stay the one more day as intended or pack it all up. It was hard to decide.

Slim Lake sunrise
Emy in contemplation
Ride back home
Slim Lake Entry/Exit Point

The weather was warming up, and the sunshine was trying to talk me into staying. I wanted to stay, and I wanted to go home too. The weather was not going to be warm enough to swim for very long. Which was a bummer because that’s one of the reasons I go up the Boundary Waters to get some very needed hydrotherapy.

About an hour later, while I was cooking breakfast two canoes full of a family with mom and dad and three children family paddled by. They inquired if I was leaving today and I told them I was thinking about it. The other campers at the campsite they passed to get to me told them they were going later as well.

I felt terrible that they didn’t have a campsite free, and I think they were also bummed to have to paddle all the way to the other end of the lake to see if possibly the last of the three campsites on the lake would be open. If not, they would have to wait it out while we packed up.

As they paddled by me again, I felt the urge to tell them I would be packed up by noon. Giving the family at least some hope of getting settled soon if they could not find another open site. Had they not paddled by would I have stayed? I don’t know. Maybe I used their search as an excuse as I convinced myself I was being kind by making sure that family had a place to sleep tonight. Or perhaps I really had been there for long enough?

I certainly proved to myself what I knew I was capable of all along. What else did I need to prove? Going into the Boundary Waters alone was something I did for me. I needed to push myself in a way that was not connected to others needs. I needed to level up my courage and confidence for my personal development to prove to me that I can do the same in other aspects of my life.

The Boundary Waters is a holy place, you may think you come for the beauty of it and to get away from it all. What you don’t anticipate is how it changes you so profoundly in just the short time you are there. Having the time to be alone with only your thoughts and allowing the tranquility to seep into your soul that enables you to listen to your own inner knowing is powerful stuff.

The solo excursion I embarked on this year is no different. I knew inside that it was okay to leave because I had gotten what I came for. I had reconnected with myself and allowed the spirit of nature to reconnect with me. That morning I realized I could stay, but I wanted to go home.

As an only child of a single mother, I have always been fond of my alone time. I get cranky without it. Yet while out in the wilderness, I did not feel afraid or lonely, I did think that something was missing. I missed my husband and my dog, and this just confirmed that even though I don’t mind being alone, my life is much more enjoyable sharing it with those that I love. I learned that I must work at bettering myself without help, but it sure is nice to have support on the sidelines of life.

As the family paddled away to leave me to pack up in peace, I did just that. I did not rush myself. I did my best to enjoy the end of my journey. Even taking the time to put my swimsuit on and get into the lake one last time. The water was warmer than the air temp, so it was steaming as it was chilly only 59 degrees.

I did not allow the weather to detour me from getting the swim in I needed. I am Minnesota tough dontchyaknow and did not flinch as I made my way down into the water via the boulder shore. Where I could fully submerge allowing the healing stillness of the big water to wash away all that I did not need to bring back home with me. That last swim felt great and gave me the emotional boost I needed to get going.

After all, my gear was packed and loaded into the canoe. I sent a prayer of gratitude up once again. “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” This experience had all the emotions and tests that I needed and came for. The Boundary Waters Wilderness never lets me down and always centers me to a much calmer space deep within. I am beyond grateful and blessed for this experience once again.

The wind was picking up, but this time the waves on Slim Lake carried me back to the bay. I took my time enjoying one last paddle soaking in all the scenery and the musical harmony of nature I could possibly absorb. As I pulled into the entry point, I was a little melancholy not wanting this healing time to end, yet also happy to be on my way to home sweet home.

Thank you, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Thank you for all the lesson’s past, present and future you continue to bless me with. Until next time my friend, you still hold a part of me.

Sending joy and blessings to you,

Love, Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

Visit me at :

EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

Boundary Waters Solo Mission Day 1

emyminzel

I will not lie. I was a little nervous as my favorite Guide Lawrence, drove me and the rented solo canoe to Slim Lake. Pulling into the tiny parking lot and setting all the gear down, he said. “The most important thing to remember is to always wear your life vest and take your time. Don’t hurry, that’s when you make mistakes.” I thought this was sound advice, and since I was planning to stay for four days, I was not in any hurry.

When I got all my gear and the canoe to the lake, I had noticed it was windy, and the waves were strong. Luckily the water was flowing north to the direction I had planned on paddling, which is a plus. I loaded my canoe with two portage packs, a soft-sided backpack cooler, and my trusty brown backpack that has accompanied me on all my BWCA adventures. I pushed off and went feeling adventure calling me home.

My heart was racing, but the majestic beauty of the landscape seemed to calm me, reminding me to relax. I knew deep down that I got this. The waves were strong, and it took some effort as I paddled to my intended campsite, I saw that it was already occupied by two women. I asked if they knew if the next site to the north was open and they said they had not seen anyone else all day. Perfect!

I kept going north hoping that the campsite was free; otherwise, I would have to turn around and fight the waves all the way back down to the southern end of the lake where there was another site. Thankfully when I arrived, I saw the site was free, and it looked perfect for me. It was on a point, and I noticed it even had a lovely small sandy beach where I could pull up the canoe. There was a lone butterfly that fluttered around me the whole time I was setting up as if to say. “I am so happy to see you!” I took this as a good omen and continued on.

Welcoming committee!
Private Beach
Picture of Contentment
Solo swim smile!

 

 

Deciding that when I had set up the tent and got situated, I knew this beach is where I would be sitting that evening. By the time I was done, I was warm and needed to cool off. I decided to put my swimming suit on and test out the water to enjoy my own little piece of heaven. The water was warm, and the wind had died down considerably. It was if Slim Lake was giving me a warm, gentle welcoming because the first day was the best weather of my stay.

The campsite was so peaceful I did not once feel scared! I felt secure knowing that experience had taught me enough to stay warm, watch my footing, and like Lawrence said, take my time doing everything! As I sat in my camp chair on the mini beach, eating a peanut butter sandwich, I couldn’t help but feel anything but gratitude for this moment. Appreciation for being in the middle of a postcard picture moment and being brave enough to journey to that spot alone.

As dragonflies zoomed by taking care of the flies that may have bugged me, I felt contentment seep into my body. The peace and calm I felt was the exact reason why I love the BWCA as much as I do. I am telling you, nowhere in the world do I feel as connected and centered to my self and Spirit as I do when I am there. I kept repeating my mantra for my stay, which was simply. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

As the sun sank behind the giant pines and the dusk grew into darkness, I noticed that I was tired, so got ready for bed without having a campfire. I put everything away and tucked my portage packs under the rainfly. I used bungee cords to secure my cooler to a pine tree that was farthest away from my tent. It wasn’t hanging or fancy, but it would help to detour forest critters from food theft. Besides, I figure if a bear wants my food, I’m going to just let them go ahead and have it!

As I lay in the tent alone, the sound of the nocturnal critters coming alive kept me up for a bit. Beavers came to the campsite and chatted so loudly that I thought it was a gang of raccoons! I clapped my hands a few times and said. “Hey, you! That’s mine!” to detour them from my cooler tied to a tree. It seemed to work just fine, and after a bit, they skedaddled. I fell asleep and woke up around midnight to see the moon shining brightly through the screen window of my tent. It was so pretty I tried to take a picture, but of course, you cannot capture the beauty of the moon on a camera.

Moon in the tent

This first day was so enjoyable and fantastic!  Again, I just have to say. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” I felt that I had indeed made the right choice to go out on my solo adventure. That was until the next morning when the tides will change. But I will save that story for tomorrow! Hope you enjoyed the story and pictures of my first alone in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as much as I enjoy sharing my love with you!

Wishing you a beautiful blessed day,

Love, Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

Visit me at EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

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www.AdventurewithEmyandStacy.com

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My love of learning

emyminzel

I have always loved learning new things about subjects that I am interested in. I find that it keeps my mind busy from worry or stress, especially if I have my nose in a book or busy reading news online. I have always been curious about the world around me. I figure if I am unable to go out into the world to explore, as much as I’d like, then I can do my best to read about it through other’s experiences.

It never fails, once I read a book about a place that interests me, it only makes me want to visit even more. I want to go see with my own eyes and experience the nature and culture for myself. I have read several books about women who have embarked upon the long solo journeys on the Camino de Santiago trail. I have also read the book “Wild” by Sheryl Strayed who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. I find I admire women who decided to challenge themselves by “giving themselves” the  time and opportunity to find out what they are really made of.

These women were brave in the face of adversity. Hiking trails that were hundreds of miles long with unpredictable weather. Having to be self-reliant when looking for shelter on journeys that lasted months. Can you imagine hiking by yourself in a strange place, 10 to 20 miles a day, carrying all your equipment and needs on your back for three months? It sounds horrifying and exciting all at the same time to me!

The reason I love to read about these journeys, and one day find my perfect hiking adventure for myself, is that everything you learn on these journeys has to do with who you are on the inside. I love that these challenges, these adventures, teach us who we can be and what we are truly capable of. Sometimes you cannot learn what you need from a book or others. Sometimes life has to be lived and experienced for yourself, so you can find out what you are made of and who you really are inside.

I love to push myself to do better and be better in different ways, as much as I love my comfortable life in my warm safe house, I also love excitement. When I tell my friends about my desire to embark on such a journey, they often look at me like I have three heads! They tell my all the reason I should be scared and nuts for even wanting to subject myself to such a challenge! They say it would be dangerous for a woman to go it alone. I think to myself, “Yes, it could be but that is part of the adventure, right?!”

In all honesty, I think I would prefer company on such an adventure. But where does one find someone who would be as adventurous to join me? I won’t sweat those details yet, because it is just not the time for me, right now. It would be quite the undertaking to accept these hiking trail adventures that last for months. Yet, I think it will happen eventually. When the time is right, I will know.

Now I have read several other interesting books from memoirs and spiritual growth to non-fiction, fun reads and historical events. I do love me a great book! Isn’t it funny the things you find that you are interested in or that pull your soul? That say; “Yes, do that. This is for me.” Just by reading someone else’s experiences? I probably would have never known that these types of journeys were even possible, if it weren’t for my curiosity.

My love of reading and researching of what interests me, has accidentally gotten me to my political journey, as if by magic or what I like to call “divine guidance.” Many years ago, I was researching and learning how to live a more holistic, sustainable life, and working to do just that. When I researched the importance of organic foods, I learned a great deal of information about our food system, that surprised and angered me. It made me start my own organic garden and learn more about permaculture, but this was not enough for me.

I realized quickly that to answer this calling of my soul, I had to step up and protest the status quo. I would March Against Monsanto and I would research environmental statistics. Putting pieces of the puzzle together to try and make sense out of our modern way of life that seemed to be making me sick.

It turned out, that to make any change that should be made, to protect my family from chemicals in our drinking water and too many GMO’s in my daughter’s belly. Well… I was going to have to pay more attention to the politics that allowed and supported this way of life. I was never interested in political ambitions, never. As a matter of fact, I kind of despised politicians who continually let me and our environment down. Yet here I am.

It is not ambition or pursuit of success that brought me here, it is passion to do what is in my heart. It is no coincidence that I was led on this path that guided me to fight to protect the Minnesota I know and love for future generations. I see self-interest groups trying to weasel their way into our pristine Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area to poison our water and us. I felt I had to stand up and say something. So here I am. Running for political office because I see this as the only way to protect what I love.

As Ansel Adams says; “It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.”

My love of learning leads me to where I am today. It may not be as ‘fun’ as a journey on the Camino or Pacific Crest Trail, but I know I will learn a great deal and already it has been an adventure. I will be proud of myself for following my heart. Reading and researching keeps me holding on to dreams and planning adventures for my future.

I see, now, how my curiosity has made my life so much better. My love of learning and collecting knowledge asks me to step up and be bold enough to fight for what I want. Knowing I can defend my beliefs, because I have armed myself with the information and facts to do so.

Sometimes, learning is a hands-on experience, that has nothing to do with studying. Life is always sending me lessons through my experiences. It’s up to me to learn the lesson or repeat it until I do. Our paths are funny that way, twisting us around, to re-learn what we thought we already knew but now in a deeper more meaningful way.

Until I get to spend some time getting lost on a trail or some other adventure I find. I figure, while I am here on this path, I might as well enjoy it, while learning all I can!

What do you love most about learning? What is your favorite way to learn or… do you know everything you need to know already?

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

EmyforHouse.com

@emyminzel

@EmyforHouse15A

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

 

Be Brave, be heard.

emyminzel

I’ve found that growth is often not sought out, it is often forced upon us, whether we like it or not. It seems, at times, I think I want something, but the Universe offers me a different path. Fairly recently, I was minding my own business, working at my home to grow my own food. Nurturing sustainable practices and building a business of working from the home, that I love so much, oh and to finish our Adventure Sisters books! This was my path until just five months ago.

Clearly my path has veered left quite literally, and I am now on a political journey. It was my love of the earth and the call to protect our environment that got me into the position I am now. It is the adjustment period that is uncomfortable for me; conflicting my mind with buts, what ifs, and doubts. It is hard to trust the path in front of you when I’ve not been on this course before and I don’t know where it leads.

I’m realizing that sometimes I try to gather courage from others around me, looking for their support and encouragement. It all feels nice, but that is only false courage that is fleeting. I know that real bravery must come from within myself. Life seems to be a giving me a lesson on conjuring courage by asking me to walk most of this path alone. I do have really great help, but mostly what we decided to do is all up to me.

To effectively lead; I know I must be courageous, fearless, and passionate about where and why I am doing what I am. Inside, I feel like the hermit holding a lantern of light, guiding followers to a brighter future. This is my goal. To do what I can to foster in a kind, safe and healthy world around me. I understand that money is an important part of life, yet I also know that money is not worth destroying our environment and endangering our health.

I have enjoyed most of this new journey, especially all the great people in my community I get to meet! Yet, for an introverted homebody such as myself, this path is very opposite of my comfort zone and can (at times) be a bit overwhelming. Mostly when I don’t give myself time to unwind or take care of my needs. This is when the feeling of emotional exhaustion seeps into my spirit. I must do better at taking time to care for myself.

Great words of advice… I feel I am full of great wisdom that I sometimes refuse to follow. So I am calling myself out to get to it. Practicing what I preach. To learn how to believe in myself so fully that I can stand at the top of a mountain or at the microphone of any podium and speak from my heart for the greater good of every living being, not just myself. My goal is to speak for those who cannot speak (or are not able to represent themselves) in Congress.

Truthfully, this is one of the things that led me to running for office. I was feeling fed up, frustrated and angry that my voice was not being heard where it matters most. I thought to myself, if you won’t listen to what I have to say as a constituent, I will come knock on the door of the Capital to ask, “Do you hear me now?” The Universe saw me holding that hand of cards and called my bluff and Ta Da! Here I am! Isn’t it funny how synchronicities put you where you put your energy?

Look at that! I just called myself out again. This week has been hard. I am feeling very resistant to some parts of campaigning. Most parts I enjoy and even the work feels good. Yet I feel that, in my experience and somewhere deep down in my subconscious, I had come to believe that powerful people are bad people. Deep down I have felt that powerful politicians do not care about us people in the real world and (because of this) I didn’t respect or like many of them at all.

Here I am. Trying to become a gosh darn politician, because I do not like how it’s being done! I want it to be different, to be meaningful and use that ‘power’ for good. To help people and those beings without a voice. My goal is to use that powerful influence for the people we are supposed to represent and not make rules that benefit only corporate interest.

I want to defend our future from the pilfering of Social Securities and other Compassion programs that allow us to grow old and retire with dignity. To be sure that tax dollars are spent on people who pay them and that our “welfare programs” benefit people not oil companies or the giant monopolized industries that seem to have taken over our small business communities.

This month all of these wants, and goals are feeling very heavy. I am only me; a wife, a mother, a regular gal. The weight and the work of these dreams seems to have me all jumbled up in details. Making my efforts seem like I am walking through deep mud to make any progress. Making the saying this too shall pass, feel, well… like I am currently passing a kidney stone of life.

Such is life though, isn’t it? Some days are much easier than others. I will keep on putting one-foot in front of the other. At the same time, I am doing my best to enjoy the journey, the people, and the experiences while in pursuit of the destination. I am doing my best to be brave, enthusiastic and committed to goals of social and environmental justice that got me here in the first place.

Does anyone else have a hard time building self-confidence when life gets heavy? How do you deal with difficult and lonely experiences? I try to reach out to my friends and family for support, but they cannot grow my courage for me, that is an inside job. Just like nurturing my own happiness. Nobody can do it for me but me.

It is always a little scary walking a new path for the first time. I am having real human emotions that most first-time candidates usually have. It is normal to have an adjustment period for any new endeavor we embark on. Wouldn’t it be great if I could really let go and let God? To truly trust this path the Universe has guided me to. To trust that my experiences are for my greatest and highest good. To learn from and grow to a deeper understanding of this divinely guided experience that is indeed part of my soul’s journey is my goal.

Thank you for reading my blog. I wish you lesson’s through joy on your life path this summer!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com