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What do you think you deserve?

Do you think that you deserve a happy, and true lasting love you can feel deep in your soul? Do you think you deserve a career that is rewarding and makes you feel good about what you do? Do you think that you deserve a life full of family and friends that cherish, love and respect you? Do you feel comfortable in uniqueness you have to offer the world?

I think I do deserve these things, I think you do too! I know that when I decided to get serious about what and who I allow myself to spend time and energy on that is when my life seemed to bloom. When I was much younger I would keep myself small since being authentically me, would make others uncomfortable. I was not like them. I see now how we are all different on purpose.

I have never fit in well, not in high school and not in the crowd I used to run with. Although I masked it well. I am different for a reason, I was not supposed to conform. I was supposed to be uncomfortable enough to move on. I was being guided and called to do better and be better by this knowing that I didn’t belong.

It wasn’t fun or comfortable to try to fit myself into a crowd that didn’t get me. Now I found people who celebrate me, and that feels much better. I decided to up my game, find people who have higher aspirations for life to be around, to be inspired by. I chose to spend my time with people who love my uniqueness, my ambitions and celebrate them instead of picking on me for dreaming big.

There are well-intentioned friends or family that freely express their concern for my bold actions. They show me their fears laying them on my lap, as if I should also be scared or fearful of the same things they are. Some people certainly do not want you to succeed beyond what they think you should or could. Because they don’t think they deserve it for themselves so why should you? I have learned to be weary of those people and see it in myself when I share my fears. It is masked as concern, but it is fear.

What do you do when the people who are closest to you are the ones that don’t like you taking chances or being raw and authentically you? What do you do when other people’s insecurities are pushed on you clearly dulling your shine? My answer is simple.

Don’t allow it.

Don’t give up!

Shine baby shine!

Know that you deserve to chase your dreams, you deserve to live your life in the way you want! You deserve to life fully and as hard as you wish to push yourself! Do not let the fears of others keep you from living your dreams even if they scare you and them.

Knowing that you will be okay if you fall is also a game changer. Being brave enough to try while knowing you just might biff it, is heroic in my mind! I have discovered how to march solo to the beat of my own drum.

I don’t need to carry other’s fears or expectations. I have learned to minimize the comments from the peanut gallery in the bleachers, the one’s not in the game.

When other’s opinions of how I should live are quieted; I can hear my heart speak. Asking me if life is good enough to stay the same? My heart leads me to the places and people that help me grow. It leads me to move careers, it led me to leave unfulfilling relationships for better ones. My heart leads me to live my life purpose of helping others.

My heart whispers to stay calm when I am being brave and bold.

I trust myself to know intuitively where to go next, I trust my heart to keep me safe and happy. Even in the uncomfortableness of blooming out of the tight and safe bud I was keeping myself in. I know that I deserve to feel fulfilled in all areas of my life, including relationships, career and love.

I also know that to open your heart to others, being vulnerable enough to show the real you, is super scary. We all feel that way sometimes, but is it worth it to keep yourself small or build walls around your heart just incase you may get hurt?

Or is it better to be the best version of you, you can possibly be? Is it really that scary to open you heart and love so big that the moon might feel it? What if that feeling isn’t returned? What if you try to reach your goals and you fail?

I say; So what?!

We are all unique for a reason, find the people and situations that celebrate and appreciate the authenticity you bring to the table or you will never find contentment. If it was meant to be it will be.

Find the courage to accept yourself just the way you are, be bold in chasing your dreams. Find the will to overcome your fears and the fears of others. Be valiant enough to ask others to accept you just as you are.

Be brave in the way you love, have courage to live your life in the way you want to be remembered. Be fearless in creating the story of your life. Don’t accept anything less then you deserve.

P.S. Give yourself permission to feel joy, excitement and happiness! You deserve it.
Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

@emyforhouse15A

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

 

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A Starfish Story

Sometimes you just need one person who believes in you, your heart, your intentions and your dreams to help you keep moving forward when everyone else is telling you all the reasons you shouldn’t. My person has been my Adventure Sister and soul sister Stacy. From the moment we met Stacy has helped me come out of my shell, not only by going on adventures, but growing together in a mind, body, spirit kind of way.

I feel more confident in who I am, because I had a mentor to show me how to fully embrace who I was as a person, to love my mind, body and quirky spirit. She celebrated the attributes I once thought of as negative like ‘stubbornness’ and helped me reframe this to ‘persistent or determined’, which led to setting goals, and then achieving them.

Stacy consistently encouraged me to level up in all areas of my life, she Yoda’d me or coached me through self-esteem issues that were keeping me from being brave enough to be authentically me. She encouraged me to remember who I really am inside, what do I really believe? What do I really stand for? Do your actions match? She asked me hard questions, called me out and encouraged me to be authentic in her own kind way.

Adventure Sister Stacy and I have a strong soul connection, like sisters we have special relationships. She taught me that what’s more important than having someone else believe in you; was that I must believe in myself. Very big sister like advice, I am sure I have heard it many times in many ways. She was an example of what it looked like to own your uniqueness and passions to make them feel like they were the best part of your magical charm. Which is, of course, true!

I have wanted to write a book for a very long time but never had the confidence to try, I would tell Stacy about my dream of being an author for years. It took Stacy suggesting we write a book together before I was brave enough to try. I thought that I needed someone to hold my hand to hold me accountable to go through with it. The moment we decide to write a book together, we set a goal of 3-5 pages per week. Every week, we surpassed this goal swiftly.

The first book “Lessons through Joy” was written in about four months. Our other stories flowed so freely, we continued to write and write some more. We ended up with enough chapters to fill a three-book trilogy. I was doubting myself, looking for approval from others instead of just believing in my own abilities. When I put effort into it I found out there was nothing to be fearful of, only my own doubts kept me idle.

It has been a wonderful literary adventure with my dear friend, we have had the most amazing journey just to get where we are today. Our three book proposals are almost complete and will be ready for submission to publishing companies by the end of the month. We are both full of excitement and anticipation for what the future may hold, yet we know whatever happens will be as it should. We feel blessed to be going through this amazing journey together.

When I learned how to believe in myself fully I realized that no matter what happens I will be okay. If we sell a few books or if we sell a few million books… I know that I will be proud of myself for trying. I will be happy that I found the confidence to attempt a shot at making my dream reality, instead of being too scared to give it a go. That’s what I know. Stacy does too.

It was my sister Stacy that encouraged me to run for State House of Representatives when the opportunity arrived. She reminded me to believe in myself, she reminded me to own my authentic self by putting my political passion to work in real and tangible ways. “The Universe gave you this gift of opportunity, don’t you want to go down the path to see where it leads?” Leaving it to sound like an adventure, because she knows I love adventures.

This, my friends, is how my soul sister Yoda’s me into being a more confident, goal setting, dream chasing, adventurer… because that is authentically me. Stacy was the person who believed in me, encouraged me, and helped me when I was a starfish beached on the shore. She saw that being stuck in the sand was not where I was supposed to be, she kindly nurtured our friendship and led by example what it means to be the change you wish to see in the world.

I feel blessed to have such a great person in my life that I get to call my friend. For more Yoda like wisdom, follow Adventure Sister Stacy Crep’s blog too! Please feel free to follow her at stacycrep.com she is an amazing person.

 

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

 

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I have exciting news!

I have been nominated and endorsed by the Democratic Nominating Committee to run for State Representative District 15A in central Minnesota where I reside. I am honored and humbled by the whole experience! From the moment I started in pursuit of this political path, I feel as though it has all been divinely guided. I have been blessed to find qualified, enthusiastic help that came to my aid, seemingly out of thin air, to support me in pursuit of this civic passion. This opportunity fills my heart with joy just dreaming of the prospective benefit to my community that I could possibly help facilitate in the future.

I view this nomination for the chance to represent people in my District as a gift from the Universe that trusts me to do what I say I will. I truly believe it is my purpose to look out for the greater good of the people in my community. I respect the responsibility I’ve been given, and know I must see, hear, and empathize with ALL the people I wish to represent in my district. I look forward to making many friends, growing personally and professionally while doing my best to expedite changes for the better.

I will need other likeminded individuals to help me win this political race and I have been blessed with an exceptional group of people. I only had one rule, I have told my campaign team that I do not want to focus on the opposing party’s negative characteristics. I do not care about her past or the rumors they may want to share, I do not wish to hear them. I need to know only the facts about her positions and voting history records. I wish to bring only good vibes, pure honest intentions, and heartfelt ideas shared in my campaign. I choose to keep us focused on how we can keep moving forward with the purpose of winning. I wish to hold my vision of stewarding in a healthy and prosperous district while insisting on clean water and a healthy environment for all.

The republican incumbent has held her position representing this community for ten nonconsecutive terms. State Representative term is two years, so she has held her position in this district for quite some time.  I understand the race will be an exciting one and I look forward to a fair contest. I respect any woman who does what she feels is right and has the courage to stand up for what she believes. Even if we do have opposing views, she is still a strong woman and I feel like I must value this because those are the kind of women I respect. I have not met my opponent yet, but I hope we can compete with class.

I am excited about this campaign adventure that will be unlike any other excursion I have ever attempted. This opportunity to run for State Representative does fit the description of adventurous; it’s a little bit scary, somewhat treacherous, the outcome is unknown. Good thing I am an adventurous kind of woman. I am not fearful, I look at this as an opportunity to truly put my knowledge, skills and passion to work for more then just myself. I feel like I am in this position for a reason, I believe the synchronicities that led me to this all coming together are not just chance.

I am detached from the outcome, because I know personally I will be fine either way the election turns out, yet something inside of me knows I will succeed because it is my purpose. There is a strange calm that keeps me moving forward trusting the Universe to keep me safe on the path it led me down. I know my job is to keep my pure intentions just that; pure, clear and absolute. If I hold the intention of serving my community for the greatest and highest good, then I must trust that is what will happen. My goal, if I win, is to bring healing to our community and our environment by working together despite differences while utilizing the best qualities of the people in my district. That’s how I choose to manifest a Democratic victory.

I wish to express a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful, dedicated volunteers who support me and joined my team. You helped me feel comforted by your collaboration and willingness to donate your time, energy and knowledge to the greater good with me.  I look forward to working with you all this summer while we work diligently at coloring this district blue with our laser like efforts, passion and dedication! We got this.

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

 

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Well played Universe ~

The recent full moon had me feeling overwhelmed but in a good way… I have been pursuing a ‘calling’ getting caught up in the excitement and newness of this possibility that could have a large effect on my daily life. I was ready to stand up and say, “Bring it on Universe, I was born to do this!” The Universe let me get closer, toes hanging off the edge of the pool gathering my courage to jumping into the deep end. I was so close that I had called my family and my closest friends to let them know about this giant leap of faith I was about to take.

As people who love you do, they get concerned about big leaps of tenacity, they all asked me are you sure? Are you ready or prepared for the opportunity? My answer was “No. Honestly I am not prepared but I am passionate and smart, I can learn what I don’t know.” I felt that it was my passion and gumption that would guide me through the learning curve that will happen in all new careers. They were just showing love with concern about this plot twist in my life seemingly out of left field.

This I was under no illusion that this opportunity would not be hard work requiring a great deal of time and energy. While the ‘reward’ would be uncertain and maybe fleeting ‘if’ it even happened. Yet that didn’t seem to discourage me. Somewhere deep down inside I knew that this was the Universe saying, “Come here, I have something I need you to do for me.” It felt so exciting and intriguing that I had no other choice but to follow where the Universe led me. After all, I am an Adventure Sister and I find opportunities that are just a tad bit scary but totally exciting adventurous!!! And I love that $hit!

Last week I was officially endorsed by the DFL to run for my local State District Representative position. I’ve always been politically involved keeping informed in the happenings of Washington D.C and my local government. I am very vocal about environmental protections and most recently about the toxic mining proposals here in Minnesota of two different mining companies currently vying to get their mitts on the Adventure Sisters beloved BWCA.

They would  love the opportunity to raid the Boundary Waters Canoe Area’s pristine lands and water; in doing so would likely permanently poison them for us too. These mines historically have a 90% failure rate ending in environmental tragedy that will last for hundreds of years. History shows it’s inevitable if we allow it. You know because we need more disposable televisions and smart phones instead of clean water… I digress. Anyhow, I pay attention to politics and I get involved when it comes to the environment as much as I know how. Which brought me to where I am today.

The Universe/God seemed to have just asked me to step up my game, or level-up as the Adventure Sisters say. I feel this is a path I am being redirected by a higher power to be hiking at this point in my life. I accepted the opportunity to represent my beliefs as I pulled up my sassy pants intending to fake it until I made it as most adults do when the Universe calls them out. Just when I was sure I was going to jump into the political pool I had a meeting with a woman who told me that the person who ran last term would like a chance to run again.

I could choose to stand up and say, “Nope, it’s my turn. I am going to run.” Or I could concede. My first response was to allow him another chance to finish what he started. I knew the tremendous effort and hard work they had put in prior to this election would help their chances of getting even more votes this time around. Since we are on the same team I gracefully decided to step down from the chance to run for public office.

I am bummed to have missed the opportunity to make a difference I would like to see in the world. Yet I was also a little relieved I would not be called upon to put forth the effort required to run a successful campaign at this movement in my life. I already have a full existence with plenty of things to do that also keep me busy and fulfilled. Yet the calling to be more involved in my local politics will be a path I must pursue. That unexpected and exciting plot twist opened my eyes to where I see my future path.

I am sure I would have done well had I persisted, yet this twist of fate allows me more time to get organized and involved in a way that will fit me perfectly. I trust that the higher power knew just what to do to make me want to move. Just like my mother and husband say “The best way to get you to do something is to tell you, you can’t.”

Well played Universe, well played.

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

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Five things to do when stressed

There’s been a lot of wonderful things happening in my life lately. Several opportunities have popped into my world as if by magic asking me to level up the effort and intensity I put into certain affairs. I find the new challenges exciting, even invigorating at times, but the sheer volume of the information I have been trying to learn and the effort I need to exert chasing dreams has me losing sleep and feeling anxious.

My anxiety is revved up so high I have heart palpitations and it feels like if I had an electric outlet in my chest like Iron Man I could power a small city. For some reason this also makes me feel even more excited about these opportunities because as an Adventure Sister I love to face my fears by doing things that frighten me just enough.

I won’t let the fear of the unknown stop me from pursuing my dreams and goals or any opportunity that God hands me. I believe if its meant to be it will be. If not, maybe that direction is just the way I need travel to get where I need to be. Just because I don’t let fear stop me doesn’t mean I don’t suffer the side affects of it like anxiety or stress. What do I do with all this extra anxiety energy banging in my chest? How do I calm the cyclone of thoughts in my head? How do I simmer down enough to sleep or even relax?

Exercise: I go to the gym or take the dogs for walks as often as I possibly can when I am feeling anxious. If it were summer I would take the kayak out. Exercise really helps to calm my mind and then my body seems to catch on and the anxiety passes. When I move my body it’s like all the energy goes where it’s supposed to go, and I no longer feel super charged like Iron Man.

Music: Blast it, sing along with it, jam out to it, cry to it, get mad to it or do as I do. Dance and jump around the house like a dingo while I sing to the dogs and birds is just another way that lets me release tension that makes my eyelid twitch. Music is therapy for you mind, body and soul.

Creating art: I’m talking any kind of art, craft or activity at all, working with your hands takes your mind off things. Scrapbook, make a vison board, I feel that making homemade soup or baking can be considered art. I love taking time out of life to get to enjoy making a yummy healthy soup that helps heal me from the inside out. I also like to write, but not always something like a blog or chapter, sometimes just escaping into making a manifestation list at the full moon is exactly what I need. Use your creativity.

Read: I find reading is a great distraction from the real world when you need a time out. I gobble up books as fast as I can when I have free time, I even buy books I don’t have time to read. I read at the gym, in the car or any time I just need to unwind and slow down the over active mental cartwheels keeping me wound up and anxious. Getting lost in a good story helps every time.

Friends, Family and pets: The very most important thing that I do when I am feeling stressed out and anxious is call on my closest friends for support. Having a friend or family member to talk about your thoughts and concerns helps you process emotions, releasing stress by talking about it can help you feel better. It eases my mind when I know that no matter how challenging life might be right now they have my back and are there for me. Somedays nothing tops cuddles from my dogs.

Wine: I will not lie, it is not the healthiest coping mechanism that a girl can use but I do have glass or two of wine in the evening because it helps me relax and fall to sleep. Maybe even a glass in the bathtub sound fabulous.  I don’t recommend it every night yet I do not judge, some doctors say a glass or two a night is A-Okay, so I won’t argue with that! Enjoying it with friends is even better. Tea is good too.

When I feel supported it helps me view these challenges as opportunities to level up and be the person I want to be. It helps me feel that even if things don’t turn out as I might like, I know that I will still be okay because I have my family and friends who love me for me. I think to myself “What’s the worst that could happen? If I try and fail I still have this wonderful life… If I do not try I will always wonder; “what if?” As an Adventure Sister think I would rather tell you what happened after I tried.

As I choose to pursue my goals I see stress is just component of the journey. I choose to be kind to myself and remember to relax a little. I must remember to enjoy the in between of here and there as much as I possibly can. By taking short time outs to rest my soul, ground myself, and be in the present moment it helps keep things in perspective. I remind myself each day bring my goals closer as I continue to put one foot in front of the other, with a glass of wine in my hand of course. Cheers!

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