Tag: #authenticallyme

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

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

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Stacy Crep ~

https://stacycrep.com

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling 43

emyminzel

 

My forty-third birthday is almost here, and the year behind me was a wild ride with many unexpected twists and turns! I am grateful for them all, even the bummer ones. I grew emotionally stronger and learned valuable life lessons while growing courage I did not think was possible. I hope to express an authentic reflection of personal growth that can happen all in just one crazy year.

In my 42nd year, I took a giant leap of faith and tested my luck by running for State Representative in Minnesota. Whoa! This was an unexpected turn of events for me. I’m talking altogether out of the left-field! I had no idea what I was getting into. I lost the election, but the skills I gained personally made it all worthwhile.

Yet, as I am about to turn the page on another chapter in my personal story. I am thankful I conjured up the courage and took that chance to speak from my heart. Pursuing politics still pulls at my protective and compassionate environmental loving spirit. I believe we need good people to stand up and fight for those who does not have a voice.

My campaign motto was, “Protect what you love.” I still believe this, and I just can’t seem to walk away. It is coming time to make the decision if I am going to run yet again. You would think it would be an easy decision, but it is not. It was hard in ways I did not expect. Yet, the pull of this protective passion is something I cannot ignore.

I am beginning to see, it’s who I am and what I came to this world to do. I love to learn, and I love adventure. This is how I chose to see my path. This year’s motto will be; “My work feels like fun all the time!” Because that’s how it feels when you do what you love! Stacy says this is because I am following my Dharma. It sure feels like I am being ‘called’ so maybe she is right.

Getting elected to the Board of the Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge last January has given me opportunity to keep putting my time and energy towards my environmental and community supporting passions. It’s been a wonderful experience that also allows me to share the skills and grow connections I’ve learned from campaigning. So cool how that worked out!

This past year my friend and I came very close to finishing our book series. We really almost did it! Then just feet from the finish line, when it came time to become business partners, it was clear we were not able to do so. Turns out we would rather be friends, than colleagues! We both walked away from years of collaborative creative work as Adventure Sisters, to go our separate ways.

It was an unexpected turn of events but, I believe this also has happened for our highest good. It now leaves me the ability to be creatively authentic and more faithful to myself. I will be able to write about what I wish instead of within the confinement of a partner’s expectations. I really do believe it is for the best. We are still friends, and this is what matters the most.

I am thankful for the journeys we took together and the encouragement we shared with one another during this process. It’s a blessing to have the ability to make tough decisions and put friendship first when it came down to it. It’s best to find out before you get in too deep and that’s what happened.

We both have a different path, and that is okay! I already have started another creative project that excites me and keeps me passionately pursuing my publishing dreams. If it is meant to be, it will be! I am thankful for my friend because she believed in me and encouraged me to write years all those years ago.

Without our friendship and this joint journey, I may have been too insecure to pursue my writing dream. We would have missed out on all the fun we had doing so! It was this same friend who also encouraged to push through my fear to pursue a political path. Now, look! I can’t stop writing or the pull of political passion if I wanted too! They are in my soul and what I love.

I am thankful for all these round-about experience even if they did not play out like I thought they would. This seemed to be the theme for year 42. This year has taught me to embrace my independence, follow my dreams, and the tug of my soul. These lessons in independence gave me the confidence and courage to do the work when it comes to fulfilling my needs.

I even took a solo trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this summer! #SavetheBoundaryWaters! Never in a million years did I think I could or would, and I did! I am so proud of me. I don’t know how I became so brave. I think it just maybe one of the most valued traits I’ve come to possess! They say when women get older, we get bolder. This part of aging is darn fabulous if you ask me.

I love growing older! I’ve embraced the silver in my hair and the wisdom that comes from my mistakes. Aging is a blessing. I am grateful for the time I’ve been given to learn, grow, and bloom into who I always knew I was. I am so much more than what you see. I realize that I don’t need to prove it to you. I need to show it to me!

If being in my forties means I get to release my fears, trusting the twist of my path, enjoying every minute of being alive and loving myself for who I am. Then I am good with that. This next year around the sun I am going to welcome new experiences, new lessons, be more open to making new connections. Expanding my circle of friends and making contacts that will help me make a ripple of hope in the web of life!

Self-doubt has no place in year 43 for me. “F’ it! Let’s try it and see what happens!” Sounds more my style anyway. This past year has allowed me to see this is my chance to grab the opportunities life has placed before me. I can choose to sit them out or jump in the deep end. We all know I’m the kind of gal who likes adventure so I guess we will see what the Creator has in store for me! I am excited just thinking about the possibilities.

One more thing I learned last year was the importance of balance. Love, Family, Self & Mind, Body, Spirit. These are all important and require my time and attention before they go rogue. I know which ones need attention because I feel it. This year also gave me a lot of time to relax, reflect and really get in touch with my own needs.

It’s no secret there is lots of time that matters laying in between the ‘big stuff’ that needs tending to. Life can be demanding and crazy, but great when we let it! I have realized how vital it is to listen to my inner knowing and the tug of my soul. It’s not always easy, but it’s still worth it! I am worth it. I am beyond thankful for this blessing of time that allowed me this solace.

I want to thank you for understanding when I don’t blog as often as I have been. I know I’ve been slowing down on blogging significantly, but it’s because I’ve been busy chasing my dreams, living a life I love, enjoying my husband, family, and friends while working at smashing my goals.

Along with working, building my business, volunteering, being a wife, mother and taking care of my own needs! This all takes time and effort. So, when I do write, I trust it is because I am being called to do so. I hope that when I post, you find it educational, entertaining, and worth your time.

My goal is to share these lessons with you as I learn them, in hopes you can be entertained and educated from my crazy life! I promise not to portray myself as perfect. I am far from it. My dreams are to share the real me, the soul inside that is following the tugs of my heart. This is what it means to me to feel 43.

Thank you for reading my blog for sharing my life lessons and adventures with me! I appreciate your support and encouragement beyond measure!

Sending joy and blessings to you,

Love, Emy Minzel

 

Visit me at :

EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

 

Stacy Crep ~

https://stacycrep.com

 

 

My first solo Boundary Waters Canoe Area adventure!

emyminzel

I got the news today that the friend who was planning to accompany me to the Boundary Waters was not going to be able to make it. It doesn’t matter the reason. I trust that she did not want to have to cancel plans, so I could not be upset. As we know, life can change our plans for us even when we don’t want it too.

I had a feeling this was going to happen for some reason, yet I brushed it off. So, when my friend called to say she could not go, I was not surprised or troubled by the news. I had decided that no matter what, I was still going to go the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. My soul told me I must, and I just knew I better listen.

I even had an interesting dream a few nights before. I dreamt there was a person who came to me and asked. “What do you most need to get rid of in your life?” Without hesitating, I said. “My fear.” Just like that the person in my dream opened a door behind me and off my fear went! Isn’t that the craziest thing?! I believe your dreams are your subconscious communicating with you, so this dream was right on.

The even cooler thing about this dream is that when I woke up, I was no longer scared to go the BWCA alone. Well just a little, but nothing like I usually would be! If there is something, I am supposed to worry about, well, you know darn well that I’m going to give that worry all I got! Do you do this too? Which is another reason why I was so relieved not to feel enough fear to stay home from the BWCA.

Honestly, I love it there so much that not going would have hurt me more than anything. I knew I needed to go. It is so quiet and peaceful in the BWCA that I tell everyone it’s where God lives and where I go to talk to Spirit. Clearly, we needed to chat because my fear seemed to be lifted as if by magic so I could go.

I love it so much! But it’s not for everyone, and I have found it challenging to find friends who would like to accompany me. P.s. I am now accepting applications for water-loving, outdoor enthusiast, who are brave, fun and who want to BWCA Adventure with me! Ha!

A few times over the years, I have had to cancel the ‘annual’ trip to the Boundary Waters because a friend canceled on short notice, too late to fill their spot with someone else who enjoys roughing it. I just don’t have an abundance of friends who love portaging and pit toilet vacations for some reason!

If I were offering a free trip to the Bahama’s, I am sure there would be no problem filling the vacancy. But a trip to the BWCA is not for the meek. This last-minute cancelation that has happened yet again has me sitting with my thoughts.

I believe that a situation that keeps repeating is a sign that there is a message from the Universe/God/Creator. It means life is trying to teach me something so listen up. There is a spiritual lesson in this, I know it! Bear with me as I talk myself through this learning experience.

So, Universe, what am I supposed to learn from this?

I could get mad, but I won’t, because that’s wasted time and energy. Do I stop trusting people and decide to learn that there is nobody I can depend on? No, I don’t think that would be wise either. I do believe most people are good and do the best they can in the time and space they are given. Do I stop going to the BWCA? That’s a firm no way.

I do not need someone to hold my hand; I only think I do. I believe this is part of my lesson. These dreams and goals are mine alone. I think the message is it’s up to me and only me to make them happen. I am thinking, what I need to learn from this pattern is to be brave enough to go it alone.

I must conjure the courage to adventure into the remote wilderness by myself, and to be okay with doing anything that I desire to manifest, alone. I mean when it comes down to it, we are all alone on our path to travel. What I need is to believe in myself more than anyone else does. To face my fears and to do it anyway.

Sure, it is indeed safer in numbers, especially when in the wild but maybe, I am playing too safe in my regular life which can also be pretty darn wild too?! It seems that I am supposed to learn to listen to my inner knowing instead of the opinion of others.

I see now that in some ways, I have been allowing others to ‘drive the bus’ in some areas of life. Do you know how many people told me I am crazy for going to the BWCA alone? All of them. Had I allowed their thoughts to affect mine, I would not have gone.

Just maybe this is happening to get me away from the sway of people’s suggestion and opinions and back into the flow of my intuition, back onto my path. If I chose not to live the life I desire, go to the places that call my soul, or heed my knowing, am I doing enough to keep myself fulfilled truly?

I believe that being brave enough to go it alone once in a while will allow me to hear my intuitive guidance and will enable me to be authentically me.Whatever the message of repeating patterns ends up meaning, I know I will persevere as I always do.

It is only an illusion when we think we walk alone! I also believe life is meant to be shared, but our needs are ours to fulfill. I trust and believe that I will be protected on any mission I embark on. Solo or not, I will continue to emerge as an improved and wiser version of myself. Trusting that I was only being nudged by Spirit to level up once again.

Into the forest, I go, to clear my mind and listen to the call of my soul.

Please join me on our Facebook page @BWCAdventureSisters, where I will share pictures and videos of my first solo experience in the Boundary Waters with you!

Thanks for sharing this adventure of life with me! I hope your adventure too!

Wishing you lots of love and blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

Visit me at EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

www.AdventurewithEmyandStacy.com

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

 

 

 

What do you create?!

emyminzel

 

Many people are creative in their unique way, and I think our emotions play a massive part in how we express our creativeness. I’ve come to realize some of the best books, paintings, sculptures, and other works of art come from how the artist is responding to a pivotal time in their life. Since life kicks everyone’s butt in some way or another, the world is full of artists who need to let it out through creative means. The beauty of their work is all around us if we pay attention.

Of course, as you know, I like to write. I also enjoy getting my hands in the soil and garden to nurture the beauty in my surroundings. Then when the Minnesota winters keep me inside, I like to refinish and repurpose old furniture and décor as well as paint and update the rooms in my home. Keeping busy in a creative way, using my hands and talents to create beauty in my environment and life helps me to process the many emotions that afflict us all.

I find the synchronicities between how nature works and how humans grow interesting. We need both water and sun to grow, and the richness or aridness of the environment we are planted in, very much contributes to how well we flourish. If we have pollution or toxins in our environment, our growth is stunted or deformed. When I feel depleated, I cannot create!There are commonalities within the circle of life that we share with all living beings that connect us all.

Mother Earth paints the most amazing landscapes, brews up ferocious storms, she also gives us fireflies and puppies. I believe humans have the same ability to affect our environments in the same way at a smaller scale in our lives. It’s all in how we use our creativity! We all know others use their talents to share sunshine and good vibes and some people like to stir up a crap storm and use their creativity to manipulate too. My point is that we should all look at ourselves and see how it is we are using our creativeness.

I have a very active imagination, and I find myself having to rein in some of the emotional storms I create for myself that steal my peace. If I can’t get a hold of my daughter immediately, my mind goes to images of horror instead of “she’s probably at work.” Isn’t worry or complaining one of the worst ways to use my imagination?! I think it is. Instead, I have come to a place in which I let go of those thoughts and trust life because that’s all I can do anyways. Then I reroute my active imagination to one of the many projects I have going all at one time.

Channeling our emotions into an original and inspired project can be transformative to our spirits and maybe even the world around us. You never know who you will help by sharing your ingenuity with the world. I have met many people who love to write but can’t bring themselves to share their work with others. That is okay! We don’t create art for others; we do it for ourselves. Creating art of any sort is an emotional outlet that can be inspiring. It’s what we do with that energy that counts the most.

How do you use your creativity to enrich your life?

Do you encourage others in your life to create in their unique way?

Do you allow yourself to play with different ideas and avenues of self-expression?

Give yourself permission to let your creative streak out today!

I am sending you all lots of love and encouragement! I’d love to hear your suggestions and comments. Feel free to share your creations with us in the comments!

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

www.AdventurewithEmyandStacy.com

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

Photos 3_17_2017 435
I saw a face in this board we purchase to make a shelf with. Instead of cutting it up, I used a torch to bring the face to life!
Photos 3_17_2017 1074
after woodfiring

 

 

Photos 3_17_2017 421
My husband helped me build this beautiful bench out of an antique head board and foot board.

 

lamp 1
Brass beauty ‘after’
Photos 3_17_2017 1136
I like to refinish lamps I call ‘brass beauties’ this is a before picture.

 

lamp 2
Another brass beauty revived!
lamp 3
I even redid the fabric on the shade of this renewed brass beauty!
lamp 5
Another revamped lamp and I made the map and woodfired board behind it as well.
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An old picture of my garden that was once in top form! I need to get back to this again!

‘Authentically me.’

emyminzel

Stacy’s husband, Marty, has been contributing to our Adventure Sisters’ literary adventures by helping edit our blogs. Stacy and I are writers, not editors, totally different beast. Marty says he’s no editor, just a hack trying to help out (He added this remark! He’s a funny guy too!) We still appreciate his help very much.

I tell you this because he had mentioned that he noticed my use of the phrase “authentically me”.  It is one of my favorites along with “Protect what you love”, which I put on my campaign t-shirts. He said we should make an T-shirt that says “authentically me” and I absolutely love the idea. He even worked up some ideas.

I would like to tell you the back story on how I learned to be “authentically me.” It comes from my mother who used to be a little rough around the edges. My mom raised me by herself. Well mostly, she was a single mom who got help looking after me from her parents, siblings and good friends. Friends, who I still think of as family today. She was kind but tough, with a heart was large as Lake Superior, but a bullshit meter with a hair trigger.

Mom would often say what was on her mind in front of anyone. Especially if they deserved it or just plain needed to hear the truth. She has softened somewhat with age, but still has her opinions, as we all do. My mom was fluent in profanity and handed the linguistic skills of a sailor down to her daughter. I used to be annoyed when people would tell me how much I am like my mom, but now I am very proud to hear it.

My mom is a strong woman, who has not had an easy life. She was the oldest of five siblings and was depended on to help raise them. She was a mother hen very early in life. People thought she was bossy. I have come to find out that ‘bossiness’ means she cares. She taught me the value of a good work ethic and loyalty. She taught me that, even if you don’t want to do something, sometimes you just have to anyway. Sometimes, the hardest and the right thing, are the same.

My mom was the perfect example of someone who knows how to love unconditionally. She taught me it is okay to fight. It is okay to get mad. It is okay to hash it out but in the end… we still are family and you are still loved. My mom taught me the value and grace of unconditional love and let me tell you, I tested those limits plenty. I could be a stinker! I was a good girl, when I was younger. I got good grades but I would do rebellious things, just for the thrill of it.  I made her worry a lot. I do feel bad for this now.

Mom is an outgoing person most of the time. She taught me the importance of being social and caring for those around you. When it is time for a party, she’s the first one to show up with food and treats and the last one to leave. That’s because she’s the one helping you clean up. Just like most of us, my mom can be hard to like occasionally. She doesn’t pull any punches and I appreciate her frankness. After all, I would rather know the truth about someone’s feelings and beliefs, than some sugar-coated BS. My mom is a straight shooter and I have tried to be the same because I respect that in her.

There were times that I would be mad at my mom in my younger years, for being over protective. Although I can’t blame her, at times I bet it was like trying to tame a wild horse; raising this free spirit! Yet, looking back now that I have been a mom and concerned for my own daughter, I see what made her act in that way.

A mother’s love is fierce, impenetrable and often unable to be expressed in a way that is easy to understand. As with most mother daughter relationships, we’ve had our ups and downs. I now realize the downs were there to help us learn from one another and appreciate who we were becoming.

It’s tough when your relationship changes, because YOU change.

I am not a free spirited ‘know it all’ teenager anymore. I have learned it is hard to let go of the pieces of your baby that you cherish. Sometimes you just want them to stay the same. Life has a way of helping us mature, even while our relationships lag behind. This causes growing pains, but it is for the best. I find that we get along much better now that we can appreciate each other for who we truly are.

Authentically me. Authentically her. I learned from my mom to accept that I am perfectly imperfect. If by chance someone does not appreciate my authentic self… well… that’s okay. Or like Gena (mom) would say “F’ em.”  Because I have learned to love and accept myself and that is what matters. I have to live with myself every day. I know who I am inside and out and that others only see a snapshot.

I have learned its okay to make mistakes because the important people in my life, know that I am human, and they love me anyway. I like to give others the same courtesy. I learned that from my mom also and she learned it from her mom. I have learned my family ‘rocks my face off with awesomeness’ and I need to put more time and appreciation in now. I learned that lesson the hard way with losing my grandparents and having things left unsaid.

She taught me to say what you need to say. Trust in your own voice. As Gena says: “This is the only voice I got!” If you know her… you are laughing right now but you know you love her too. I feel blessed that she taught me by example how to speak up for myself, to know my voice and opinion matter as much as anyone else’s.

I am thankful to have been blessed with a mom who loved and supported me through all the growing pains. Never once was she not there for me. Another life lesson not to take for granted! I am so thankful for my mom, husband, daughter, family and friends who love me. The real me; inside and out. Authentically me. I love you guys!

What helps you stay authentically you?

What keeps you grounded in your purpose? Please share your thoughts! I really would love to hear from you.

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

EmyforHouse.com

@emyminzel

@EmyforHouse15A

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com