Tag: family

@EmyMinzel

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

I have learned what is important to me.

October 19, 2018October 18, 2018 emyminzel

I have learned what is important in life to me, after learning some lessons the hard way. Losing friendships and failed relationships have taught me a lot about what is important as I travel through life. I have taken for granted, very important people in my life, only to regret it after it was too late to do anything. Losing my grandparents within a month of each other was a giant slap to my ego. I learned some major life lesson’s the hard way, for a few years after that.

The saying “You don’t know what you got until it’s gone.” Had significant meaning to me after these tragic events. I did not get to tell my grandmother, to her face, how much I truly looked up to her and that I believed she was a real-life hero. I did not get to thank her for her the love and kindness that helped shape who I had become. As a writer, I am much more comfortable writing out my feelings then expressing them with my voice. Yet, these experiences have taught me I must use ‘my voice’ when it is important for me to do so.

It is important, that I let the people I love, know just how much I love them and why. Many people in the world are sensitive, self-conscious and really do wonder if they are truly loved. I spent time, running circles in my own head, when I was younger wondering what made me worthy of love? Did just being born mean that I was entitled to love? I had a long and difficult journey, in my youth, learning just how to love myself. Learning how to give myself the respect and significance, I often gave freely to others, yet didn’t feel worthy of myself. In time, I found what I was looking for. Me. I was there all along.

I am grateful I have learned to love my perfectly imperfect self. That was because I also learned how to love others unconditionally first. I learned that nobody is perfect, and I should not expect myself to be either. I learned that I love other people’s imperfects just as much as I love the things they are really great at. My daughter is sometimes too shy to come out of her shell. When I see her acting this way I think; “I wish she knew just how wonderful she truly is. She is so smart, kind, witty, generous and has a heart of gold. I wish she could see herself as I see her.” I often wonder what others see when they see me. Do you?

I have learned what matters and is important to me; is that I let others know the wonderful qualities I see they possess. I have learned to appreciate my own mother, so much more, after the death of my grandparents. I am an only child, like my daughter. I learned what it felt like to have your one and only child move out and grow up. Never once, when I was younger and moving out on my own, did I even think of my mom’s feelings about the situation. I was so excited to be moving on with my life that I didn’t even realize she was also beginning a new journey herself.

Learning to appreciate the experiences of my elders, like my mother, is also important to me. I would much rather learn some lessons through the experiences of others, especially if they are difficult ones. Learning that with age comes wisdom, was a turning point for me. I started to reach out to others more experienced then I. Life experiences are meant to be shared; sometimes they help you and other times you can use your experiences to help others.

Another value that is important to me is connection. To feel heard, to be appreciated for who I truly am. I have learned to always try my hardest to be ‘authentically me.’ I have learned that when I’m not me, when I try to fit in and follow the heard, life gets more difficult. It became of utmost importance to me, to listen to my heart and the callings of my soul. It was difficult at times, but I never felt more purposeful in my life then when I started to truly be me. Quirky humor, type ‘A’ personality, Nature loving hippie chick, who really wanted to let my light shine.

I wanted that light to shine in a way that helped others the same way I had learned from the strong women in my life. I wanted to pay it forward and decided that if I wanted to change the world, I had better work on myself first. So, I did. I started looking within for the answers instead of searching for external direction. I figured out that nobody knew what I needed, to feel fulfilled, but me. I just had to ask myself the hard questions and hold myself accountable for the changes I wished to see.

It became important to me to practice kindness. To share my love for life, the planet and for others in a way that felt good and healthy. I started by gardening organic produce. Working to learn about and implementing Permaculture practices around my home. I wanted to nurture the Earth as she nurtured me. I learned to respect my mother’s opinion instead of rolling my eyes like a teenager. I learned that my young daughter had more wisdom then she led on. I learned I was also full of wisdom I could chose to use as well.

I learned that my husband’s commitment to me was the foundation I depend on to be brave enough to shine my light in the political arena. Without him offering a safe place to fall, I would have not felt comfortable enough to put myself ‘out there.’ I have learned to not take this very special relationship for granted. I have learned to be better at keeping up relationships by taking responsibility for contacting my friends and family instead of waiting for the phone to ring. I do this because my relationships are important to me.

People are important to me; my family, friends, community and the strangers (friends) I do not know yet revolving on this planet around me. We are all connected on this big old Globe. I see that we have so much more in common then we could ever have in differences. I work to shine my light to promote peace, community and working together.

This is me. I have learned that it is okay to be as me, as I can be, while loving others for who they truly are as well. Warts and all. I truly believe most people are good in their souls, they just have to choose to foster the good and utilize it. I do my best to do the same. It is connection that is most important to me, not money or power. It is the divine spark of life within that connects us all that I like to promote in myself and others. This is what I find most important.

Empowering others to be as authentic as possible to themselves is what powers me to be and do better every day. The good in me, sees the good in you!

What is most important to you?

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

EmyforHouse.com

@EmyforHouse15A

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Auntie Em!

October 11, 2018October 11, 2018 emyminzel

There is a boy who reminds me just how great kids really are; we’ll call him G! G is my Cousin’s son, who is going to be five, very soon. I am an only child, so my cousins are the closest thing I have to siblings and I love them all. Ever since the Wizard of Oz, I have wanted to be an ‘Auntie Em’ and I am so thankful my Cousins allow me to be this. I have mostly boy Cousins. We grew up together and spent many nights at our Grandparent’s house, when we were little.

There were four of us that were all around my age but younger. I was the ‘Mother Hen’ of the group. I was also the leader of our little pack and loved that I had my Cousins to hang out with. Ever since I can remember, we have got along very well. I still love my Cousins and hanging out with them as much as I can to this day!

I had my Daughter before my Cousins were even thinking about having children. Today she is twenty-five and my best accomplishment in life. Now that my Daughter is grown, I have discovered a renewed appreciation for other people’s children. When I was younger and in the middle of raising my Daughter, there were days it felt like being a Mom, was a lot of hard work.

I do regret the times I did not see her ‘magical’ qualities as a child. I would sometimes tend to ‘not notice’ because I was just so darn tired from working, cooking, cleaning and doing all the Mom things that needed to be done. I wish I would have been able to spend more time enjoying her childhood, instead of working through it. But this is the world we lived in at the time. I had to do it and that’s that. I cannot turn back time, I can only choose to enjoy her as much as I am able to now.

Now that my Daughter is grown and out of the house, I find that I enjoy my visits to see my Cousin’s family even more than before. Because now, he has two sons, who sincerely make my heart fill with Joy when my Husband and I walk through their door.

Big G says to me; “Auntie Em! I am so happy to see you!” as his face lights up just for me! Oh, heavy sigh of happiness!!!

This, right there, is all it takes to make my heart swell with love for my little friend. Who now has me wrapped around his little finger! Just thinking about it makes me smile.

Since he was born, I have loved to come to visit and hang out with my friend Big G. For some reason, we just have a bond that makes us really enjoy each other’s company. We have easy conversations and we enjoy playing games or just hanging out when I visit. He’s a very outgoing kid and we get along great.

His Parents let me be the one that reads him his bedtime story when I visit. I had forgotten how precious and what a blessing it is to be able to do so. Reading to my Daughter was one of my very favorite memories of spending time with her. It was also something that I very much enjoyed when my Grandmother read to me as a little girl. So I like to share that experience when I can.

I find it interesting, now that I am older, that I have more patience with and enjoy the silliness kids bring. I love how they ask two hundred questions a day. I love that they say exactly what is on their minds. And I love that they know if you love them or not.

My Cousin and his beautiful Wife have two boys. Big G is my buddy and Little G, just so happens, to really like my Husband! What another very cool coincidence that again makes my heart smile. Kid’s pick their people and I am so thankful to be able to have a part in their lives. I enjoy watching them grow into their own personalities and it is a very cool experience to witness.

I am so thankful that my Cousins have allowed me to be a small part of their new growing families. I think it is great that we can keep our connections from childhood into our adulthood and our families tight. We do not have a large family and as I grow older I realize the importance of cherishing my family relationships and doing what I can to keep us close.

Having a role as “Auntie Em” has become one of my very favorite experiences in life and a blessing I did not expect. Don’t get me wrong, I like kids, but I did not have the time to really enjoy them in my younger years. I feel lucky now, that I can at this time in my life.

I grew up with some amazing Aunties and I would like to be the same resource for my little buddies!

What unexpected life experiences make your heart sing with Joy?! I would love to hear from you!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

EmyforHouse.com

@EmyforHouse15A

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Brave enough to bloom

August 20, 2018 emyminzel

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

Well, I’m an empty-nester.

August 7, 2018 emyminzel

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

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister