Tag: #inspiration

#BoundaryWatersCanoeArea, #naturelover, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Innerwork

Boundary Waters Solo Mission Day 1

Emy Minzel

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

Visit me at EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

#BoundaryWatersCanoeArea, #lifelessons, #naturelover, adventure, Boundary Waters Canoe Area

My first solo Boundary Waters Canoe Area adventure!

Emy Minzel

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

#lifelessons, Innerwork

What is your best advice?

Emy Minzel

I am curious. What is the most helpful advice you’ve found that has made a difference in how you live?

There are lots of different people with their own opinions and differences in what they know. Some of it isn’t even advice, but more like sharing essential lessons they have learned over the years. I think it is a gift to learn from our elders or folks we look up to when they share their experiences. It would be a shame to let the wisdom go to waste!

It was not all ‘advice’ per se, but there were valuable lessons shared with me that I am learning to appreciate. I can think of a few things I’ve heard that ring true I’d like to share with you.

When my Auntie Max told me, “You will be lucky if you have five true friends in your life. When you find them, cherish them and don’t let them go.” I have learned this is true. I do my best to follow this advice. I’ve learned that not all friends are the same and to treasure the ones that love me as I love them. I’ve found the keepers adore you in all stages of life, not just the easy ones.

My grandmother Ema Dee whom everyone said had “the patience of a Saint” once told me. “I am not as patient as you think. I have just learned to keep my mouth shut.” What?! At first, it made me laugh, and I really did not understand what she meant. As I age, I see what she means. Sometimes keeping my thoughts and feelings to myself, takes greater wisdom than speaking up and may have a much different effect than we expect.

“You get to make the rules for your life!” Stacy Crep, Adventure Sister. It sounds impossible some days, yet the words are valid. When I realized I have much more say in my life than once acknowledged or allowed, my life changed for the better. And it was all my doing! From taking the initiative and following through on my goals and dreams, to nurturing relationships that needed love and attention, to career goals and ambitions. It was all up to me and how I followed and adjusted the rules I had for myself.

My Auntie Di gave me some excellent parenting advice when I was a young mother. She said, “I only say no if there is a good reason. Kids need the freedom to live their lives and make their own mistakes.’” I thought this was a fantastic way to think. I used this philosophy with my daughter and even now in my own life. I like to say Yes to invitations, events, and experiences whenever possible. This attitude opens doors of opportunity and helps me get more out of life! If we fail or get hurt, those were valuable lessons too.

Yet with all the splendid advice, I have gotten over the years, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to listen to my own intuition. Even my closest friends and well-intentioned family’s best advice is not good if it does not feel right to me.

So, my best advice to you. Trust yourself. Follow the inklings that pull your heart and do what feels right for you even if it’s going against what others think is best. Only you know the real soul inside and what you truly need to be happy. Be brave enough to listen to your own inner divinely guided wisdom.

My next favorite advice is. The answer is always ‘NO’ if you don’t ask. What do you have to lose by asking? Nothing. I said what I said. It’s great advice and I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.

Please feel free to share YOUR best advice in the comments below.

I hope that we can share the wisdom we’ve learned with others in hopes of helping someone else on their life path!

Sending love and blessings to you,

Emy Minzel

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

#lifelessons, #signs

Journey to finding my missing joy –

Emy Minzel

Do you have experienced those days when everything seems to be a little off? The events that happen are bothersome but not necessarily bad, just annoying persistent incidents peppering you though out the day. I’ve been dropping things a lot, having minor accidents and there was a great deal of miscommunication happening as well. Emails, texts, even verbal expressions seem to be just a bit off, enough to confuse.

Classic Mercury in Retrograde symptoms and still highly annoying. Every little thing seems able to get under my skin. Recently I’ve had several pieces of bad news hit very close to home. These happenings have put my ‘off days’ into perspective and make me thankful the worst thing that happened to me personally, was falling off the couch while watering a hanging plant. Just call me Grace!

Thankfully none of these occurrences have been too rough to handle, and that’s a blessing. Yet this news has made me very contemplative. After weeks of it, I find myself looking up to the heavens and ask. “What the heck?!” It feels as if getting through life has been like pushing a boulder uphill.

Now, I don’t mind hard work or getting my hands dirty when my heart is behind the task. So metaphorically pushing my boulder of life uphill is something I understand that must happen occasionally. Especially when duties I work so hard at benefit the goals I am trying to manifest to fruition. Worky, work! Busy bee! That’s me.

As I hear pieces of bad news floating around me and affecting others I love, I have started to look within and purposely count and appreciate my blessings. I believe life is doing its best to reveal what that needs to change in my life. My days have been full of working, cleaning, working, sleeping, working, eating, worry and more working. Though I have been working a great deal and I enjoy my work, it’s still work!

I feel as if I am missing fun, laughter, happiness, and joy in my life. I have not made connection, play or love a priority these days, and it has always been something that can be put off for later. If I don’t catch myself allowing this behavior, it seems to me like my life starts to reflect this and I do not like that one bit!

I honestly cannot remember the last time I belly laughed or felt truly happy. As they say, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This sentiment is precisely how I’ve been feeling and acting. Do you ever feel this way at times? Even though I believe life is to be enjoyed and lived fully, I have not been doing so great at it. What needs to change is the amount of effort I put towards organizing and allowing joy, play, and fun!

Although I know that happiness is something you create for yourself, I think it’s a good idea to ask my loved ones to join me on my journey to finding more joy. After all, what supports happiness more than sharing time with your favorite people? Making time for myself and my family has a way of filling my soul and lifting my energy and attitude about life. How about you?

All the news I hear and as I witness loved ones struggling, it has me remembering to count my blessings and saying. “Thank you for this day.” The minute I open my eyes in the morning. I’ve started wearing my mala prayer beads again, each time I notice them, I say the same simple prayer of “Thank you.” It’s a reminder for myself to be grateful for this life I’ve been blessed with.

Sometimes I find it’s just the energy I bring to any activity that makes it seem fun. Turning exercise into a nature hike with my daughter and our dog, Hank is a great way to add bonding time. These simple heart-centered connections help bring joy into my days. I am going to work on re-directing my focus and energy on my blessings. These events and news have shaken me up and have helped to reorganize my priorities to their proper order.

When life gets heavy, I’ve found that is when it’s time to count your blessings, add family, friends, and fun. I know it is up to me to put myself into situations that will help lift my spirit. These things that help us find our smile again are as personal and specific to everyone as our taste buds, and I know my favorite flavors of fun! I hear the messages loud and clear. It’s time to cook up a life that feeds my heart and my spirit!

I have decided to embark on a new journey to add joy to my life and remove what does not. I have set my intention for this summer. I will call this 2019 journey, The Summer of Love, Sun and Fun! I want to reconnect and strengthen bonds. I choose to laugh, play and truly enjoy the people in my life that make it so great.

What do you say? Would you like to join me?!

What are the ways you put play, fun, and laughter into your everyday life? I’d love to hear your suggestions!

Sending love, blessings, and joy,

Emy Minzel

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

Uncategorized

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!

Emy Minzel

Do you know that song? I learned it in Sunday School when I was a very young girl. For some reason, this song has always popped into my head on days when life seems harder than normal. It’s interesting that this song comes to me mostly on my down days. Those are the days I feel like ‘shining’ the least.  Possibly a Higher Power knows this and that is why it comes to mind in these moments.

There are months that I won’t even remember this joyful little song exist. Then there are times in which I sing it out loud and to myself, for the whole week. When I do, it feels like a simple sweet soothing lullaby for my spirit. 

“I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe that when things happen in a pattern or synchronistic way, that this is a message from the Universe, just for you.” Emy Minzel

It’s taken me until my forties before I realized how significant this song has been in my life. I often pray to the heavens when uncertain. Often saying. “Just let me be the light.” I’ve found being the light in the world is not all that hard and doesn’t have to look large or be a grand gesture. I simply do my best to be kind to everyone I come across; this is how I shine.

I think the best form of light comes from just listening. Like when someone is trying to tell a story, but the rest of the room is talking over them. That’s when I choose to make eye contact and nod in an affirmation that “I hear you and I see you.” Being heard is a powerful confirmation that shows people. “Hey, you matter! I care about how you feel and what you have to say.”

This kindness has been mistaken for weakness by some. There have been times it felt like they even tried to extinguish my pilot light I protect fiercely. These people have learned not to take this kindness, light and the power of my intentional connection for granted. I will remove myself and my light from their vicinity permanently if necessary.

Though my actions, personality and heart often reflect me as a tender spirit. A simple gardener of love and light in a life that sometimes feels like war. I am indeed a warrior in my garden. The garden is where I tend to this little light of mine and grew the skills necessary to protect it. It was these hard days, and lessons that came from those closest to me that turned me into the elite and highly trained spiritual warrior I am today. It is a skill I intentionally keep hidden.

I am beginning to think this short, sweet, song (I learned so long ago) is a divine message sent to remind me, even on my hardest days, God/The Universe still sees me and is listening. I know the Universe responds to my energy and my vibrations and this song is sent to remind me to shine; by being kind and treat others as I want to be treated. I believe this song reminds me to listen closely to those around me.

There is a sign on my wall that says. “Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth sharing?” I believe this to be true. Lifting others around you will help raise your own spirits as well, that’s just the way it works. The opposite is true as well. Going around spreading shit instead of sunshine comes back around too.

Even though this week has been a little rough. Spirit came to my relief with whispers of this sweet tune in my ear. Reminding me to be the kind and nurture my light with compassion as I would all plants in my garden. This is the energy that will come back to me.

As you go about your week, I encourage you to do your best and let your light shine for yourself and others too. Even if you do not feel like shining brightly, remember, even the humble act of listening can be a wonderful way to spark the light in the eyes of yourself and others. Sometimes all it takes to keep the pilot light lit is to sincerely show up and say. “I hear you. You matter.”

Give yourself permission to light up the world in the way only you can. Shine your uniqueness as you go through the adventure that is life.

Shine so bright that your light changes the world as only you can. Authenticity is your power. There are people who love to see you shine. Stay close to them. Distance yourself from the others. Protect your light. It is an imperative life skill when you learn it is safe to shine. No matter who is watching, even if and when others don’t like it. That is authentic living. Creator designed you to be you for a reason.

I believe in the light in you. I believe in light in me. The lighthouse is within all of us.  I believe we can do this and we must.

“The brighter we shine love in the world. Together we stand as a shining grid anchoring light into the Universe. Together we are spiritual warriors defending against darkness in The Lighthouse Collective.” Emy Minzel     

This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine.

This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine.

This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine.

Yes, let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

Love, light and blessings,

Emy Minzel

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel