Tag: #lessons

Boundary Waters Solo Adventure Day 3

emyminzel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sending joy and blessings to you,

Love, Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

Visit me at :

EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

I have learned what is important to me.

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

https://emyminzel.com

EmyforHouse.com

@emyminzel

@EmyforHouse15A

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons through disappointment~

emyminzel

It’s going to be the second week in August and I have been on the water and in my kayak only one time, back in June. For unforeseen reasons, both lake vacations I had scheduled to take this month had to be cancelled. I had been puting off lake time and rest during early summer because I knew I would have the opportunity in August. That was the plan anyway. 

I was supposed to go to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with my Adventure Sister Stacy, the first week in August. Then to a resort (on Lake Kabetogama) with my Husband for his birthday and our Ten-Year  Wedding Anniversary a few weeks later. Turns out things changed and not just one but both vacations had to be cancelled. This turn of events was a devastating blow to my spirit to be frank. 

I was so very much looking forward to spending time on the water; reconnecting with my dear friends, my Husband, myself, and the nature I love so much. It literally feels like the Universe took away my Birthday. Oh, and like I told you in my previous blog, my one and only child moved out of the house this week. So honestly, although I have a great deal of important things to do, my spirit is feeling neglected. I’ve also noticed this feeling reflecting in my attitude and spirit.

We all get this way sometimes, when life changes or events begin to feel overwhelming or never ending. We may dream of getting away to escape it all; so that we can have quiet time to process our next move or to simply have a moment to quit moving! Going and going like the Energizer Bunny, does not allow me to stop and contemplate my feelings, choices, or strategy for the future. When I am unable to find time to reconnect with what is important to me; like spending time in nature, floating on the water, cooking, or writing, I can feel it in my soul.

At first, the news of my cancelled vacations led to a short pity party for one. But I decided not to wallow and keep moving forward with life, as that is what adulting is about. I had decided it was guidance from the Higher Power that my energy was needed at home and on the campaign trail. Yet, as the week of my BWCA vacation passes and my body does the motions of work and progress, I feel the  usual upbeat energy of my spirit and drive fading. Because I am not making time for my own needs. 

It is easy to get caught up in living the life others think you should be. Especially as a Candidate. I have a whole team of people who bust their butts for me and I do not want to let them down nor myself by not doing everything I can do! My campaign life is exciting, important and the way I see myself making a positive difference. Yet, is neglecting my own needs the right way for anyone to live their lives? Probably not. I am hard on myself as I have high standards not only for me but the people around me. 

Yet when they need a break, I am compassionate and understanding while they take one. Why do I feel like I do not deserve one or that I am not able to take one? I am lacking disposable income for vacation this summer because I have cut my working hours down to meet the campaign needs. It was a sacrifice I was able and willing to make. The repercussions though, are that I feel like I missed out on some much needed and deserved time out in the forest and on the lake to recharge. 

I am not looking for pity, I understand many people are not allowed the luxury of vacation. These choices are mine and I believe my heart and efforts will see me to making a positive difference in the world. If not, I still made a lot of great friends and had wonderful experiences this summer! I knew it would not be without hard work or expense, I was up to the challenge/adventure. 

What I am not willing to sacrifice are the needs of my spirit or ignore the calling of my soul to do what I must do. I must be the change I want to see in the world, to do that, I must make time to be authentically me. My spirit is being called to the water, asking me to rest for a bit to find balance and peace.

My soul, is telling me that I have been telling myself, “What I want and need does not matter.” I am not making my spiritual needs as important as other things in my life. I am not making my ‘peacefulness’ a priority. I am putting the wants and needs of my campaign, my family, and my goals over my spiritual wellness. 

This is a reality for a lot of people in our society. I believe this lack of connection to what is tranquil and quiet is where a great deal of our displaced anger comes from in our Nation. All work and no play makes Emy an angry girl. This is not an obscure dilemma for most people in our world today. I find myself covering up my sadness of not being able to connect with nature (or enjoy some of our short Minnesota summer) by coping with anger. I am distant and distracted.

I am distracted by my desires to be anywhere but here sometimes. 

I know you feel these words. 

This is not normal for me, I am  usually and naturally an upbeat person. I thought about not posting such personal feelings. Yet I wanted to acknowledge that I believe; most of us are striving daily to do better, be better, have better, but that we get lost in the ‘doing and getting’ part. Forgetting that stillness and connection to Spirit/God is of great importance, not only for ourselves but to our connection with others and society. 

So, what is a girl to do? I don’t know. I am not a Guru. I won’t offer advice. I will only share my experiences and feelings for you to judge me upon. Do I go put my kayak out on the local lake that is full of algae and pollution? Nope. Don’t need that energy. (Although I acknowledge it is there and strive to do all I can to fix it.) 

Do I find a friend with a backyard pool to float in for a moment in the sun? Nope, not what I am looking for. I need a change from the daily grind. I need new experiences and scenery to stimulate my mind. I want to hear nothing but nature and water. I must reboot like my computer! My body, mind and spirit connection needs to be tended to. 

As with the unpredictability of life, I am not sure when or where it will happen. Yet, I am trusting that Spirit has a plan for me to do just this. Somewhere out in this big Universe this opportunity is waiting for me. Until then, I will be thankful for the good in my life. I will enjoy the nature from my front porch. I will focus on the song of the birds and the wind rustling the leaves of the trees instead of traffic.

I trust the higher power knows what is best for me at this time in my life. I trust this path, I trust this frustration, I even trust the feeling of having my Birthday taken away! This gives me incentive to acknowledge, respect and tend to my own needs. 

The nurturing instincts I have for my loved ones, the planet, animals and others must be also extended to myself. Life lessons or tough love from the Universe can open our eyes to the reality of our actions. My needs are important too. And so are yours. Remember that.

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com