Tag: #purpose

@EmyMinzel

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Whoa!

November 11, 2018 emyminzel

I used to watch Blossom, it was a television show back in the 90’s… way back when. Anyway, Joey was Blossom’s brother who always said “Whoa!” in a cute and funny way when he learned something that surprises him. Today, I am feeling a tiny bit blown away by the roller derby of feels I have going on after election day. Huge, determined, and powerful emotions, crashing into one another that are nothing alike.

At first, I was totally okay and thankful for the amazing experience to be a Candidate. This experience was a roller coaster of emotions, where all at once, I felt excited, terrified, empowered and heart-warmed. But now that it is over, and I did not win, after a very hard effort and sacrifice of time. I feel thankful, sad, angry, relieved, exhausted, blessed, confused, and just plain “WHOA!!!”

This has been one heckava adventure! I would not trade it for anything. I loved everything about it except how hard it was! Man! I am exhausted. I feel the tired deep down in my soul. Like pouring from an empty cup exhausted. It feels so good and so bad all at the same time. Seriously, I have called myself a walking contradiction before, but these feeling here… take the cake.

I want to be proud of myself for stepping up and taking the chance to be the change I wanted to see. I found out it was much harder than I thought it would be. I want to be proud of my work, but I also have this opposite feeling that I let a LOT of people down. People who I have gotten to know and really enjoy.

This opportunity to see the greatness in my community has changed me to my core. I am beyond a doubt in awe of how Central Minnesotans truly care about each other and our small-town way of life we love. I love how we support one another and even if we may not vote the same way, still manage to get allong. Quite nicely most the time.

I have learned that the people who scream the loudest do the least from the sidelines. I have learned quiet people have a whole lot to say. I found I love to and benefit from listening. This experience was raw, from the heart, listening to the families I share my grocery store and gas station with. The folks I talked to are no different than me, they want us all to get along too.

I saw for myself what I knew all along. We have far more in common than not. I think that our communities do need healing. They need to see that it is possible. Everyone who I met, wants it to be possible and needs it to be possible. We need each other to survive. Not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.

As a small business owner, I know the importance the support of my community means to me. I take my job very seriously and do the best I can every time, every client. Because I want the people I help to come back to me. This is what small business is all about, customer service. People remember the way you made them feel. Just like all folks, I have not been perfect, but I took those experiences as lessons and work to improve myself and the way I leave people feeling every day.

I’ve been feeling a lot of feels, but I had an epiphany of sorts. I wish to take my loss as a redirection of my priorities. Maybe, just maybe, there is a different way to do what I want to do? I have some ideas. I will do some research and see where this takes me. Until then, I choose to be thankful for this attempt to be the change I wish to see.

I will be thankful for each and every soul I came across in my political journey, as well as every experience that made me step outside of my comfort zone. I had been craving adventure and a political campaign offered me just that. I am still determined to experience all the adventure I can, even if it’s right in my backyard.

Do I recommend running for office for everyone? Nope. Do I recommend it to those who want to change their perception of the world? Yep. I think far differently of politicians now. This is not a position set up for those without motivation. You must have the funds, the time, purpose and drive that keeps you working your fool head off.

I will admit, I did and do still have an ulterior motive. I want to protect our water here in Minnesota, it is what makes us so great. It sustains our economy and environment plus our way of life. It is imperative to our future.

Yet, I am only me, there is only so much I can do. The majority of people in my district do not agree with my platform, so there must be another way to be the change I wish to see. I must work on this… I already have a plan. Will I run again? Maybe. But there is time to decide and a lot of life to live between then and now.

Until then, I will work to feel all my emotions that will lead me to more adventures and help define how I live my life. I could choose to be upset that things did not work out how I wished they would. But I trust that this journey was an important part of me getting to where I was meant to be.

Working through my roller derby of eclectic emotions is what the human experience is all about. You feel them, let them pass and acknowledge the ideas that come before and after them. That’s the meaty part. The conclusions and the epiphanies caused by the experience and adventure.

The journey happens in the now. I have been asking for lessons through Joy. I received an abundance of them. I must not allow this one loss to diminish my heart opening experience. It does have a purpose and I still have a purpose.

Let the next adventure begin!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

EmyforHouse.com

@EmyforHouse15A

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Summer of Hope

September 18, 2018 emyminzel

There are about seven weeks left in the Campaign season and I am feeling conflicted. Half of me is ready for some rest. While the other half will really miss the excitement and energy Candidacy has brought to my life. This summer was a much different type of adventure then I was expecting or planning for.

When January 2018 rolled in, I was planning my BWCA trip and all the summery things I wanted to do and making sure they went on the calendar. Three months later I threw my hat into the political ring and it all was put on hold, so I could direct my time and energy to the State House of Representatives Campaign adventure!

I believe to be called “adventure” there must be a great deal of excitement, fun, and just a hint of uncertainty (or fear) to round out the experience so that it helps you feel fully alive. I believe the campaign trail has been full of these characteristics for me. The uncertainty of not knowing what I was getting into (because I have never run before) was very scary at times.

Still, I allowed myself to follow my heart and not be detoured by fear. Even though there were times I was fearful, I was also certain this divinely guided civic escapade, was exactly what I was supposed to be doing this summer.

Once I had dedicated myself to this political path, I started to experience the excitement that others brought to the campaign trail. The friends and supporters I have met; have made this summer adventure a whole lot of fun! The people on my campaign team have turned into friends I adore. Other DFL Candidates I have met, my supporters and mentors, have made this unpredictable race that much more fun and interesting.

I have had the opportunity, for a great educational experience, by being deeply immersed in the social studies of District 15A. I have enjoyed learning from the genuine and kind people I met door knocking. I am thankful for other leaders in my community reaching out to share their knowledge with me. I am thankful for regular folks sharing their sometimes-painful stories with me. They express their hope that I can help once elected.

I am humbled when others feel comfortable enough with me to discuss private issues that they may be facing or concerned about. They are reaching out knowing I truly wish to do what I can help them in some way. I am thankful for friends and supporters who ask me questions and offer their genuine opinions as well. My heart swells with the pride knowing that I am doing my best to bring hope and light to my community.

This spring when I decided to run, I was scared. Six months later, now at the end of the summer, I have experienced a whole mess of emotions since. From fearful and uncertain in March to September, where I have settled into the feelings of empowerment and fearlessness. I am going to give it all I’ve got!

I will do my best, to be my best, every day! I will live with my heart on my sleeve because that’s where I like to keep it. I won’t be ashamed about wearing it there either, because that’s me! I have decided I will be authentically me, so I can be the best me I can be.

I had once called this year a ‘bummer summer’ because I didn’t get to escape to the wilderness or take the vacation I had originally planned. (I know. I know. Boo Hoo… spoiled girl problems hey?) Once, those words came out of my mouth, I knew immediately that was so WRONG! This summer has been nothing but absolutely amazing! I will never, ever have this first-time candidate experience again! I must enjoy the now.

I was able to make such a bunch of wonderful friends that it felt, very much like finding my soul tribe, when I jumped on this political path. Finding people who care about the world around them like I do, was an epiphany. I saw that they saw me as hope.

They wanted me to be the walking, talking hope and guiding light of positive change. They want me to be the person who works hard as their District Representative to make their lives and community better. Even though there’s a great deal of work and sacrifice, it has also been a heart-opening experience and so darn exciting in many ways.

This summer taught me I really want to give my community someone to believe in too.

This summer has taught me that I am the person capable of offering hope that I wanted to believe in all along.

This summer has asked me to step up and own that I am the one that I have been waiting for!

This summer has been empowering and very full of hope!

I would not change these experiences or lessons that have changed my feelings about myself and my original plan for the year. I am so open and trusting of this path, I know that I have already won.

This summer’s Lesson’s through Joy, have me hanging on to hope.

Did this summer offer you any life lessons?! I would love to hear them!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

EmyforHouse.com

@EmyforHouse15A

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

What the heck?!

September 5, 2018September 4, 2018 emyminzel

What the heck?!

I believe self-analysis can be a good tool when you are working on bettering yourself or trying to improve relationships with others. I am finding my hyper self-analysis is not so helpful when used to extremes. When I am second guessing my every movement, word or belief it is not helpful but harmful. Over thinking stunts my growth and my ability to move forward in my life, censoring myself because of fear.

Let’s take campaigning for instance. I knew, that when I decided to run for office, that my every thought and word were going to be analyzed or questioned. I knew I would be the subject of interviews, surprise pop quizzes on the street and random meetings to discuss my intent. Originally, this did not concern me. I have an opinion on just about everything like most people in the world, just ask me.

Yet, when I over think the judgements of others, I want to shrink back into my hermit hole (home) where I am safe and secure. Is this anxiety or human nature? I had even stopped writing so freely because of these feelings. I have decided to concore my fears and keep moving forward anyway. What the heck?! Why not?

Clearly the option to retreat into my comfort zone is no longer available. I am in it up to my chin on the campaign trail and most of the time I love it! My fabulous community has embraced me and my efforts to be the change I wish to see. Running for this political position is my noble attempt to really put my effort and energy into bettering my community and myself. Yet the human tendency to second guess is still very real.

I do not second guess why it is that I am making these efforts. I know that the “why” behind my goal is very much to protect what I love. My community, my family and the environment for future generations. To be a voice for those who cannot speak.

It is the how I go about it, that gets me insecure in my efforts. The time and energy campaigning take away from my real life needs and responsibilities is very noticeable. I work less because I campaign more. I am not a trust fund baby. Like most people, working is a necessity to eat and pay the bills. I’m having a tough time balancing work and the campaign responsibilities, which is causing me stress in other areas of life. This is where the second guessing and over thinking comes into play.

Like most people, I try to figure out what it is that is wrong and how I can take steps to fix it.

I feel that the stress and effort will be worth it. When election day comes I want to say that I am happy with my efforts and that I did the best I could to make a difference in my small corner of the world. I will be able to tell myself “You did all you could.” And be okay with the outcome life gives me.

At times I think to myself “Why would someone put themselves through a life consuming, 9 month long, job interview for a position you may not get? Only to work as a public servant who is sometimes ridiculed and unappreciated. Why would you do this if you didn’t have an ulterior motive or a beneficial end game ploy?” This whole experience has taught me how important it is to be authentic. To be authentic in remembering why I am in this position in the first place.

I am running because I feel guided to a way that puts my purpose in line with bettering myself and my community for the greater good. To do my best to move forward towards a sustainable and healthy for the future. To be a leader with integrity that looks out for the greater good, not just what is good and easy right now.

Sometimes it is not profitable to do the right thing. Sometimes it is just best to do what is hard because it’s the right thing to do. That is my goal. I really am just a regular person who never really had political aspirations. I am only me. Standing up and doing what I can to be a voice for our environment because it needs one.

I am learning on this journey that yes, I may second guess words, but you know what? Who doesn’t at times? If, I can say I’ve done all I could to stand up for my beliefs and for others, then I need to be content in that effort. Progress doesn’t come in a straight line to success, it’s a twisted path of ‘Ah ha’s’ and moments of ‘what the heck was I thinking?’ This is life!

I don’t’ believe it is healthy to be certain about everything all the time. That is a dangerous echo chamber, of in the box thinking, that impedes progress or necessary change for improvement.

I believe if I don’t quit, I am still moving ahead. I am choosing to be content with the uncomfortable in-between moments that make us human. It’s okay to question myself, my motives and my uncomfortable situations, it leads to growth.

I will always continue to question myself as this allows me to hold myself to the high standards that I have set for other political leaders. Maybe that is the point?!

Thank you for reading my blog today!

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

http://www.EmyforHouse.com

@EmyforHouse15A

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

How will you be different?

July 20, 2018 emyminzel

On the campaign trail people ask me how I will be different then other legislators that have come before me. I often talk about how much we all have in common, and it is the issues that separate us that I have to work on. I talk about how our current representative is a career politician, which I am not. Her career has led her to where she is today, voting the party line only, not choosing what is best for all her constituents. I would be different, because I believe, this is what our political system sorely needs.

If I disagree with my party, because I believe the issue doesn’t benefit my district, I will do what I think is right. Even if it goes against what “my side” wants to see. It’s called compromise. Something I believe politicians haven’t been willing to do in many years. This “my way or the highway” business doesn’t work for the greater good of the people. I wish to represent all my community, even if we may see things a little differently from time to time.

I know a lot of great people who are not in my political party, I know a lot of great people who refuse to be in any party at all, because then they feel we are divided. The whole point, of the two-party system, is to work together so we can see things from a different perspective. The way I see things, may not be how you see things, but this does not make either of us right or wrong. We need compromise and to practice acceptance of each other and our way of doing things; if we are going to move forward to a brighter future. I believe by working together this can happen.

My goal is to bring both sides, right and left, together. Let’s meet in the middle of that empty isle and work it out. We are all in this life together. The least we can do is work collectively to get to a conclusion that works for all of us, not just some of us. I do not understand what is so hard about that.

The idea of your team and my team only creates friction and competition to win. When really…. we are ALL on the same team whether we like it or not! We share this district, state, country and planet. Let’s stop acting with selfish intent and make it work. Kind of like a marriage! Sometimes we must fight, but in the end, we love each other and want to make it work for our greatest good.

Right/Left side duality is a real and true embodiment of life. The right side is often called the masculine side, the side associated with work, war, power and providing. The left side is called the feminine side and associated with nurturing, creating, love and growth. We all need both of these qualities to be balanced people.

Our country is no different. We cannot be represented by only men, and expect women’s needs to be fully supported, because often men do not truly know what women’s needs are and vice versa. I believe our representation should be well rounded to better the communities they represent; this includes women, people of color, different religions, backgrounds and cultures all at the table of the political world. We must acknowledge the importance of our differences and learn to get along for the greater good beyond our egos.

When we can overcome the negative narrative provided for us by the media and remember who we are in our hearts, that’s when real progress can be made. I know that it is the “bad eggs” who get all the press and it is easy to think that we are surrounded by things we should fear. But the reality is, most people are good people!

Look around your life, your neighbors, your family, your friends…we are mostly good. Good people just don’t get the press that creates the fear that sells all the newspapers. We must remember that most people are good at heart, even when they don’t think the same way as we do.

This is how I will be different. I know that I have friends and family who may vote differently then me but I also know they are darn great people. I know that to represent my community means representing both those different then I am and those who believe the same things I do. Most people have duality that is flexible and flowing and sometimes contradicting because we are all human.

I also know we all have the same needs, no matter how different we may seem. Clean water, good food, a job to provide for our families, roof over our heads and the freedom to be who we are no matter how different we want to be. This is the America I know and love and want to represent.

I do not wish to fight with any of my community. I want to listen to them, hear their points of views and talk about how we can meet in the middle for the greater good of our community that we share and love. I am not your typical politician because I have no desire to be. I have seen for many years where our two-sided approach is separating us. Pointing fingers solves nothing and I do not like it! We must grow, do something different if we want to get better. Just because this is the way we’ve always done it, does not make it right or how we must continue to do it in the future.

Let us learn from this conflict and grow from it. Let’s learn to separate the hyped-up media from real life. Stop projecting your fears on random strangers you make assumptions about. Stop sharing your perceptions as fact and start open dialogue to communicate. When we better understand one another, it often is not nearly as scary as we may have thought. Let’s be better humans and work together for the greater good. This is how I am going to be different and my goal when I am elected.

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister