This winter has been unlike the past few, we have had snow, and not just a little bit, not just enough to get the snowmobile trails open, so much in fact that many trails have been unsafe to ride due to the volume of snow we are getting!
Ive been taking it easy still since I fell a month ago and hit my head, whiplash and a mild concussion is a very real thing to be conscious of, to also embrace and enjoy the slow down!
Saturday morning the hubby and I went out on a photo tour. I just LOVE the snow on the trees through the bush. We were lucky and didn’t have many others on the trail with us.
Its like a form of therapy for me. With my fall a month ago, Ive been taking it easy, paying more attention to ME and how I feel, honoring how I feel. A big part of that, also lighting a fire under what turns on the creative flow for me. Which sometimes means pushing myself a wee bit more than I maybe should, the shots are worth it and thanks to the snow this weekend I was given the opportunity for rest.
The photographer in her natural element, in nature with her Canon RP + 24-240mm lens grateful for a mild snowy day to capture the beauty through the Rice bush on the Drifters snowmobile trail in Southgate township.
Winter can be a much darker time for all, with much less daylight its imperative for individuals to find what pulls the life out of them, what brings their living to a high and to allow the creativity to flow. Crucial within my own life and living and a knowing that even just 20 min out in nature can feel so incredibly healing.
CAMERA REVIEW
One thing I love about my Canon RP is the size, I generally prefer my bigger camera, the R6MII in my hands, however when out on the snowmobile, I am not shooting while driving, I am however driving slower and making frequent stops, this is also why my husband stayed behind me to wave anyone through who came up behind us. The Canon RP, although not weather sealed, stood up to snow that was fairly continually falling as we were out – I feel thats totally different than if I was say out in pouring rain – I wouldn’t take either of my camera’s out in the pouring rain. I started with my camera and the 24-240mm lens in my bag, however then as I was traveling down the trail I just let it hang for ease and not to hold anyone up for the sake of my photos. The 24-240 lens is awesome. I love the variety of range on this lens. To go from wide angle at 24mm to zoom in 10x is awesome. Its a decent weight, not heavy like the L lenses, however not light like the 24-105 kit lens. It feels of quality and has a lock on it, so as I was driving I didn’t have to worry about the lens possibly moving/coming out. This lens isn’t as fast as my other lenses, as it is 4.5-6.3, however it is a very decent range given the reach of 24-240. If you are looking for a starter pack to get into the mirrorless world, this is a combo I would highly recommend along with the RF 35mm f1.8 or the RF 50mm f1.8
The ebbs and flows of life. Some people are meant to be with us for a lifetime and others, just for a short time and unfortunately, we don’t get to choose which time they’re with us for.
Friendships, relationships regardless of where or why these people come into our life. There’s a lesson to be learned. There’s feelings to be felt and some of those feelings are felt incredibly deep, a friendship doesn’t necessarily mean it will last forever. And sometimes in the throes of life that’s when it feels like it’s falling apart. But really in the big picture. Those puzzle pieces that feel like they’re falling apart, are perhaps finding their place so that they can fit together perfectly and the way it was always meant to be.
The first five years of the twenty twenties for me, was a deep deep growth opportunity where I literally felt the depths of the lows , the highs of the wonderful times.
As someone who has always been emotional and sensitive, I used to hide it, it was something I was ashamed of it wasn’t to be heard it wasn’t to bother anyone else. It was for me to deal with and not to burden anyone else. Its often too easy, people sink even harder and even quicker, there will be a time that you think you’re okay, and you’re think you’re doing all you need to do, and unfortunately you’re literally just skimming the surface.
Because you’re worrying too much about what they need or he/she needs. Or she said or he said, when really all that matters deep down truly is my mental health. First my physical health, mental and my emotional health, it’s all intertwined, and if I’m not feeling my best; My cup cannot overflow to help anyone else feel their or be their best.
Major life lessons were learned the past 5 years. Not only of aligning with my truth but also living my truth being an alignment hearing myself, and quieting the outside voices. It’s easy for people to quickly say if you need anything. Let me know I’m there for you always when really and truly in the big picture, it may not happen, it probably won’t happen. So, you need to be okay with that. You need to be okay with the fact that you have no control over what anyone else does or says and their choices are theirs.
There isn’t an ounce in me that is ashamed or afraid to say that within the past five years , those five years I not only watched my husband sink, I watched my son and daughter. All for different but also similar reasons. All awhile, I was focused on needing to take care of them and to take care of our household. Need in to keep everything normal of what our new normal could be.
As I work on honestly, shifting out of fight or flight and into a trust into a healing light bravery. That, although, the past 5 years were very rocky, were very unpredictable. Took me to depths. To lean in, learning to trust me and my intuition fully and complete. That is my biggest lesson out of the past 5 years, from 2020 to 2024. That is exactly what I learned. And even though I know I will have my moments, there will still be tears. There will still be anger and growth opportunities. It’s what I can do to move myself forward to rid myself of this ‘weight’. That’s exactly what it feels like. I’m getting a visual of a weight. A boat anchor, that’s sinking down into the sand and the longer you leave it there, the deeper it sinks.
Gently give yourself a pull and shake off, you deserve it.
Complete sentence, because some days, some moments, are hard.
Fucking hard at times.
The reality of losing someone, is so much more than the loss.
Its the emotions over taking you when making the necessary decisions, yet the knowing it has to be done. Its reliving all of those awesome memories and being so grateful to each be there during the hard times. Its knowing that all those moments filled with love and laughter are even deeper ingrained.
I began this post, three weeks ago with just a title. “Burnout Survivor”…
For the majority of the past 5 years I was in fight or flight mode, skimming the surface of taking care of me.
Monday of this week, something significant happened to me and its in the form of a gentle, yet abrupt experience. Time to take care of me, no matter what. Literally now.
At lunch, I was playing with my dog, with his ball. He had a toy in his mouth so I was using my foot to kick the ball back and forth to him. Until one time my foot didn’t hit the ball and my body and head fell backwards and slammed hard against the floor. It shocked me what just happened, how?! I instantly knew what I needed, and through sobbing tears I found a roller bottle, dumped its contents and began filling with oils – Frankincense, Copaiba, Balance, DDR and Cypress.
Frankincense is beautiful at supporting all systems within our body, but especially our nervous system. I knew this was a must have considering I just hit my head hard on the floor. Copaiba which is very grounding and calming, much of why I also added Balance. DDR is the cellular complex, oils that is also supportive to our nervous system, then I topped off the roller bottle with coconut oil. I also put a drop of DDR and Frankincense in my mouth. I rolled the oil blend over my neck front and back and my forehead and jaw.
After a couple days I was able to use the deep blue stick on my neck, I would roll the roller blend on first and then the deep blue stick over top. Layering can be very powerful with oils.
As a person who is not keen at all (anymore) on taking pain meds, this is something I did so that I could be comfortable and be able to get some rest. After going to the hospital – literally the only time we go there, wanted to be sure my neck was ok after falling. I was impressed with the speed at the hospital and them getting me in for an x-ray so quickly. Interestingly enough, the Dr I had to make a complaint about back in 2021 after my husbands x-ray was grossly misread, was the doctor on. It was like a flood of anger hit me as I walked back in from my x-ray and looked at my husband waiting for me in the room. Realizing even deeper, I have so much more healing from that time.
Whiplash and minor concussion the nurse told me, I never saw the doctor, yet interestingly enough his name went on my x-rays… thankfully I have pocket health and also read them myself after our 2021 medical system experience. The pain sucks. Energy, obviously much lower, I was exhausted that night, yet woke up I think every 2-3 hours.
I was able to use our red light wand a few days after, up until then I couldn’t handle the slight vibration on my neck. I also went and saw an oil friend who ironically taught my first Reiki course to me, as I walked into her home for the first Spinal Flow appointment, the energy shift I felt was profound. I was to see her on the Tuesday, however I knew I wouldn’t feel comfortable or able to drive. I felt much better going Thursday, end of the day, my eyes were already done with the computer, thankfully by taking regular breaks within the day I am able to use the computer. End of the day, is a welcome break and using my phone is almost non existent after work, I use it briefly during the day when needed. During my spinal flow appointment I felt a shift, she could see a shift. I am so grateful for these holistic modalities!
Truthfully its taken me all week to write this and that’s ok. This weekend I had many other plans than just hanging around my house all day resting… However, the universe had other plans and these times when you may feel forced into resting, there is deeper Healing that is open to me, open to getting me through this and also helping me process much of what still is underlying.
5 days later, still experiencing dizziness, can’t hold things for a while, or need to sit to do so, washed dishes and quickly realized that was not a great choice given the neck and upper back strain, however each day getting better. Consoling myself with the plans we did have originally this weekend with no hockey on the schedule. Allowing myself to feel the feels, its ok to be pissed off, its also ok to do nothing but heal.
Healing ironically, but not because there are no coincidences, is my word for 2025.
As I sit down to write this, I am surrounded by some of my favourite things, things that have provided incredible little shifts in my life.
After a very challenging 5 years of my life, I am embracing MY own inner power again and beginning the shift all over again.
This time, I benefit from previous knowledge and experience, shifted by my intuition knowing what aligns with me and how I want to live.
What little shifts have helped me (again)?
Essential Oils – when caring for others and under extreme stress at varying times, its sadly common to neglect your own needs. Essential oils have provided incredible shifts for me with assisting in balancing my digestive system, colds, coughs, headaches, back and body aches, emotional health – the uses and emotional meanings behind the oils is so fascinating!
Water & Tea – focusing on hydrating my body in supporting ways. I am a water girl through and through, and have really began to enjoy morning and evening tea. Similar to essential oils, plants are incredibly supportive and powerful to the body, mind and soul.
Vitamins, Minerals & Omega’s & Electrolyes – as someone who isn’t in favour of ingesting a lot of pills – of any kind. When VMG+ came out… it tastes great, I drink it with half a tall glass of water, mix it in very well with a Recharge Electrolytes and then fill to the top with ice! Delicious and the only “pills” to swallow are the Omega’s, Terrazyme (digestive enzymes) and probiotic!
Ive taken the liberty to share with you an INCREDIBLE offer if you are interested in trying the VMG+ and a few of the other supplements along with some awesome oils!!! Details below from doTERRA’s site. When you purchase through this link, you will purchase through me – Thank you! If you would like something else customized for you, we can meet any budget and create an awesome and easy way to build a home collection if you so desired by making smart purchases and maximizing your value!
Healthy Habits Kit (VMG+ and EO Mega+) You want to be the healthiest version of yourself. The best way to take charge of your wellness is by building habits. Every day, you make choices that contribute to or take away from overall health. Making healthy choices is much easier when you have a routine. The products in the Healthy Habits Kit are the tools you need to make healthy choices every day and establish a routine that lends itself to the healthy lifestyle you’re striving for. With bestselling doTERRA essential oils, blends, and supplements, the Healthy Habits Kit offers incredible support as you walk the path toward a happier, healthier you. The kit includes: doTERRA Balance 5 mL Tangerine 5 mL Deep Blue Rub Lavender 5 mL Frankincense 5 mL doTERRA On Guard 5 mL doTERRA TerraZyme doTERRA PB Restore VMG+ EO Mega+
160.00 PV Retail: $300.00 USD Wholesale: $225.00 US This kit also qualifies for a FREE Gift! Currently you can choose from a Pebble Diffuser, Abode Handwash with Dispense or the Toothpaste Duo of On Guard and Super Mint!
Red Light Therapy & Sad Lamp – Ive loved the SAD lamp, its something I turn on every morning. I am honestly new to using the red light therapy, however anytime Ive used the wand that we have, Ive noticed positive shifts in my health.
Indulge in what lights me up – This is unique to each and every one of us, what lights me up may or may not align with you. Photography, Writing/Blogging, Journaling, Reading, Yoga, Nature, Reading, Time with loved ones who equally make time for me.
Healy Frequency Device – this is very cool, its one of those tools that I totally get, but many may not. It helps balance the frequency of your body with various ailments you might be faced with or needing support for. It was also something that was sitting on my shelf for a bit and had also got forgotten about!
Honestly my two biggest shifts back, taking my vitamins etc more regularly again – a PCOS flare up really helped remind me, its not fun having your body screaming at you – and using our essential oils daily, I was really good at starting the diffuser at our office, however not as great at doing it at home. Now Ive shifted and simply added it to my routine, feed the dog, while he is eating fill the diffuser. He actually enjoys helping me pick oils, as our dog loves his nightly oils on before bedtime!
I am here to help those who want to be empowered within their own life. Who take their life by the reins and are open to ‘what if’, this hasn’t been working, maybe this would or you’ve been facing challenging times and want to shift, or maybe you feel drawn to shifting your life in a holistic way. Whatever your reason may be, or whatever brought you to this post. Thank you for reading, thank you for putting you first and being open to learn.
Who this isn’t for, is someone who wants to be led during every single step. Within making shifts to your life, direction and education is key, yes, however if you do not have a deep desire to shift in your life, it wont work. The desire must come from within to be successful at shifting.
If you are ready to make a shift, please first check out this link, think of taking a deeper dive into YOU – how does your body feel, what is your energy like, what would you like to shift first and foremost in your life. Personally I began with digestive support, this was key in my life at the time and now I am able to support when needed which is beautifully empowering!
This beautiful blanket of snow that graced us on new years day, continues on! I love how fresh and clean it looks outside breathing in the cold winter air!
My boy’s first winter! 9 months old and he is loving the deep snow ❄️ Even on days I may not feel like doing anything, this boy is absolutely filled with love and excitement! He was so excited when we went out to shovel the walk again this morning! A beautiful reminder of how the universe works and why he came into our life when he did 🙏 It was known I would definitely need the emotional support and also the distraction.
My new year began with heart supporting choices and a few new reads that I’ve had on my heart. I am loving the words of @briannawiest in her book #ThePivotYear – just 4 pages in and I highly recommend! I also snagged her book, When You’re Ready This is How You Heal. I am also absolutely loving @donnaashworthwords book #GrowingBrave Along side my own journaling in a basic journal with lined pages, I am eagerly awaiting the daily journal #WordsToLiveBy by Donna Ashworth!!!
“What you engage with is what you empower” Brianna Wiest – The Pivot Year
Its easy to think back to that morning of May 19th, all was somewhat “normal” within our world, yet at the same time it was like waiting for the floor to drop out. That morning, I had a deep realization that our life was about to shift in a big way. A way that instantly put me into fear, not for the loss but for the why that may come after.
When I had my first dog, I was in an unhealthy high school relationship that was sadly emotionally and verbally abusive. To the point where my dog got out of the car with me the one day and then refused to go inside that house. I love a dogs intuition and how they instantly can honor that. He saw me through alot, he was with me when I went through the infertility battle, when we were blessed with becoming parents, and then quickly after our 2nd being born to complete our family. He was with us until a couple days after we had moved to our new house, just outside of town that we saw as our forever home. It was like he waited to ensure his family would be good, knew we would be held. We were, our last boy, grew up with our toddlers, it was busy, omg so busy I remember those years through my photos! Grateful our kids got to grow up with their cousins for so many years. It was a couple months later our Beck came home, during one of the hardest years of my life. Merely a months later, my life would shift and he was a rock through my physical and emotional healing, for the days, weeks and months I needed it most, and for many years. He knew when his mama needed support and would use his physical body to lay on me, like a weighted blanket. July 2024 he would have been 13 ❤
That May 19th morning, I felt it in my heart, we were on borrowed time. We knew in our hearts and had previously discussed, when the time came that our Beck needed to say goodbye, we would welcome a new boy into our hearts and home. That morning, as I saw his sweet face looking back at me, I instantly went to denial, then ok maybe we do just get him now and Becker can be with him for a bit. I put my phone down and went about my day, gardening with my husband and the dogs out front, we had my parents dog with us at the time. Within hours of seeing the pup’s photo, our Becker was crossing the rainbow bridge. 111
I could feel myself sink into the fear again, I knew deep in my soul something was coming that I would need to face… much like how things unfolded for both my Elwood and Becker. I felt like I was swimming in emotions again. Very happy with the decision to get the Gunner we did in May, training was so smooth with him and much easier through the summer & fall! Even during the puppy shark days, I reminded myself this is temporary. Becker knew, just like Elwood did. I love that I can trust that knowing, trust my own intuition and embrace being ok with needing… as someone who has been a people pleaser and fixer for years. 2025 we are healing that…
In the couple months following our Becker’s passing, the physical pain began setting in deeper, after years of taking care of others, I was maxed out and it began showing up in how I was feeling, pelvic pain I hadn’t had in years, my sleep was worse, brain fog, digestive system imbalance, deeper tension in my body and my blood sugar levels. Emotionally, I then began to sink.
Yesterday, it hit me, this is exactly why Gunner came into my, our, life when he did. He literally gives me a reason every morning to get up, at a time when I was very emotionally at a loss after Becker and especially in November after Adam passed. Our kids are teenagers now, sure they “need” us, but they don’t need us like after Elwood crossed the rainbow bridge. He gives me a reason to get up and going, he pushes me to be active because he likes spurts of activity (we are well matched there lol!). After work, as I drove home and admired the beautiful clean white snow, I knew when I got home, Gunn and I would shovel the walk way, to also give him and opportunity to wear off energy and for me to get some physical activity as well!
He reminds me, as a mama of teens to take better care of me now. That rest is encouraged, much like a baby/toddler, our 9mth old puppy does need his naps and thrives so much better when he has down time during the day, as well as a scheduled routine bedtime!
Beyond the benefits of physical activity, he is very loving and loves his people. Personal space doesn’t exist, he wants to be close, but is starting to understand we can have some space when cuddling! He reminds me of portions and disciplines everyday, the dog isn’t the only one who needs probiotics daily!
2025 is MY shift year, where similar to when Beck was by my side, I dive back into my health, but this time deeper and more consistent. As I told Gunner, both he and I are actively in training and have been now for a few weeks.
The love of a dog is like no other. They rarely if ever have a bad day, when loved and are beyond excited to see you come home! Each of these boys have taught me so much, most of all the power of unconditional and self love.
The various heartache’s we face within our lifetime have the ability to shift and shape who we are and how we relate in our life.
Personally, when faced with heartache during the early 2020’s, this left a lasting impression within, scars that no one could visibly see and only the closest could feel. A reminder of emotional pain, scars that went unknown, were pushed aside, forced to heal through, words that you wish could have been erased. Things that leave a lasting impression ones that cannot be ever fully cleared.
The truth begins within, how you feel, physically and emotionally. It goes deep, experiences in life, people whose paths we cross – some for long and others short – no matter the time to make the difference, possessions we own – or rather perhaps “own”, respect within and outwards, where we live, the job we have, our homes, the ways we live, the products we use, the hobbies we enjoy immersing within down to the food and liquids we eat and drink!
It feels good when you can face the truth and know to your core, it all feels light because it is right. There is pure flow with little to no resistance. That is good karma, that is learning to stay in your own lane and truly LOVING your life as much as you can that you WANT to see others win! You want to see people loving and experiencing their own life and being the best person they can be, through whatever journey’s they may have faced.
Its challenging being faced with heartache – whatever that may be and still needing to function to simply be a human being. This is one of the greatest challenges in life and it can range from the simple adjustment to being a parent & the various stages and ages, the loss of an animal, a friendship dissolving, a bad day at work, being lied to and/or betrayed, whatever heartache means to you. Ive experienced this overwhelm feeling far too many times as many of us have.
One thing Ive learned and remind myself, hurt people, hurt people.
Healing people, heal people.
Someone who is healing, will always want to see the good in all.
Hurt people, will never want to see you do better, in any area of your life.
Hurt people are outside of and the person within.
Who do you choose to be in 2025?
As an individual and any other “role” you play in your own life. Its incredible when you choose to look at the truth to know you are being the best person you can be and mean that when you look into your own and your kids eyes.
Some of the best experiences and moments just happen, which is how our day and evening after work fell together. Felt blessed to have all the kids home with us, fondue and game night made it absolutely perfect!
Remembering my commitment to me and keeping my creative mind healthy, of course I snagged some photos. Everyday living, your life as art. Truly priceless. Honoring myself, my soul and my commitment to me.
My heart was blown away this morning, at just how connected we truly are.
Before getting up I took the time to update my 2025 Vision Board from last years images. One thing Ive learned is to go with MY flow, which will be different than everyone elses, thank god! My natural flow, was to create my 2025 board today, this morning, before anything else.
Pay attention to the little things, something someone says, or you hear in music or tv/movies, read something, it ALL means something on your journey, especially those things that jump out at you and catch your attention! As I sat down on our couch, my husband walked down the hall and I looked up and saw this on our digital photo frame. This frame feels so magical at times, Ive uploaded photos back to 2012, and they can be very random, a new photo with a very old one, such as photos I uploaded from last night, one came up with an older one. This morning, these two caught my heart… the first image, my brother with our neice at a few days old. The 2nd, our nephew at a couple days old, we buried our brother the day before he was born. Its these little signs, that I know he is with us through everything, how I dearly miss his physical presence, we didn’t see each other all the time however texts and calls were common, and I miss so dearly. My main word for 2025 is Healing…
A book that caught my eye after our Becker passed last year, I felt even more drawn to so I ordered it for myself after Christmas. Growing Brave by Donna Ashworth, I first saw some of her pages on Instagram, and her words graced my heart. She urges her readers to just open the book to a random page, that is what you are meant to read. Today’s is heart warming…
The photos showed up before I opened my book ❤ Look for ALL the signs…
From The Pivot Year, another jewel!
For 2025, regardless of anyone else, follow your heart, your intuition first and always. You will find, once connected – you know you are connected when it feels in flow, feels aligned and all is within peace.
The New Year Diffuser Blend, today I added in:
Wild Orange – Abundance
Litsea – Manifestation
Roman Chamomile – Spiritual Purpose
Today, started as a fresh blank canvas…
A beautiful blank canvas, in your life as art.
Feel it all, align with your heart and soul, feel to heal.
