I am a 53-year-old, animal lover, who was lucky enough to marry her soul mate 12 years ago, just before proclaiming herself a “crazy cat lady.” We both were never blessed with children, but between our pets, our extended family, and our own antics, we never want for anything. Our lives are full of beauty, laughter, tears, gratitude, and love!
Over the years, my sister and I have often said we should write a book about our wacky family escapades. Well, this blog is my attempt to share my experiences (some funny, some embarrassing) with the hopes of uplifting and encouraging others who may be looking for a creative way through their own challenges.
Everyone’s family life can be hectic. In addition to our normal daily activities, there are often significant events like: weight gains, births, graduations, weddings, funerals, changing jobs, changing homes, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, or retirements that can add to the stresses.
Then there are some of us who have chosen (in a previous life probably) to add some extra life lessons like: an eating disorder, divorce, depression, lack of self esteem, bankruptcy, melanoma, breast cancer…
Well, I managed to survive this roller-coaster ride of a life because of my faith and inherited ability to laugh at myself, my family’s love, and their capacity to see the lighter side of life. Besides, I hear God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.
This past year, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, I’ve actually had some time to reflect on all that I truly value in life – family, beauty, intelligence, helpfulness, peace, love, creativity, authenticity, tolerance, compassion, friendship, growth, spirituality, health and freedom.
And I have come to understand my overarching life’s lessons as internal struggles between: wanting to serve others while learning to care for myself; desiring to earn a good living and a disillusionment with capitalism; being the person I was raised to be, yet wanting to make my mark on the world.
I’ve spent my 20s, 30s and 40s running away (emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually) in an effort to find my place in the world, feel comfortable in my skin and become whole. What I’ve realized is that I have to embrace the fact that my upbringing (for better or worse) and my family’s influences have shaped who I am…
I am a fifth-generation Canadian, raised by Doukhobor parents in Grand Forks and the Kootenays. Our ancestors emigrated from Russia in the late 1800s in search of religious freedom.
Being the first grandchild on both sides of the family, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents and great-grandparents, with whom I spoke only Russian.
My parents did not stay together long. My mom remarried when I was in elementary school, and soon after, I finally got what I had always wished for at every birthday – a baby sister and baby brother. As an only child of my dad's, I was a bit of a tomboy, actively participating in many outdoor recreational activities.
I’ve always had an interest in health and fitness, and even dreamt of being a Nutritionist. I started weight training in high school, jogging in college, and immediately fell in love with aerobics after taking my first class at Fitness World.
I’ve spent many years in the service industry and enjoyed the flexibility, freedom, and fun it offered. It allowed me to pursue my many interests while I contemplated what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Over the years I’ve taken many courses in search of my true passion: Fitness/Weight Training Instructor; TESOL Certificate (teaching English as a second language); Reiki – first degree & second degree; Thai Yoga Massage; Emotional Freedom Technique; Deborah King Lifeforce Energy Healing levels 1-4; Vegan Nutrition Health Coach; Eden Energy Animal Healing, to name a few.
My focus for this blog is on personal development, self expression, and spiritual fulfillment rather than financial achievement because I have been taught it is more important to be a good person than it is to be wealthy. But as I continue to heal from the inside out, I hope to process some of my blocks so that I can tap into the natural flow of abundance.
I heard a saying once about money that stuck with me – "I'd like to be rich enough to be spontaneously generous." So, that’s my goal!
Be grateful, be yourself, be helpful!
Love Steffie (March 2021)