Balance, oh that sweet spot where everything is in order, in its place, in life, in my heart, my mind and my body. When I am in that flow, enjoying the things that life brings my way. When I can take it all in stride. Well, I have to admit that was not me a year ago. In fact, it was a very stressful time in my life. The uncertainty of my store Rusty Rooster that Covid had created and all the time I was giving away volunteering and not giving anything back to myself. It was a lesson I needed to relearn.

That is the story of my life. I am stubborn and I feel like life has to come up with some creative ways to make me pay attention to myself and remember to honor myself. I was having chest pain, dragging myself out of bed, I started to develop a crazy rash and my body was screaming for some sort of change. I also realized that I was not feeling grateful. Gratitude is one of my driving forces and helps me maintain balance.

Living on Denman, on this farm was instrumental in me getting better and coming to terms with the fact that is was ok to let go of the things that were taking my time and realizing that they will still be there with or without me. I started walking at the beach early in the morning, going for swims in the cool ocean and of course the bright sunshine helped peel away the heaviness of the winter. I know we all feel overwhelmed and overloaded at times.

This past year has taught me to better listen to my body and say no a lot more. My boundaries are stronger and I am more careful what I put my time into. Finding balance with gratitude as my filter, I am better able to give my energy to my family, my boys Matthew and Jeremy and especially my 9 year old daughter, Isabella who still needs my full attention and my sweet man Shel too.

Paola