When you take a look back in time, the path always makes sense, doesn't it?  The happenings in my life were all so monumental that huge shifts were bound to occur, whether within the moment of experience or further down the road.

At the age of sixteen, I was the oldest of four kids and a mother hen to say the least.  It was the first day of school and I knew my mom had a doctors appointment that day.  There was no denying the energy in our house when I walked in after school that day.  My mom had just been diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkins Disease.  For all I knew, we were going to lose her within months.

Fast forward six months and picture me with my horribly permed hair at the doctors office with the complaint of a chronic painful burning in my stomach.  The stress of this phase in life had resulted in an ulcer and I swear, my gut has never been the same.  Immediately I innately began to avoid foods that made my stomach hurt:  tomatoes, pizza, spaghetti, ground beef, cheese, and soda.  Over the course of my sophomore year in high school I lost eight pounds, largely due to inflammation the Standard American Diet ( SAD) had given me.

Mom went into remission within two years and life went back to normal, if you could ever call it that.  During that time I turned into a work horse.  I took every opportunity that came my way, carved out experiences for my younger siblings and family with the money I brought in from my job as a nanny, lifeguard and home health aide.  Over time, nurturing and developing mothers became less of a hobby and more of a need.  It kept me sane, it gave me balance...I felt peace and safety in that space.

I sought further education, seminars and read like crazy to help heal my emotional and physical self.  Realized that supporting mothers in the growing of their babies and their businesses gave me a jolt of energy like no other. I got married on a farm, birthed our babies at home and soon finished my undergraduate degree with a tot in one arm and a babe in the other.  Dreamed up opportunities, took them, fell, and got back up again, every time stronger than the last.

What keeps me going?  My relationship with the outdoors, faith, my love for healthy living, an incredibly persistent spirit and belief in myself and my family.

I long for a hobby farm with a tiny little cottage and a nice plot of land, and firmly believe I was once here as a true pioneer woman.  Time together as a family for us looks like bike rides, nurturing everyone with goodies from the kitchen, reading together, spending time in the garden, getting crafty with projects, mini road trips to the north woods and long walks.

What fuels my fire

My family: time with them is always well spent

Yoga:  Mind Body Solutions Yoga, Yoga Studio MN

Trail systems:  for biking and running, basement for free weights

Food:  healthy and organic

Water:  I use this ALL day EVERY day:  Klean Kanteen

Books:  Women Who Run With the Wolves is the book I turn to when I need reminding that I am a strong and able woman.

Blogging/Writing:  www.ContemporaryEarthMama.com

Hey, I am so glad you stopped by.  Thanks for getting to know me; I can’t wait for the chance to know you.