When my husband and I first moved to Alberta, we made plans to stop and live in Edmonton for the year. This would gives us the time to look around and plan our next steps for where we wanted to officially settle down.
We arrived in October of 2021; just before the winter freeze hit. I distinctly recall there was one day, while out with my crew for a family walk, where the sun was up and the air was brisk, that I felt this strange feeling wash over me. This was it - we officially Started Over. It was on that walk - feeling the sun on my face - that the realization of our big decision had finally hit me. The feeling was overwhelming. I remember it brought tears to my eyes; and as I was walking behind my husband and two littles, they didn't see the tears taking shape on my face. I wiped them away just as my middle child looked back to me to tell me to "hurry up, mama!" It was a moment I wasn't expecting to happen. I had been living in a bubble for a long time to protect myself from feeling ALL the things that come with moving to a new place and leaving everything and everyone you've ever known behind. My family was literally ripped apart because of the disgusting mess that our corrupt government was putting us through. "For your health" was the biggest lie in the history of lies. My mental and emotional health was a complete mess. My oldest boy was no longer living with us and we had no idea when we would be able to see him next. My husband and I had been through it all over the years, but this place - this newness to our life - was completely overwhelming and all encompassing. It took me a few months to get my footing after we landed. Prior to moving here, I was a full time stay at home mom working as a part time personal trainer. I wasn't unhappy with what I was doing, but I wasn't happy with what I was doing either. I'm sure many of you reading this can relate to how that feels. The space where you're just existing to exist, but no growth comes out of it. One thing was certain though, throughout my whole life, no matter what I was doing - I always loved "fixing" things, Whether it be bodies, or animals (I was a veterinary nurse for a few years as well) or furniture; I recall always being most happy when I was hands on with something, with the end goal of creating something functional AND beautiful. So that's how my Furniture Refinishing business came to be. At first, it was a small dresser and side table - that I spent waaay too much time working on looking back at it now - but those two pieces started it for me. They helped me begin the process of healing; and over the next 10 months, I kept creating more beautiful things and "fixing" broken pieces. All while repairing myself. Fast forward to the summer of 2022 and my little business, was gaining momentum down in the city. My husband, over the course of the summer, had travelled around the entire province with the Honorable Todd Loewen as his photographer and videographer. This opportunity allowed him to see and experience all of Alberta, which gave us the upper hand when it was time to decide on where it was that we wanted to finally move and settle down. He fell in love with the North and we decided that beautiful Valleyview would be our spot. So we made the move in October and once again, started over. This time it was different though. The move we were making this time was by design. It had the element of fear and self-doubt attached to it for obvious reasons, but it was our choice this time. We chose this spot and we were all in. I know it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future, especially when leaving behind something that was going well. But it was and has always remained important to remind myself that starting over is not a failure, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. I was not going to let fear and self-doubt hold me back. My journey is unique and it's important to remember that starting over can be a chance to explore different paths and try new things that I may not have considered before. It can also be a time to reassess my priorities and make sure that I am on the right track towards achieving my goals. It's a time for me to be open to new opportunities and possibilities. Starting over can be an opportunity to build resilience and develop a growth mindset. It's important to learn from my mistakes and use them as stepping stones to move forward. While the nagging feelings of self-doubt and fear are inevitable and ongoing in the back of my mind, they are also a constant reminder to keep going. Keep striving for more; for better; for something unexpected. Because at the end of the day, I want to look back and say to myself - I did that. I persevered and I made it. Wishing everyone big love and a beautiful weekend. xo Katerina
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