Though I was born and raised in the lower mainland, I believe my true growth occurred when I moved on my own to a different city. There, I could escape the labels, ‘should’s, and self/externally-imposed expectations. I could start again from scratch. I could reassess and rebuild my identity - actually explore things that were previously assumed of me and deemed 'a given' due to  surrounding heteronormative, conventional narratives and ideologies.  I could take a closer look at how I saw myself, what I wanted in my life, and who I wanted to be. I decided to jump into the drivers seat, no longer a passive, people-pleasing passenger and instead take back control of my life. I decided to consciously explore my worth, values, goals, and dreams. I determined who and what mattered and come to peaceful place of being unapologetically me and escape my people-pleasing ways.

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This is where I learned to embrace what self-discovery really meant.

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Outside of my comfort zone, I got to really explore who I was and all the possibilities of who I wanted to be - without limits. I realized that there was no reason to be envious of anyone else’s life if I can achieve my own dreams in this lifetime - and this started by changing my perspective. I needed to get out of my own way. Though this remains an ongoing process,  I started by challenging my self-doubt, put myself at the forefront, and go after the life of my dreams. I made a bucket list of things describing who I want to be, what I want to accomplish and where I want to go to ensure I stopped dreaming and started living.  Though it was exciting and exhilarating to start taking action, there were definitely times where I felt in over my head, a little lost and alone, and uncertain what I was doing. By trusting in myself and accepting that the difficult times would eventually pass, I learned life lessons, became independent and self-sufficient, and ultimately found myself and my confidence. By taking risks on myself, I began to trust myself and gave myself the credit I deserved - instead of focusing on superficial insecurities. I realized there was so much freedom and opportunity to take advantage of in life - if I am willing to take the risk. I did not need to live in rigid boxes or by labels prescribed to me and instead started redefining who I am, what I stand for, and how I want my life to be. I was ready to live the life I wanted, on my terms, designed by me. Settling was not an option. T

 

hough there have been huge setbacks and unexpected obstacles that have put me in my lowest days and seemingly derail everything I wanted, I continue to choose to honour and trust myself while living by my values. Despite being a planner and goal setting, sometimes I have to believe in the process of taking one step at a time and accept uncertainty while solely banking on my strength, determination, and will to keep going. Sometimes I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel while experiencing devastation and hard times, but I had to believe that it's going to be okay and things will eventually get better. Tough times don't last, but tough people do. Though things may seem impossible at times, I had to rely on self-trust and just going through the motions to true to my values and do things that matter. When I lean into venturing the unknown for self-growth and healing while trying new activities, being active, spending time with family, friends and dog Olive, exploring a new city or being in the nature, I know things will eventually work out. In the end everything works out. If it's not working out, it's not yet the end.

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Embracing self-discovery, self-trust and self-acceptance are achievable goals. If you are willing to try something differently, take a risk on yourself, and practice self-love even when it is uncomfortable and uncertain, you too, can work to discover your most authentic self. For me, that was what helped me to embrace who I am, discover who I wanted to become, all while experiencing items on my bucket list to create a meaningful life. I look forward to helping you to achieve your goals and dreams while feeling confident in who you are.

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What’s on your bucket list?

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Some of the Bucket List items that pushed me outside of my comfort zone and inspired me to live my dream life included backpacking Europe,  learning to assert myself and have my perspective heard, speaking up and advocating for injustice, roller skating, camping without a tent, road-tripping alone across Canada and the USA, going on an overnight hike, sighting the Big 5 on an African safari, living in a different country, donating 13 inches of my hair to create wigs for cancer patients/survivors, volunteering abroad, skydiving, running 3 half marathons, hot air ballooning, mentoring a Little Sister, sponsor a child, hitchhiking, bungee jumping, swimming with wild dolphins in the ocean, outdoor rock climbing, hiking the Inca trail, learning to surf, attempting to become fluent in French, going to a movie alone, and celebrating NYE in NYC.   

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Never stop exploring. Never stop growing.

Adventure into self-discovery

 

Contact me so you can take your first step on your new journey to endless possibilities.