As I turn 40, I can't help but reflect on the choices I've made in my life so far.
I've come to realize that the things I used to value in my younger years just don't hold the same significance anymore. With this upcoming milestone birthday (this May!) comes the opportunity to dive head first into my priorities and focus on what truly brings me fulfillment and happiness. One concept that has really been resonating with me in recent years is minimalism. The philosophy encourages simplifying one's life by getting rid of excess possessions and focusing on what truly matters. I had the opportunity to purge myself of everything that was taking up space in our life, when we decided to move our family across the country. As we drove across - we were restricted to a 4x8 u-haul trailer - which, when you think about the size of that - it is no bigger than a small den or child's room. There's not a lot of space to put a lot of things. I could barely stand up straight in it as we packed the remaining 2% of our belongings into it the day before leaving. When I say I've been through a lot - I truly mean it... I've been through a lot. Out of it all, I've found that choosing a life with less things and more experiences and healthy human interaction has brought me more peace and contentment then things ever could. It's easy to get wrapped up in the owning of things. The accumulation of possessions can begin to define you. This is my new couch. What do you think of my new purse? I can't live without this ring. Trust me. You can. I'm not talking about items that have generational value - things that have been passed down from grandmothers to daughters to grand-daughters etc. I'm talking about the STUFF that takes up space and was purchased because you HAD to have it or you were ABSOLUTELY going to use it and now it's in a corner, under a pile of clothes, never to be seen ever again. That stuff. Meaningless crap. There is a huge downside to owning many things that hold little to zero value; not only do you have to maintain and organize them, but now you have to justify having them in order to minimize the guilt that comes from the wasteful spending. When I was younger, I felt a certain amount of pressure to constantly upgrade or replace things in order to keep up with societal expectations. But now, over the last 4 years of focusing my intentions on embracing the philosophy of minimalism, I've been able to break free from that horrid and abusive cycle and focus on what truly brings me joy. To add to this, the minimalism "lifestyle" has also helped me to prioritize my time. Instead of filling my days with unnecessary tasks and obligations, I now am able to turn my focus on what really matters to me. This includes spending quality time with my littles and husband, pursuing my true interests and creating a fulfilling career out of what was once a hobby, and making meaningful connections with others. So as I sit here, eating my handmade shrimp spring rolls (which are the most awesome thing ever - just ask my husband!) I'm grateful for the chance to take stock of my life and consider what truly brings me happiness. By making the choice to embrace a minimalist lifestyle and focus on experiences and human connections, I've been able to create a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. If you are looking to start your venture into this philosophy of life - I always make the suggestion - to start in a room. Start clearing out items that haven't been worn, touched or seen for more than 6 months. Anything that can be passed on or donated - put it into a bag and then take it to the donation center right away. Don't let the items STAY in your space once you're done sorting them, because the desire to go through the bag and justify why you need to take it OUT and keep it can be very strong. So get rid of it! Purge your life of meaningless shit and start making space for the REAL stuff that matters. XO Katerina
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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
As the owner of Five Hearts Refinishing, I know firsthand the many benefits of refinishing and restoring furniture. Here are a few reasons why my customers choose to give their pieces a new lease on life:
xo Katerina This old desk was built by an Amish woodworking company in Manitoba, Canada. The owner was going to toss it out. The after. This piece was purchased after I refinished it as a wedding gift to a soon to be married couple. What a great idea!
Simplicity is often associated with minimalism, but it can also refer to the beauty and joy found in the simplicity of life itself. In a world that is constantly evolving and becoming more complex, it can be refreshing and uplifting to embrace simplicity in our daily lives.
One of the greatest joys of simplicity is the feeling of clarity and focus it brings. When we declutter our physical space and eliminate unnecessary distractions, it can be much easier to concentrate and be productive. This can be especially beneficial for those who are easily overwhelmed or have trouble managing their time. Simplicity can also bring a sense of calm and inner peace. By letting go of material possessions and external distractions, we can find greater contentment and satisfaction within ourselves. This can lead to a greater appreciation of the present moment and a deeper connection to our own values and priorities. Another benefit of simplicity is the opportunity it provides for creativity and self-expression. With fewer distractions and less clutter, we can more easily tap into our own unique interests and passions. This can be especially rewarding for those who are seeking to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Overall, the joy of simplicity is about finding happiness and fulfillment in the present moment, rather than constantly seeking out external sources of pleasure or validation. By embracing simplicity in our life, we can find greater joy, clarity, and purpose. Share if this resonates with you! xo Katerina |
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