Not too busy to do the things I love

It’s March 2nd and everything is emerging and beginning to bloom!

I have to confess, I wasn’t going to celebrate that I got a promotion at work. Wait what?! Yes – I’m a manager now! Tourism Development Manager. My previous title was Indigenous Tourism Specialist, a dream job that I’ve been fortunate to have.

A promotion is exciting and I was hesitant to share this as I am running for Council for Hupacasath in the upcoming election. I have been fearful (and still kinda am ) that people will assume I am too busy to do the job. But ‘busy’ is a title I’ve been trying to shed since 2017 when I began transforming my life to be more balanced and grounded.

I will admit that I was busy during the years of 2014-17. I was grieving the loss of both my grandparents and my coping mechanism was to keep busy. After no longer having the responsibilities I piled on during those years, it was such a relief to come up for air and let the real healing begin.

Last year in 2020, we held our family potlatch to end our grief and do our business. Connecting with our songs, dances and family was the medicine I needed to truly let go of that heavy grief and lift my spirits. It’s commonly said that grief comes in waves… and I will still have emotional moments when I’m having deep vulnerable conversations with people.

This year and into the future, I will NOT be too busy to do the things I care about and am passionate about. My time currently consists of my job, playing disc golf, beading, reading, eating and getting outside in our territories with my partner Paul.

I am passionate about community development and the overall wellbeing of Hupacasath members and our community. This is why I am putting my name forward to Council again, because I truly care about our people. I am committed to helping our people and community through thick and thin.

I’ve learned and continue to learn how to take care of myself when it comes to my mind, body and spirit. For me, it’s a balance between staying grounded and knowing when to go with the flow. I know if elected I will be there for Hupacasath while continuing doing what I love (which includes my new job!).