Embracing Change: A Journey of Growth, Magic, and New Beginnings
Embracing Change: A Journey of Growth, Magic, and New Beginnings
Life has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths, doesn’t it? Over the past 6 - 8 months, I’ve experienced shifts that, while challenging at times, have filled me with so much gratitude and excitement for what’s to come.
I made a big decision: I dropped out of college to pursue my true passion—herbalism. It wasn’t easy, but after much soul-searching and reflecting, I knew it was the right choice. Leaving college, dropping nursing and taking this leap of faith has taught me the importance of trusting my intuition and following my heart, even when it goes against the crowd, even if I’m the only one who sees it. Sometimes, we have a dream so big, so loud, that we can’t ignore it anymore. It’s all we think of. All we see. All we feel. It wakes us up at 5 am to start the day and stays on our minds as we fall asleep. It’s in the ideas we have in the bathtub, on walks, in stillness. It’s the excitement in your eyes, your voice, your very being—and the glow your loved ones notice when you talk about what you’re passionate about. The dream that's MEANT for you. The path that's MEANT for YOU to walk. Even if it is alone. "The right ears will hear you. The ones who want to listen, they will hear you" - Voices in the bathtub. If you know about the whispers is stillness, you know what I'm talking about.
My biology teacher recommended a book she said I would really enjoy. It’s called Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. I actually owned the book and never read it. Eventually picked it up after leaving her class, and it was like the spark I needed. I realized I wasn’t alone in seeing the beauty in nature the way I do. Robin Wall Kimmerer sees it. My biology teacher sees it too. And so, I know there are others out there who share this vision, this deep connection to the Earth. If you feel that way, I highly recommend this book.
LOL, you know that Big Bird Meme? The one where he's sitting in the office and the caption is something like, “When you’re all love, light, and gardens but stuck working a 9-5...or in the matrix...” or something like that. Anyway, that’s me. I am Big Bird! 😂 I can’t pretend to fit in where I don’t, it’s exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job as a CCA. I love brightening the residents’ days, making them laugh, walking with them, dancing, singing. I do. But my heart... my heart is with the plants, with nature, with WHOLEistic health. I don’t see myself in scrubs forever—I see myself surrounded by nature, healing, helping, and growing.
So, I decided to launching Soil 2 Soul Herbz, a Ray of Light Company.
Keeping some of your favorite all natural products and bringing in some exciting new and improved ones! Teas, Tinctures, Remedies, Workshops and more! What really gave me the kick to go, again another funny universe thing, was the vendors market. I had been getting emails for WEEKS. That I wasn't getting before. I took that as a sign. Do it Ray. The hardest step, is the first one after all. My last market (4 years ago?) was a TOTAL DIVE. And the last one I'd do...I was so... broken. I wasn't ready. But this one, this one hits different. I now have more and better skills. I now have a better understanding, appreciation and "knowing". So I went for it, took that first step. I took it TERRIFIED. I participated in the market, and the response was amazing! 🥰 So many good conversations about natural medicine and health. Thank you all for the support. Sharing the posts, being as excited as I am, showing up and spreading the word. It feels so good to be back, creating magic and sharing my passion for WHOLEistic healing.
Right now, I’m working on a huge project: renovating the mudroom to create a storefront for Soil 2 Soul Herbz! It’s been a bigger task than anticipated, but I’m thrilled about what’s ahead. 😁🤗
I’ve been prepping and planning the back garden, which was a bit of a challenge last season due to the weather and lack of sunlight (thanks to the Trees around the property). But we’re hopeful we’ll get it sorted soon! Our friends Mint, Oregano, Thyme, Lemon Balm, the Strawberries, Chives, and the Spring Onions are making their come back!!! Welcome back! 🌱 The Lilacs, Blueberries, and Raspberries are starting to bud, also Welcome Back!! And the Lilac transplants look like they’re thriving! I hope they lower this year. We had an ABUNDANCE of plums last year, so I am not expecting any this year, and the Gooseberry bush is waking up too! It’s truly a joy to see the garden come back to life. 🌱🥰🤗 We're very much like that ourselves, aren't we?
This year we are putting in a front garden! Herbs and Flowers to dry and veggies specifically for freezing. We realized we canned a lot, but our frozen stock was low. I would have done some questionable things for frozen veggies from Mom's Garden this winter. 😒😅 That's part of it though, learning from last year and improving this year. We also wildcrafted some wild blueberry bushes for the front yard!!! There are some trails by our property, and we noticed off the path that there were blueberry bushes...and lots of them. Well, bushes and flowers anyway. The deer get to them and there isn't much sun in there when the trees grow in. BUT THE USNEA!! You know that some good air in there... Anyway, lol, we also transplanted Lilac shoots for the garden entrance. It's mapped out, just waiting on the sunshine. ☀ (Lilac lemonade is ALLLL THAT).
A big part of my focus this year is community, too. We’re planning a food bank garden to donate fresh, homegrown produce, thanks to the abundance of seeds donated by wonderful folks. ❤ I’m also looking into organizing a community garden at the local church, which I think will be a great way to connect with others and give back.
There’s so much on the horizon, and I’m filled with excitement, gratitude, and determination. Every step I take feels like a step closer to where I’m meant to be.
Until next time, keep creating magic and nurturing your Soul. ✨
With love, Light and Herbz 🌿
Ray ☀