About Me
On a Personal Level
A previous leader of mine asked what words would describe me…This made me rethink how I see myself as a person, and not just as a leader, a coworker, a family/friend, a partner, etc.
What I said then: Wanderer, Lover of Nature, Creative, Aerial Artist, Metaphysical Dabbler
One thing I love about life is that we are not “stuck” with anything. We can reinvent ourselves as many times as we want. We can shed old parts of us, expand where we want to, and explore new territory as well. To quote one of my favorite bands:
“Took a minute but I figured out,
That no one ever really has it all figured out –Fall down, get up and repeat.Don’t believe it, let me demonstrate it,I took apart who I was, and I rearranged it-
I’m better than I was before.”
~ Bronze Radio Return (Ready to Go)
We don’t have to choose to stop growing and exploring ourselves, our passions, places to see, things to try.
Who I am (for) now:
Wanderer, Lover of Nature, Creative, Intuitive, Empath,
Death Demystifier, Transition Coach
- You’ll find me most at peace when I am in nature or meditation…
- I will most likely be looking forward to wherever our next trip to the mountains are…
- Or where we are going to be camping this summer…
- Hanging out by the fire in the backyard…
- Creating some kind of art…
- Exploring the magical side of the universe and connecting with ancestors…
- Touching whatever I can…
- Living LIFE.
Creativity and innovation has been a core piece of who I am for as long as I can remember. Since I was little, I knew I wanted to own my own business one day- from lemonade stands, to backyard “carnivals” with my cousins, it was always fun to dream up new ventures and the operations behind it.
Through love and loss, finding expressing myself through art has been a huge healing process and helped me develop who I am as an individual.
Also, I LOVE puzzles. I have fond memories of being “up north” and putting a puzzle together with my family. But it goes further than fitting those pieces together – any games, especially ones where I need to strategize for the long haul, it’s my jam. Brain teasers, problem solving, research— these are more “puzzles” that I am all about.
Death by Design
I’ve always found beauty in death and dying. I feel that recognizing death allows us to live freely, joyfully, and wholeheartedly.
I have witnessed the physical death of family members, pets, and through multiple pregnancy losses. Each one was unique, and in the heartbreak, I found peace through honoring each of their lives. Death also has a place in life – the death of beliefs that no longer serve us, death of relationship and friendships – these “little” deaths throughout our lives provide us with an opportunity to step outside our comfort zone, grow, and to find an even more authentic version of ourselves. Physical deaths may be harder to think about and plan for, but just as we take the reins with these little deaths in life, we have flexibility and control over our own death in many ways.
Understanding that this looks different for every one, I felt a calling to hold space for other’s and to help them plan for a “good” death.
“Lightswitch” Moments that Lead Me Here…
Saved up for a guitar…
At age 15 and instead bought my first point-and-shoot camera. This was a total gamechanger and my love for photography took off. This is something I incorporate in my life still today.
Lesson:
Explore something new, you may love it!
Precious Moments
At 93 years young, a previous resident I knew started drawing. Never tried before and she decided to join us for an activity- She was in shock and was AMAZING. She dabbled with colored pencils, and quickly moved on to oils and charcoal.
Lesson:
You are never too old to try something new.
A Re-birth
December 28, 2017 is what I dubbed my “rebirth”day. The day I chose to step out of the life I was living and into a new, unknown one. As scary as it was, I knew I needed to make a major shift in my life in order to expand and thrive.
Lesson:
Happiness depends upon ourselves.
-and- It’s okay to Be vulnerable and ask others for help.
Spill the Tea
After battling with infertility and multiple losses, I had a moment of clarity (gifted by a Snake – still confused on this), that I never actually grieved them and that chapter of my life. That is where my homework/shadow work started. Diving headfirst into the unknown, yet again, knowing I am supported and will be grateful for the experiences and lessons learned.
Lesson:
Grief does not go away. You must feel it to integrate it into your life.
Rocky Mountain Way
A vacation to Colorado had more in store for me than I ever expected… One “wrong” turn ended us on a beautiful scenic route passing a natural burial cemetery, the first one I’ve ever seen. Due to Facebook’s algorithm, a course from The Deathwives showed up and I was able to finally put words/a description to what I am called to do (Death Doula).
Lesson:
Stay curious.
Discover why something pulls you.
Answering the Call
Raven’s “craw” guides me as I step into this ancient practice and modern career path. Choosing to think about death in a new light brought me into a space, a sense of peace and calming, that I want to be able to hold for others.
Realizing that what doesn’t seem like “work” to me, is exactly what I am meant to be doing. Embracing the call to help others, in a time that can be incredibly difficult and emotional, by helping to create a balance of honoring them in this sacred time.
Lesson:
Take the leap. Trust the process.
Let's Create Magic
In life
and Death
Contact
steph@popbees.buzz
(920) 309-5353
Home base: Green Bay, WI
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