My 32nd birthday is next week. Every year I reflect on what this past year has been like, what it means to me, and where I am at. It’s so easy to live in the past or the future, and such a challenge to just focus on the present. So taking a few moments time to time to think about where I’m at today, right now, and how I have gotten here is grounding.
What does it mean to turn another year older? I think to everyone it’s quite different. As someone who has lost people close to me, I appreciate one more year of life here on this planet. Although I may not make the best of EVERY day, I am working on it. My life is one of constant learning, about myself and the world. And I welcome one more year to experience the love of my family, laughter with friends, the calmness of sitting by the lake, the excitement of a night out with my girls, and continuing to dream and fulfill my life’s purpose.
So where have I been the last year? Oh my. When I sit down and think about it, boy it’s been fun! Sometimes when you’re working so hard on building a business or a career, you forget to look back and appreciate all you’ve done. This past year has been full of great things, and one of them buying our very first house! (picture above)
After my summer birthday last year, my ultimate Frisbee team won the championship. I love playing this crazy game and it was fun to work hard and win! In the fall, I started working with my amazing group of volunteers – Erin, Vanessa, and Carly. These dietetic students make up the team responsible for all the incredible things you see on the blog, in events, and so much more. I was blessed to have them over the past year! In the fall, I worked as a spokesperson for Udi’s Gluten Free. I really love some of their gluten free products, so it was a job that I really enjoyed, developing recipes and doing media work to help those that need to avoid gluten, eat delicious food!
Then in the winter, my team and I worked hard to create 8 cooking videos. We recorded these videos in my home kitchen with two cameras and a team of five! I love helping people that have gas, bloating, IBS, and other digestive issues learn how to cook really good food that is low in irritating ingredients. As some of you may know. This is my life’s mission – to help those that have IBS and food intolerance’s and allergies still be able to eat really good food and feel great!
In the spring I toured the country teaching cooking workshops to amazing and incredible dietitians. From Vancouver to Halifax, we learned how to cook with delicious and nutritious Canadian Lentils. One of my team members, Erin, sous chef’d for me and we had a great time exploring the food in all of these places. Check out my review on eating in Halifax here. If you’re ever there, there are some really delicious gluten free options! I also taught several other workshops to dietitians, speaking in four cities for the Dairy Farmers of Canada on cooking with protein as well as teaching colleagues about how to use FODMAPs in their dietetic practice to help more people with IBS feel better!
I also competed in the Marilyn Denis Next Cooking Expert contest in March, oh dear! That was one of the scariest and most fun things I’ve ever done. Do you like to do things that challenge you? It’s incredibly satisfying to do something you are afraid of and get through it. Although I didn’t win the contest, Marilyn had me back on July 30th to teach a segment AND… they’ve asked me back for another segment on September 17th. This is a wonderful opportunity that I am so appreciative of – I just love sharing recipes and nutrition advice to people and it’s a great place to do so!
Well that brings me to today, one week until my 32nd birthday, and what have I learned? I’ve learned that staying active gives me energy and keeps me feeling happy … so I’ve gotta keep that in! I’ve learned that I am a natural educator and LOVE teaching, so I will continue to take opportunities to do so. I’ve learned sometimes you have to take things into your own hands and create your own opportunities, by developing videos and even launching my own book which will be released later this month. All the things I do and the work that I love the most is to help others. Having IBS myself, I know what it’s like to feel uncomfortable every day, and it’s not a life I wish on anyone. I know you those suffering with digestive distress can feel better – so I will continue my quest to help, and share this knowledge I have on how to do so!
Sometimes life is a scary place. It can be unfair and let you down. We’ve all experienced this. What I’ve learned is that often when things don’t work out, you are better off, and something else comes down the road. I just have to keep my eyes open, and take opportunities when they come… no matter how frightening and how many people are watching 😉
I wish you all the very best in the next year of your lives. Thank you for letting me into your homes and lives, and allowing me to be a part of your journey to healthy living.
Much love & good eating,
Stephanie