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Who knew in 2019 as I sat in Suzanne’s kitchen with my DONA birth doula training manual in front of me that I would still be here 4 years later with the same passion and want to be a Doula. Typically with my ADHD I move on from projects almost as fast as I start them, but yet birth and babies have been on my mind and in my heart. I took a small hiatus while I sorted my life out, including being laid off from my job, getting divorced, moving twice and spending 1.5 years working full time as an End of Life Doula for a terminally ill woman.
I did step away from the birth and postpartum world and it allowed me to reflect and really dig into what I want to do. I have spent the majority of my career leading people and building teams for a company. While that was fulfilling in its own right, the birth of my son made me realize that I adore connecting with people on a more emotional level. Business is business but having the privilege of entering someone’s life at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives is an honor each and every time. Deciding to reenter the birth world is not without its share of challenges. I have been away from it so I have lost my connections in the community. I feel like the new kid on the block again, starting fresh even though I have put hundreds of hours into this work already. It has given me the confidence to reach out for new ideas because I don’t want to be your typical Doula. I want to challenge myself and my team that I get to build. This support is so needed and I want to make it accessible to more than it has been. My Rain or Shine facebook page sends me notifications every day telling me how many people have viewed my facebook page in a day. Sometimes I get upwards of 10 views. This tells me there is still a need for my presence in the birth world and why am I not in it? Welcome back. I am here now!
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I am glad you are here. It is about time I start blogging, don’t you think? It will give me yet another platform to talk, and I can gather my thoughts a little better compared to when I stick the camera in my face for a car or office chat. Today I want to share some realizations. If you have been following me for a bit, you will know that 2021 is the year of Me First. I am also trying to piece together several businesses, be my own boss and live my best life. All that mixed together brings me here, and gives me the strength to share with you. I am going to stop obsessing on how to do this properly and I am just going to start.
My wife bought a pants romper from Walmart last year, saying that she wanted it for around the house. You know, a romper is all one piece, you have to get all the way naked to use the bathroom. This seems like it would be a strike against them, but I tried it on and let me tell you it was comfortable! The lack of elastic and a waistband in the hip/waist area is rather lovely, but there is not a risk of butt exposure on windy days like a dress would cause. Looking in the mirror, old Kristle would have immediately zoned in on my big ol’belly. The automatic response to that is “aw Kristle, it’s not that big…” or “yeah girl OMG I’m glad you finally noticed…”, and I am going to stop you right there. This is not what this is about. I know the belly is big. I had a baby and didn’t take care of myself for 4 years. We are changing this now, right? Six months ago this romper would not see the light of day outside. Regardless that it would have been November in Edmonton where no one sees the light of day, I would have not worn this in public. Guess what I did today? I wore the romper to the dog park, in broad daylight. Bright and early, while the morning dog park people were power walking their dogs around before work. I was power walking my dog around too, in the most comfortable outfit. What is the difference? I have realized that I am working on my body to be healthy, not to lose weight. Self-love runs deeper than bubble baths and yoga. There are a lot of ways to show yourself self-love. Letting go of the fear others will judge me is one of them. My point is that I am developing a strong passion for overcoming obstacles in my life, and I want to help others do the same thing. I adore being faced with a challenge or the desire to accomplish something, and actually coming up with a solution and doing it! What is it that you want to do? Why don’t we have a chat about it and perhaps I can help with the navigation. Yes, I am a Doula. Yes I have a passion for families and babies. I have also discovered the passion that I have for helping people get to where they want to go. You all have an idea of how you want to live your life. What is stopping you? What is holding you back? Money? Your kids? Your fear? Let’s talk about it. I don’t have anything official because I doubt what I am wanting exists. I have not fit in anywhere else in my life, so I always just pave my own way. I am doing that here too. I challenge you to reach out and let's talk about where you want to be. Perhaps talking to me is what will get you started. What do you have to lose? |
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