Happiness is Found Within

Meet Lindsay – Happiness Like Power is Found Within   It started when I was greeted with a friendly, “Good morning!” from a cheerful lady standing behind the counter at the coffee shop I’ve frequented several times. We began chit-chatting while she prepared my large medium roast coffee. I wanted to learn more about this upbeat bubbly person, so we chatted at a table cozily tucked up against the wall where local art is proudly displayed.   Within the first few minutes of our conversation, I got the sense that Lindsay is a very strong, passionate, and independent person who loves a challenge. “I am an only child, and because of that, I had to figure things out on my own without a sibling to help. My dad was a Minister, so we moved around a lot. We moved from Winnipeg to Pictou when I was only 2 years old, Liverpool at age 7, and then to Pugwash when I was 16 years old, “she grinned,” When I was 17 years old, I asked my parents if I could move back to Liverpool to live with my best friend and her family so I could finish my grade 12 with my friends, and incredibly my parents agreed!”   I quickly asked, “How did that experience change you?” She smiled, “My parents were always very supportive of me and anything I wanted to do. It taught me to be resilient, to stand up for myself, and always do what I need to be happy in my life.” I wondered what she did after she graduated high school, “I went to St. FX University,” she laughed, “I wanted to be a Lawyer, take an Arts Degree, then go to Dal for Law, but that all changed in an instant when I suddenly had the urge to switch gears to become a Dietitian, which I did.”   Curious, I asked what inspired her to switch gears. “When I was younger, I was really into playing sports and my parents always were making sure that I was eating properly. Dad would make his own peanut butter and buckwheat pancakes. He may have played a role in my career change,” she continued, “Also, when I was a teenager, I had a few friends who struggled with unattainable body image that they had seen in magazines and borderline eating disorders. I wanted to help educate people,” her eyes lit up, “You need to be ok with yourself, not be afraid to put yourself out into the world, and do not be afraid of your own power.”   We continued chatting for quite some time about her husband, kids, pets, her entrepreneurial spirit, love of the arts, theatre, and performing on stage as an actor in the Sound of Music before circling back to her family. “My dad passed away in the fall of 2018. I am so grateful that I was able to be there for him,” she cleared her throat, “And, for mom who took care of him.” She smiled, “My mom finally moved from Eastern Passage to Stellarton earlier this year to be closer to us. I love that she is close by, and we can spend more time together and help each other.” I replied, “You are a wonderful daughter.” She smiled warmly.   Lastly, Lindsay shared, “One of my favourites is by Marianne Williamson, ‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.’” I pondered for a moment, “Wow, that is deep, I love it!” Pictured: Lindsay and her son, Gabe with their puppy's sibling Pictured: Lindsay and her son, Gabe with their puppy's sibling Pictured: Lindsay and her son, Gabe with their puppy's sibling Pictured: Lindsay and her son, Gabe with their puppy's sibling