I have learned to listen to my energy stores. I have learned to focus on the things that give me energy. I have learned to focus on the people and things that feel like wise energy outputs. I have learned who I can talk to about what, and who I cannot. I have learned that money is energy and where I spend my money is a reflection of my values. I have learned that a clean, uncluttered home restores my energy. I have learned that I need fresh air, and nature. I have learned that there is a difference between self-improvement and changing oneself to fit in. I have learned that if I can manage pigeon and frog pose, I can manage anything. I have learned that taking advice is not mandatory and can be adapted to fit my needs. I have learned that I know and love my family because of our differences, not despite them. I learned that I have the right and also the responsibility to respect myself. I have learned that I can live with less, and in fact thrive with less. I have learned that I stronger, bravery, and more patient than I thought I was. I have learned that my kids’ happiness is a direct reflection of my own. I have learned that I still know how to put my hand up when I think I have the answer. Most of all, I have learned that I have to spend my energy wisely in order to survive both good and hard times; and that those two things are not mutually exclusive. Things can be good AND can be hard.
Originally intended to simply focus on book reviews, over time, KaliDesautelsReads has morphed into its own entity.
I write about issues that are near to my heart, be they political, feminist, motherhood, mental health, or, as the title holds, books.
A thirty-something Canadian woman in my mid-thirties, I have been "super married" to my high school sweetheart since 2006, and together we have two crazy, clever, kind, hilarious, wonderful kids.
My first book - How Not To Blog: Finding Myself, One Post at a Time is available on Amazon (in eBook formats for you clever tech readers, and paperback for those of us who love that new book smell!)
I have tried a podcast - it's still on Apple and Google Podcasts - but writing is where my heart is.
My life changed dramatically when my husband was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer in 2018, and I am now a writer for a leading Canadian Cancer Non-Profit.
I am lucky enough to have a family that loves me and pushes me to be my best, even if it is outside of my cushiony comfort zone. I have a village of friends that nourish me, mentally, and spiritually.
Welcome to my thoughts. Sit down. Stay a while. Enjoy a cup of coffee!
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