In my journal I recently wrote:

“I have come to honour that being an outlier doesn’t define you as a rebel. It is simply your inner calling, allowing you to step into your beautiful, uncharted, and radiant self.” 

To me, being different, being an outlier means I am closer to my authentic self. And ultimately, it means being happier and healthier. Taking a step towards being different often means asking yourself big questions and in turn, making big decisions. I have been faced with these questions many times in my life. Some led to making big decisions, some smaller. Small decisions also feel big sometimes… Imagine the look of a client that I recommend they take a break from their daily coffee (if looks could kill)!

Lately, I have been very inspired by others making big changes in their lives through putting themselves first. I have encountered many women and men choosing different paths for themselves, even when these choices are not accepted by their family, friends, or society. One of these inspirational women for me, is Trixie Pacis. 

Last week, I spoke with Trixie on Instagram live, and it inspired me to share her story, and some information about her upcoming film, Wildflowers. 

Trixie is a former client and fellow creative spirit that I have had the pleasure of working with professionally. Trixie sought nutritional advice to find out what changes she could embrace to be proactive about her diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome, a genetic predisposition to specific types of cancers. While embarking on a personal health journey, she also started to make a documentary film called Wildflowers. The film explores identity and life transitions through the stories of two mountain writers, living a century apart: Mary Schäffer Warren (1861-1939) and RCGS Fellow, Meghan J. Ward.

Trixie tells me that she was inspired by the way Mary Schäffer Warren sought healing from nature. Mary is quite the wild spirit — it was in her mid 40s, after losing her husband and parents, that she reinvented herself as an explorer, writer and photographer.

Mary Schäffer is best known for her 1907 and 1908 expeditions in search of Chaba Imne, modern day Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. She went on to map the lake and lobby for its inclusion within the protective borders of Jasper National Park and published a book about her adventures. Despite her achievements, she never received the same level of recognition as her male counterparts. The film endeavours to honour her spirit while exploring themes of identity, reinvention, healing, and connection to the land.

This women-led team has finished production with support from grants, corporate sponsors, and private donors. Now, they face the hurdle of completing post production – and this is where you come in. 

I encourage you to watch their film teaser and feel compelled to contribute. I would love it if we could come together as a community to tell stories that reflect the values we share.

Let’s embrace being different, carving our own paths, and in turn, inspire others!

Watch my video with Trixie Pacis on Instagram:

Video

Learn about the film here: