This story first appeared in print in the Winter 2020 issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine. Read the e-edition here:
Looking too close at the state of the world or the affordability crisis in Revelstoke can make it difficult to be positive. But when we take time off the Internet and focus on what we can impact — ourselves and our lives — things can look a bit brighter.
We all go through ups and downs and have different tools to deal. And we’ve all heard that despite difficult times we often turn into stronger people. I know my own rock bottom a few years ago was the best thing that could have happened to me. In the throes of distress, I had the simple epiphany that everything I was doing was my choice. Those I allowed in my life, what my habits were, and where I spent my energy. Taking responsibility gave me power over what I could control, and therefore freedom. It’s not a silver bullet by any means but this change in perspective has helped me navigate through life’s problems.
Revelstoke is filled with smart and passionate people on their various journeys. As winter can be a time of reflection and hibernation, we asked two residents to consider how they have changed over the years.
Anika Heale
Since moving to Revelstoke in 2014 from the UK, Anika has made it home learning about the abundance this valley and surrounding regions offer. Wanting to encourage others to develop their own personal connection to the lands around them, she started her tea company Hello Little Hippie last year.
How have you changed over the past five years?
Over the past five years I’ve enjoyed a lot of change. Most of this has been in the way I experience the world around me. For a long time I was operating from a very disempowered stance; I now have a more developed sense of agency, and where I used to perceive a threat, I’m now able to see an opportunity.
What were the moments that caused a change in your direction/perspective?
I suppose change for me was a necessary response to an array of unwanted feelings that had been accumulating for years. It was realizing that I was the common denominator in many of the situations that left me feeling depleted, and that if I wanted to experience a different outcome, I needed to change my approach and shift my perspective. I was also introduced to the concept of ‘Saturn Return’ which happens around the age of 27 and learning more about that offered some context and normalcy to the bigger shifts and upheavals that I was experiencing at that time.
Fun fact: If you’re interested in astrology, the Saturn Return Heale mentions is the concept that Saturn takes around 29 years to complete one full orbit around the sun. When it returns to the zodiac sign in which you were born around the ages of 27 and 30, you face personal change challenges which will last around three years. The next return is around the age of 59
How do you feel about change and what do you think stops people from it?
I appreciate change; it is inevitable, therefore I think it wise to befriend. I also know that forcing change will likely not yield the desired result, and avoiding change can be very painful indeed. There’s no doubt that change can feel intimidating. I think that many of us may resist change because of the inherent loss that comes with it. There’s also this element of change needing to be drastic; we talk of “radical transformation,” and a “complete overhaul,” but change doesn’t always need to be disruptive; small and subtle shifts can have a big impact on our lives, and of those around us.
What does winter in Revelstoke mean for you?
This is definitely something that has changed considerably in the past five years. I moved here with the sole intention of skiing powder and everything was about chasing that one sensation. In recent years I’ve taken up cross country skiing and I now look forward to that as much as ski-touring. I love the snow, but I also grumble about it now!
Anything else you would like to add?
A quote from Albus Dumbledore: “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
Joey Norsworthy
Joey moved to Revelstoke in 2010 and then again in 2017. He owns and runs retail store the Revelstoke Trading Post and the sales and distribution agency Our Habit.
How have you changed over the past five years?
A focus on health has been one of the biggest changes. Setting aside those things in life that do not serve me, or my goals. Sounds selfish perhaps. I do believe it’s the only way to build positive change. And I have seen that change in just about every aspect of my life. Building two businesses requires my full attention.
What were the moments that caused a change in your direction/perspective?
A few years ago, I moved to Calgary taking on a new position, learned lots, but the contract was volatile, only lasting one year. I then worked for a few years with an established sales agency in the action sports industry. This was a great experience with a knowledgeable mentor. This position, however, was cut short due to the slow economy. It was during this time I started my own business. Realizing that I needed to be in control of my own paycheck. Diving headfirst out of our comfort zones is not something we want to do. It builds our character and allows us to accept, and embrace change. Now with both of my businesses running things change so quick, I have to adapt daily. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How do you feel about change and what do you think stops people from it?
Change is a great thing and one thing that keeps you on your toes. If you don’t embrace change, taking it on with an optimistic view — you will always perceive change as negative. We all get very comfortable in our little bubbles. This happened to me. I did not take notice of what was happening around me and was not prepared for the sudden change that hit me.
What does winter in Revelstoke mean for you?
Love winters here. The fact I can wake up in the morning ride my snowboard. Then get on with the task list is a fantastic lifestyle.
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