Lefras' passion for plants and gardening is infectious. We talk about the Amaryllis in his high school boarding room, gardening on a budget, and what he would do if he won the national lottery...
Inspiring People
Patience and Perseverance While You Wait – Rina’s Story
Do you sometimes feel your dreams are elusive, as if each time you reach for them, they slip through your fingers? Our journeys don’t always lead us down a straight path. Sometimes there are detours or long periods of waiting before we can accomplish our goals. What we need is patience and perseverance, attributes that are not always cultivated in our fast-paced, just-do-it, get-your-fix-now culture. This is why Rina’s story is such a breath of fresh air. The dedication, patience, and hard work she put into becoming a small business owner, despite many challenges, is the inspiration I needed to keep me going during this crazy year.
Life’s Better on a Mountain Bike – Victoria’s Story
I loved chatting with Victoria. You can tell she’s passionate about what she does, and it’s not just mountain biking, although that’s undoubtedly part of it. For her, it’s about how the sport has the potential to empower women and boost their confidence, something she’s experienced first-hand. But it wasn’t always like this. Before she even tried mountain biking, Victoria worked a high-stress job that left her at the edge of her mental and physical reserves. One day she tried mountain biking with her partner, Wessel: She fell, she cried and got frustrated. But through her unwavering determination, she went on to become a certified instructor! Now she’s running her own business, Ride like a Girl, where she teaches other women the skills they need to feel confident on their bikes. This is Victoria’s story.
For some, art means business – Josh’s Story
Making a living as an artist is challenging. How do you stay true to your art, develop your career, and earn an income without quitting to ‘get a real job’? This is Josh’s story. He believes that not only can you survive as an artist, but that you can thrive.
Food – friend or foe? – Juané’s Story
Is food your enemy, friend or ally? Our relationship with food is complex and for some people eating goes hand-in-hand with guilt, anxiety and shame. Juané’s passionate about this topic and she spoke openly about how the process of overcoming her deep-rooted anxieties is something that takes time and commitment.
The value of people’s stories
People's stories have tremendous value, but it's important to think about how we think and react towards others' stories...
Dreams, Dirt and Personal Growth – Leandri’s Story
We all have dreams about the life we think we’ll lead and the person we hope to become, but sometimes life throws a fantastic curve ball your way and you grow into the person you were always meant to be. This is the story of how a fabulous corporate girl turned into a go-getter, hands-dirty, full-time mom, with an enormous vegetable garden and a big heart.
The boy who loves to eat
In this world, there are two types of people: people who eat to live, and people who live to eat. I have a friend, who we’ll call Mike, whose passion for food has reminded me of my own love affair with good food. Mike is three years old and it’s a privilege to watch him … Continue reading The boy who loves to eat
Lifting the fog
Sometimes a heaviness fills the air around my head and settles on my shoulders. Everywhere I look, its more bad news. Struggles, injustice, bad decisions... If I’m not careful, I'll carry this heaviness with me and it will colour the world grey. Thankfully kindness shines through the murkiness of bad news. In my experience, even … Continue reading Lifting the fog
Rhubarb and Ginger
Moving to a new country brings many new experiences. While some are expected, others are a pleasant surprise, like my introduction to the heavenly combination of rhubarb and ginger. I work at the Animals in Need Charity Shop in Letterkenny. It’s one of many charity shops in town but I’m very proud of our shop. … Continue reading Rhubarb and Ginger