I also never thought I’d live in PEI as an adult.

I thought I’d come home and visit. Have a nice little cottage and then go back-and-forth to my corporate job out west. PEI would always be home but I would only be there for short visits once or twice a year

Now I live here and have been back almost as long as I’d be gone. I’m grateful that I’m now feeling much more integrated into the community than I thought I would I would be.

A career in tourism can be so rewarding. We get to be a part of other people’s vacations and help them make memories. We contribute to the economy here on PEI and help employ thousands of people. And while all those things are amazing, just don’t let the career you chose be what consumes you and keeps you from enjoying this beautiful island of ours!

At some point I decided that I needed to be the strong one through this. And through all parts of my life, really. I took pride in the fact that I barely cried, ever. I was holding it together in front of others so that they knew they could rely on me when they were falling apart.

I can’t stop thinking about how big of a difference the last year has made for me. Of course I can see a big physical difference but there’s more to it.

My dad lives for fishing. He’s been doing it for over 50 years and now I get to learn alongside him. Being able to enjoy his passion with him while building my own love for lobster fishing is an experience I never expected to have.

I’m two weeks out from the 2024 lobster season and it’s bringing up a mix of thoughts and feelings…

After a long road of recovering from burnout I make sure that I’m conserving and managing my energy so that I can be my best self.

I left the boardroom behind to explore the open waters and join my family in doing what we’ve done for generations before me.