Trailblazer: Noelle Wardell

Mum

For the last 12 years I have been a stay at home mum, the better part of my adult life.  I had no interest in University or a fancy job, just a cozy little chaotic household full of mistakes, lessons and a whole lot of love.

I met my husband in Australia when I was 25.  Within a year, we went from being plutonic, inseparable buddies, to realizing that a goodbye was impossible, to the most incredible surprise, our first child.  We were young and unprepared but so, so excited! Now, with a family of 5 and our youngest about to begin kindergarten, I am about to walk a brand new path.

Most meaningful achievement: I feel that the next stage in my life will bring me happiness and satisfaction in a completely different way than I have ever known. Being a mum has taught me my strengths and weaknesses and given me the confidence to pursue what I know I am capable of.  Gaining this wisdom is my most meaningful achievement.

Lessons learned: I owe a great deal of credit to my husband and my children for being incredible teachers.  My most significant lesson has been the recognition that I am completely equipped to embrace whatever is thrown my way.  Fearlessly.

Best advice: A special friend of mine once told me a story about yoga teacher in India.  With surprise, she came across him smoking a cigarette.  He simply told her that he enjoyed it, and that is why he did it.   He said, “If you do anything, do it because it feels good.”  And actually, if you take this advice, you will have no regret.

I always think with my heart.

The future is: is not here yet!  There are days when getting through grinding the coffee is a challenge.  One day at a time for me.

Photo by Vairdy Photography; Jewelry by Stephanie Ann Studios