Meet Shawna, she has called Kamloops her home for more than a decade! Shawna wants to remind everyone about the importance of self-appreciation and reflection.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I enjoy all the good people in my life...family & friends, but I also really enjoy the quiet times. I'd have to say my dog is my favourite being to spend time with. She likes to explore, is a great listener. She is always up for an adventure! :)
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
There are so many great people in Kamloops that run small businesses & local stores. Top 3 that I visit because of the quality of product & the friendly personal service are 1) Healthylife Nutrition, 2) Cosmic Rocks, 3) The Art We Are Cafe
Describe yourself in one word.
Curious
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
So many places!! I'd love to go to the Scottish Highlands. I've heard so many great things about the people and the landscape. Seems like a magical place.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Wandering through the trails & parks soaking up the sun.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Wow, I can think of many embarrassing moments. :) I wouldn't say any of them are worthy of a good story though. Perhaps, my most embarrassing moment is yet to come!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
There are so many things that inspire me and many inspiring things that have happened to me. I'd have to say that my time teaching and living overseas was probably the closest to my heart. It was a life-changing adventure outside of my comfort zone that challenged me every day. The memories, moments and lessons I had there continue to inform my life and my work.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memories are probably the family roadtrips and camping trips. So many great memories! <3
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
In University I worked hard, studied often and always volunteered in frontline community resource type programs. In these past few years, I've needed to regroup and find a new balance for myself. I see so many big opportunities to be in service in the community, but for now I'm focused on serving my clients and spending time with loved ones. How I give back now is more subtle...I hold monthly community NADA Circles, pick up trash on my walks, smile at a stranger, etc.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love to see people collectively stop and take a deep breath. The busy momentum of our world throws out a lot of distractions. We forget about the simple things, we forget that there is so much going on outside of our day to day bubbles of routine and responsibility. We become careless with our awareness of others. I would love to see people take a pause in that momentum to notice things...the cars around them, the people in those cars, their own bodies, their own breathing, the dishes they are washing, the food they are eating, etc. I feel by reclaiming awareness of some of those moments, the world would be kinder...we would be kinder to ourselves and others.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Any pocket of green space available :)
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I've seen many positive changes in the community in the past couple of decades. I look forward to seeing those changes continue.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The landscape! The sun, the sage & the magpies are my favourite things here.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
All of my bucket list ideas that come to mind first easily involve travel. So my top 3 bucket list trips (other than Scotland, of course!) would be to walk/hike the Camino Trail, go on a camping/safari expedition in Africa and to explore Sedona & the surrounding landscapes.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I consider myself a friendly introvert. Throughout my life, I have often struggled with social anxiety which can be a challenging internal tug-of-war at times, especially when I was younger.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
There are business facebook pages for Wild Roots, NADA Circles Kamloops & Sacred Treasures Health. My email [email protected] is easiest for most people to be in touch with me.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I am mainly based out of Wild Roots clinic on Battle Street with Dr. Andrea Hansen. I also operate Sacred Treasures Health (I started this business on the Island while going to school.)
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always wanted to help people in one capacity or another. I love Chinese Medicine philosophy because it provides a lens on what it means to be well as a whole person.
What is the goal of your business?
To help empower people to find health, wellness and ease in their bodies, minds and lives.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
To find and maintain my own sense of balance.
What do you always find yourself saying?
One day at a time!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I call them "check-ins" :). Pause, take a breath and take a moment to notice what's happening around you and within you. Do this not with the intention that anything needs to be done...just practice the "noticing." :)
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
As a small business person and being self-employed, I appreciate the value & importance of supporting each other.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Good question! All of my accomplishments feel like stepping stones so it's hard to single one out. I'm proud and grateful to have accomplished all of what I have to lead me to where I am today.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Dr. Andrea Hansen...gratitude and appreciation for how she has been a part of my life and journey.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tammy Morrison
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I really appreciate the chance to share a bit of my story... thank you for taking the time! :)
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
