Two events in my life I wear like badges of honor, proud of the courage they took. The first, was delivering my stillborn daughter without an epidural and without any antidepressants. The second was taking a leap of faith in opening up Mama Gaia’s.  In both situations, I was petrified, however, I knew that any other course different from the ones I chose would leave me with regret. I am again at a point in my life where I see a decision that needs to be made. Again, I know which path will leave me with regret, and so my decision is clear.

It is time for me to move on.

When I opened the store, the economy was good. I was a single mom to an elementary school boy, with shared custody. I had all the time in the world to devote to my store and my ideals. I am now in a place where I have to choose between those same ideals that built my store and the store itself.

You see, I have a new daughter and she wants to explore the world. I have a new step-son who’s birth mom is in Texas and dealing with her own personal demons. He is a special needs kid. I have every ability in the world to provide for him what he needs, except time. I also have a husband at home that I want to devote more of my Self to. I have two other jobs that pay me well and could be even more nurtured if I didn’t own the store. In addition, I could devote what spare time I will have to my wildest dreams of taking reiki into the general population. I can take it to the community center at lower prices than anyone could imagine. I would have time for more hospice reiki work.

I do not regret taking my leap of faith three years ago. I became reacquainted with my husband here. I nurtured existing friendships here. I created lasting relationships here. Mama Gaia’s alone kept over 2 and a half million disposable diapers out of our landfills. I have taught nearly a thousand women how to use a Moby Wrap to comfortably carry their babies and consequently created a more secure environment for those children that will one day grow into adults in our community. I introduced this community to many homeopathic remedies that they would otherwise never even know about given the nature of my store appealing to the general population of women. I’m not sorry I took the risk. Not for a moment.

Nor do I believe that in three years, I will regret the choice I am making now.

There are so many people to thank. So many people made this experience worthwhile. I hesitate to mention individuals for fear that I will forget to mention some. In essence, I thank the community for having me and for welcoming me.

I best be on my way now.  I have to go home and take care of my family.

Dawn Papple