lauren’s Story 

I am a matching freak. So much so, that I match my morning coffee cup to my pajamas! I also have a knack for story-telling and the weirdest scenarios seem to happen to me, so it comes in handy! I’m a dentist, and graduating from dental school was pivotal for me. To go from being a student for SO long to be a contributing member of the adult world felt so huge. It was really the first time I felt I could spread my wings and shed constraints I always had felt. The birth of my daughter was definitely the happiest moment for me! I was so terrified of labour, and sleepless nights, and diapers that I didn’t give thought to the amount of joy and love I would feel. It was completely overwhelming in the best way. I was so scared of losing a part of myself when I became a mom, but instead, the complete opposite happened. I feel I became more myself than I knew I could. I grew up in a small town in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and have an amazing, close-knit family. It has always been my home at my core. It’s where all of family, friends and memories are from. My life there shaped me into who I am, and leaving it was so devastating - both because I knew I wouldn’t likely be back (to live - I visit a lot!) and because I was scared of starting a new life somewhere else. I wanted my children to grow up like I did. However, I love our life here and the friends and family we have cultivated. We are fortunate to be able to visit often, and, with enough wine in me, my husband and daughter are lucky enough to have my maritime accent kick in. I decided at some point in my journey that teeth were my calling, and got accepted to dental school at Dalhousie in Halifax, NS. I met some of my dearest friends and, most importantly, my husband while in school and life took some interesting turns after that. I had always assumed I would be back in my hometown, but instead, we moved to Miami, Florida while my husband completed a fellowship ( the exact OPPOSITE of small, quaint Cape Breton) and then found ourselves here in Edmonton. We have carved out a beautiful little life here with our sweet little girl, Isla and our misbehaved-yet-lovable pooch Mia. Can I sound cliche and say motherhood has been my greatest struggle? It’s true, though! It’s so unique to each mom, child, and family and there are no rules. As a type-A rule-follower it’s been an adjustment trying to navigate each stage. Just when I think I have it figured out.. she changes. Or gets a tooth. Or learns to walk. It keeps me on my toes and keeps me tired in the mornings but although it’s a struggle it’s fun (usually). I think, as a woman, balancing life day to day is difficult and the expectations are immense. I am usually very put together, and I plan, and I prepare and I like feeling like I’m in control of my life and every so often I realize I’m not. Unexpected things happen all the time that make me realize that life isn’t perfect and it’s messy and in those times I feel completely raw. I feel unprepared and exposed. I’m slowly learning that I am enough, however, pressures in all life’s aspects tests that ideal all the time. That life just keeps pushing forward. Regardless of the circumstance it all really does work out, times does heal wounds, and you forage on. There have been so many times where I felt my world stopped and being overwhelmed with a situation at hand felt impossible. But I kept moving, and life kept going. To step back to reminisce about former challenges puts that concept in perspective for me - which I use in facing new obstacles. Success for me as a woman is achieving the same acknowledgment as a man for the same task. It sounds simple enough but it’s so frustratingly complicated. I’m a working mom, and feel constant scrutiny. Success to me, is doing your best with what you have - without judgment. I think that’s what we are all striving to do. I am surrounded by intelligent, successful, girl bosses and I love them all dearly. I’m SO fortunate that my little girl has the best group of ladies to help shape her as she grows up. I read this somewhere once and it stuck with me - “Just because someone carries a burden well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy. “ I think it’s such a nice way to say that we all have struggles, even if some people aren’t as open as others. Also, I’ve figured out life is happier if you realize sometimes it simply isn’t fair; but you just do YOU. Here's to happiness, health, more kids and dogs. :)