Tasha N. Peltier Log 1

As a new fellow, it may be a difficult transition to begin putting yourself first. To really imagine what it is that YOU need to show up as your best self and make the impact that you want to. I am taking about putting yourself first in deep and meaningful ways. This is an opportunity to do things that may have been out of reach for you. This may mean that you have the ability to explore opportunities and make new connections. For me, this was having the resources to say yes to a life changing opportunity to spend some time in New Zealand with our Maori relatives. It was short notice, but I was able to make it work, and I know that wouldn’t have happened without the Bush Fellowship. I have also decided to make a career change. I have been working full-time for the same organization for 8 years. I now have the opportunity to advance my career with another organization. This is a scary change for me, but I am comfortable making the transition because I know that this is all part of my learning and growth. I will have the opportunity to take some time off over the summer, a sort of sabbatical that will allow me to re-align myself before starting my new role. I want to make time to do the things I need to for myself, mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I am also stepping away from the non-profit work that has been so close to my heart since 2019. This wasn’t an expected or easy decision, but it was necessary for the sake of our organization. Sometimes, in the non-profit space, we feel like we are the only ones that can keep the work moving forward. The reality is that there are other leaders out there waiting to take on roles, impact community, and make incredible changes happen. We have to quit telling ourselves that the work is dependent on us and give others the chance to lead. Although it will be hard to step away, I am so excited to see how our organization continues to build and grow as we expand staff and services. I will always stay connected to that work in some way.

What I have learned through the first year of my fellowship is that this is a journey that requires us to be flexible and adaptable. We may set out to do certain things in a certain time frame, but life teaches us that even one small detour can throw off our whole plan, and that is ok! I am learning to be flexible and to take risks. I am learning that rest is an important part of “doing the work”. I am learning to be confident and know my worth. I feel extremely grateful for this journey. I look forward to continuing my learning and whatever creator has in store for me.