How did this become our badge of honour? I want to be able to say that I had a great day, a relaxing day, that I am organized and rarely feel overwhelmed. I want to say that there are enough hours in my day. That I have time to make proper meals, time for exercise, time to meet with friends, time to read a book, time to watch a movie, a documentary or a silly sitcom. I want to say it with pride because I actually do. I have been able to create a simple life that most days is balanced and fulfilling.
When I call my Mom (keep in mind that she is 96) and tell her what I have been up to, she says, ‘My you are a busy woman”. I want to explain that yes, I have a full schedule but I am doing things I truly enjoy and I have a life that is very satisfying. I know that she thinks being busy is very important or what I want her to say because that is what society dictates. I know that my mother always ridiculed people who napped so I never tell her about my naps. I love a nap…now that I am older and working much less….a delicious nap might last 2 hours….ok….2.5 hours. Why not? If I nap, I can stay up later and fill the time with one of my projects.
All this doesn’t mean that I don’t get busy, get tired, get stressed but when it does happen, I want to realize that this is not a state of being I admire. I am looking at ways to continue working and by that I mean continue working past the average retirement age. I want to work at things that bring me joy. I want to undercover my passions. I want to share them with others and earn my living doing just that.
I don’t think we need to wait until we are sixty to start this journey. It seems important to excavate, explore and dig deep to find your authentic self now – today. We all have one. I left Canada at 48 with a plan to travel for a year. I came home 2 years later….a radical activist and what felt like a very different person.
I wasn’t a different person– I had just uncovered another part of me that I had missed. It feels now like so much of all those personal discoveries are coming together – all my passions, all my interests, all my desires and yes, maybe all my dreams.
peace, joy and love
The coming of age ceremony you did for Kasha was very beautiful and touching! You’ve got the gift of bringing people together in a meantingful way. Marla Slavner June 2016
” Thank you Sandra (Ruch) for your professionalism. It was a pleasure to have you as our officiant to the start of our life together. Sandra had a gentle personality, dressed very professional and had great shoes. We have nothing to say except great things.” David and Wayne
Sandra Ruch was absolutely amazing! She went above and beyond to provide us with a ceremony that my husband and I both loved. She provided with us with many readings and gave us an outline of how the ceremony would go. She was professional, responsive and gave us lots of ideas! Our guests thought the ceremony was beautiful and memorable.Thank you so much Sandra! Kenana & David 09/17/2016
Sandra Ruch went beyond our expectations, she was kind and really guided us through the entire process. I have already had numerous people reach out to me asking for Sandra’s information – she was a huge hit. Sandra was truly magnificent. She was accommodating with us being out of province, she provided so much guidance in the process and really gave us a warm feeling. She has the combination of a really heartfelt smooth tone with genuine excitement and love when performing your service. We would recommend her to all. Kale & Justin
We had the absolute pleasure of Sandra Ruch officiating our wedding ceremony. From the moment we met Sandra it was clear that she truly cared about us and wanted our day to be tremendously special. She spent an evening getting to know us and helped guide us through what turned out to be a very personalized, well executed, and beautiful ceremony. Thank you Sandra for caring so much about us and delivering a beautiful ceremony. Andrea and Rob
Sixty in the City 