Experiential stories that revolve around the importance of being authentic to not only yourself but to those around you. After years of never finding the time to ‘stop and smell the roses,’ Jeannette is unearthing many of her passions including writing, fashion, and thrifting through her online blog ‘My Authentic Journey’ (formerly called ‘The Vineyard Life’) – a creative outlet that allows her to share, learn, and grow with others. You can explore more of her stories at @jeannettepdardenne on Instagram or www.myauthenticjourney.com.

By Jeannette Dardenne

Why is it that we can so quickly move on from what brings us joy? <don’t worry… I am not referring to my love of taking photos of my food 😆>

And even stranger, forget that we were even doing something that offered us peace?

Boom … we are on to other things that add more to our plates?

That mere fact that we can allow ourselves to get swept up in the fierce pace of life is scary.

I promised myself that I would keep up with my writing. No matter what, I would find time.

It was my salvation. My way of having some alone time. A space that allowed me to JUST BE …

But, I stopped … abruptly. I even forgot that I had stopped … or ever started. The space was quickly filled with other things relaxing and not.

During 2020, <the year of full blown Covid-19>, I made a promise to myself that I would find time to enjoy non-work related activities. Yes, I am still in front of a computer, but the feeling of extra air around me, shoulders less tight, and my mind relaxing is magnetic..

When I hit 40 … I recognized the need to focus more on what gives me peace. Can anyone else compare their lives with riding on a speeding conveyor belt? And when we all found ourselves beholden to our homes in 2020 for what seemed like forever, did you too relish in the slow pace of life? We all stayed home! No need to run to appointments, the office, events …

It was a twisted gift.

And during this time, I promised myself that time was not something to take for granted. Like sand, it can quickly wash away without notice.

And so here I am. Ready to tap those keys on my computer. Hoping that you are open to reading, sharing, and maybe smiling at what you see before you. Allowing yourself to relish in a moment of quiet enjoyment.

Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne is an entrepreneur who started the popular Facebook group @eatinconnecticut – a community forum that connects foodies and the food and beverage industry for delicious conversations. She and her business partner now together run @eatinconnecticut and INGroup Creative – a public relations and marketing company that helps small businesses thrive. Jeannette is also a business advisor at the University of Hartford Entrepreneur Center & Women’s Business Center. When she isn’t helping others, she enjoys exploring the state and beyond with her husband and two children.

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