What is a Canadian girl doing living the simple life in Hawaii? Living of course! It takes courage to live a life you love, and Andy grabbed courage by both wings. She lives a simple, earthy life, and has passed on her love of healthy living to her children. Here is the first part of Andy’s inspiring story, in her own words.
Hi my name is Andy and some of you may know me as @earthyandy on Instagram. I have two rambunctious little boys and an incredible husband. We live on the North Shore of Oahu. I moved here as a teenager from the plains of Saskatchewan, Canada. My heart always belonged in the tropics! When I was a little girl I used to walk along the snow banks on the way to school looking at the sun thinking that same sun is in Hawaii, and I would spend my day dreaming of being a surfer girl living the beach life.
Long story short, my dad ignited my dreams with encouragement to make it my reality. He told me to save my money, get good grades in school and go for it! I believed him with all my heart and did just that… and the rest is history.
Soon after I moved here to Hawaii, I met Shem and we fell in love. We actually never went on one date, he hadn’t even spent a dollar on me (in fact I don’t think he had $1 dollar to his name!), but he proposed after a week and almost 10 years later we have two little blonde babes living a simple, yet beautiful life with the beach as our playground.
Everything in my life has led me to where I am now. I know this is where I was meant to be. We are super active, and surf every chance we get. We enjoy the outdoors and I am a huge yoga fan, who also loves to hike, swim, surf, and paddle board. What better place to do that than Hawaii!
Sometimes choosing to live a life we love isn’t that simple, but I truly believe each and every one of us has a unique life path that is out there to explore and lead us to a place that is better than we can probably plan ourselves. It’s just a matter of being in tune with ourselves, working towards what you believe is right for you and knowing anything is possible.
I believe in keeping expectations low while aiming high! This has always been my mind set. It’s hard to be disappointed when you are open to all, knowing that the good and the bad that come into our lives are meant for growth, and
I am a bit of a dreamer, this is true! Also a bit impulsive, and a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I’ve got to keep life interesting right! We have always found ways to travel and explore whether it’s taking on extra jobs, or eating rice and noodles for months straight. Anything that will get us those plane tickets to discover our beautiful world and the many cultures our planet has to offer. And even if we don’t get those plane tickets to travel and adventure, life is good if you are with the people you love.
I am so grateful for my kids, and being able to simply spend time with my family. I believe in positivity, perspective, generosity and taking on a holistic approach to health and happiness. It’s all about balance for me… work hard, play hard, laugh, cry, learn, zone out, explore, potato couching it, it’s all good and needed. Personally I have found the most balance, by adapting a plant based lifestyle , aiming to simplify my life, accepting my stresses and focusing on my blessings. Living the simple life isn’t hard. It’s all about making the choices that will lead you there. Or maybe here!
