Sherri is a wife and mother of 2 boys. Her work touches my heart and I truly appreciate her talent. I think you will too!
Please welcome Sherri Kruger!
Interview 4 Inspiration
Sherri Kruger
Serene Journey & Zen Family Habits
Sherri Kruger
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I'm a regular girl who grew up on the Canadian prairies with my two younger sisters and my mom and dad. My husband and I have been married now for 13 years and we have two gorgeous boys. We are very focused on our family and our happiness. We work hard each day to create a warm, loving, secure and comforting home, a place where we can all just BE without judgement.These are the ideas I share on Serene Journey and Zen Family Habits.
Before we started our family I worked in genetic research. My husband and I moved to Australia for 4 years where I completed my PhD in molecular genetics. When we moved back home we started our family and my love of genetics took a back seat to the new loves of my life. I am now a happy work at home mom taking care of my young family.
Of course I'm focused on raising my family, but in addition to that I have a few side projects that keep me busy when I have a few moments to myself. I'm chief editor and writer at Serene Journey and Zen Family Habits. I'm also a contributing writer for Success Your Way and Dumb Little Man. I have a new project that I'm hoping to launch in January 2011 which will be the biggest online project I've undertaken and I think it's going to be pretty awesome. So stay tuned! ;)
What does a typical day look like for you?
Well, there really isn't such a thing as a typical day around here, the kids make sure of that. Right now, I'm usually up at 6 and I have tea and breakfast with my husband before he heads out to work. The little ones don't start their day until 7:30/8:00 so I use those few minutes in the morning to hop on the exercise bike, to write and just enjoy the peace a quiet. Once the kids are up anything goes. We read, play with toys, watch a movie, go for walks, and some days we head to the park with my sister and her two kids.
What are your favorite family or solo activities?
I just love spending time with my little family. It doesn't really matter what we're doing so long as we're all happy and having a great time. I love taking the kids to the park where they can run around, explore and meet new kids. For time spent alone I love to dabble in photography, I enjoy travelling and I really enjoy working on my online projects.
When you hear the word happiness what is the first thing that comes to mind?
It's something everyone is searching for and the only place we need to look is within.
What makes you beautiful?
Having empathy and compassion for everybody and everything. It's tough and it's not always easy but ultimately it's the right path every single time. I also try to make people feel loved, important or special every chance I get.
What was a favorite activity of yours as a child?
Going to the lake with my family. I would spend hours and hours in the lake with my sisters. We would make up "synchronized" swimming routines and then make my mom watch the new version every time we made even the slightest modification (sorry mom!).
If you could get paid to do anything what would it be?
To work with people and help them see their full potential and realize their dreams. It's such an amazing feeling watching others succeed!
What is one area of your life you would like to improve?
My patience. I'm getting better but I still struggle with this.
What is one responsibility you would love for someone else to take over?
Laundry. Oh my goodness kids go through so many clothes each day it's ridiculous!
Celebrating in life can bring so much joy! Do you have a favorite holiday you celebrate?
I love Halloween. It could be because it falls within my favorite season but I've always loved Halloween. I love decorating, getting dressed up in costumes but most of all it's the kids. I love seeing the costumes they've chosen when they come to the door and yell "trick or treat". Now that I have kids of my own I love dressing them up and watching their little faces as people put treats in their little Halloween bags. It's awesome!
What favorite tradition have you passed down to your children?
My kids are a little young to have a tradition passed down to them yet but one we've already got established is eating dinner together. Every night (unless one of us is out of town) we sit at the dining room table and eat dinner together. It's a good time to catch up and recap the day.
What is one life lesson you have learned and would like to share with others?
Nothing lasts forever. Nothing bad lasts forever so stay calm, keep things in perspective and that it will pass. Of course the flip side to this is also true. The good times won't last forever either so enjoy them, take them all in and cherish them.
The people around me are so supportive of everything I do. I've always been able to do what I've wanted and explore any opportunity I thought might be right for me or my family at the time. I love my family and I love my friends for all their support, I wouldn't change a thing.
Thank you Sherri for sharing with us, inspiring us with your beautiful work, and providing us with simple tips on how to enjoy life!
You can find more from Sherri at the following sites:
SereneJourney.com
ZenFamilyHabits.net
ListBean.com
Have a wonderful Friday and weekend! :-)