We capture experiences and bravely share our stories in the hopes that they can extend past ourselves.Welcome to Sunday Stories, a series for thoughts, chats & all of life’s in-between as we dive deeper into the creative and courageous way of living.
It takes a lot of courage to share thoughts and experiences with the world. I did a lot of inner work before I was able to share our story. I’ve come to learn that allowing others to hear your story is a quite liberating process and when you reach the point of being able to write or speak it, it’s amazing the things you discover about yourself. We are our stories—what we think, believe and say about ourselves are what shape us.
This past week, I stubble upon this notion of ‘Courageous Living’. It’s the view of living a life outside of the box and in the way that one chooses to do so. It’s the act of being genuine to yourself and allowing your authenticity to shine through courageously and unapologetically. It’s slowing down and embracing your feelings, your life, your path. A notion that pulls the string to my heart!
“This is Courageous Living: A vision for your life that is hand-crafted by you, one present moment at a time.”
I have my son to thank for opening my heart and eyes to our very own courageous living. He has reshaped me perception of life and I am forever grateful for him. Our family experiences and my curiosities have gradually allowed people to see a side of me that I hesitated to share for the fear of being judge or misunderstood. Wanting to connect and to open up more, I slowly eased my way through the internet world with various conversations and I became quite the storyteller. This surge of courageous behaviour, along with a gut feeling, inspired me to dive deeper into those conversations and that’s how Sunday Brunch Avenue came to be! The name speaks for itself as it represents our family’s favourite things—sundays, brunch and avenue…well, cause I just love it as a word! When I decided to start my blog, I did not necessarily know what I’d utilise it for; what I did know was that it would be a space of wholehearted stories and a representation of what the The Art of Life means to me. It has bloomed into something I’m quite proud of.
let’s get to know each other
I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. Growing up, we were fully emerged in the greek culture—the language, the traditions and the delicious food thanks to our parents and greek immigrant grandparents that lived with us. I made my first trip to Greece when I was 18 years old and instantly fell in love with this country! From then on, years were measured in summers! I made lots of new friends and saw so many beautiful places during those summers. I also met a guy who was quite different form the rest and we clicked from the first moment we met. I never would have imagined that it was possible to have so much in common with a person. We understood each other without having to say anything, he got me and we became the best-est of friends! Inevitably, over time, I fell in love with my best friend. The idea of moving to Greece never crossed my mind as I was more of a realist back then. So, we did the long distance relationship thing for quite a few years until I took a leapt of faith and moved to Greece in my mid 20s. I had my reservations at first, I’m not going to lie! My mom was the one that nudged me as she casually said to me one day whilst we were in a supermarket that I needed to know if I can be with this person all year round—her words eased my anxiety! What did I have to loose? I’d spend a year experiencing the life in Southern Greece and seeing whether or not this exciting ‘summer love’ and I were compatible on a winter basis as well! If not, I’d fly back home. Two years later, I married my best friend! Adjusting to the life in Southern Greece was fairly easy. I never felt torn between life here or life in Canada because Paris is home. He understood that coming from a big city would be hard and I got much support from him especially in the beginning. Once I found my bearings, it felt like I’ve lived here all my life.
Nothing altered the people that we were—not moving in together, not marriage, not even bringing a newborn home…the one thing that radically changed us was our son’s ASD diagnosis when he was 4. It changed our world…our life. Having your child diagnosed does not come easy. It puts things into a whole new perspective. The first couple of years were hard. There was a lot learning and unlearning that needed to be done. Patience and love were our pillars. I say to a lot of people that my son’s diagnosis was a blessing in disguise and the moment I decided that a diagnosis would not dictate how we lived our life was the moment that everything changed. I had to rediscover myself and unprogramme things to begin our healing journey. I did a lot of inner work! I made our home our haven, I changed our eating habits and the way we were living. (more in this post) We found value in the mundane things and the simple way of living. Within our home, our baking, our bedtime stories, our love for movies, embracing the slow life…we found the things that pulled us together as a family and we haven’t looked back since then! Our story moves me. It’s been an eye opening experience and I’m grateful that God chose us to be his parents. It has given me the courage to be a storyteller and ultimately, it has become the why behind the creative living.
“I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all you dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is Art.”
-Helena Bonham Carter
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Q & A
What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care is making sure that I incorporate things that are aligned with my goals and values. It’s taking the time to really sit and enjoy that morning cup of coffee even if its just for a few minutes. It’s good food and movement. It’s making sure I do more of the things that bring contentment—getting a massage, reading, brunch with girl friends. Those little joys!
How did you learn to cook?
Mostly self-taught with lots of guidance from my parents. I used to love watching my dad make a meal with random ingredients and turning into something so delicious! When Paris and I moved in together, I did not know anything! I used to call my mom for detailed instructions for my favourite dishes! Over time and with a lot of experimenting, I got better. I started with food and herbs that I love and slowly I just kept making more and more recipes! Now, cooking has become one of my favourite things! It brings me so much delight putting a meal together.
Would love to learn more about your background! You have a great eye for design!
Thank you so much!! I think my appreciation for design comes from my hometown, Montreal. I think that growing up in a city with so much cultural diversity has had an affect on my boldness to trying new food, my appreciation for jazz music and my curiosity for design. Old Montreal is the epitome of travelling back in time with its cobble stoned streets, old world facades and beautiful architecture. No matter how many times I’ve strolled the streets of the old city, I’m absolutely smitten by its European charm with its cute cafés and restaurants that speak to my heart! I also really love getting lost in a home design book! Forever taking notes on interior design!
What’s your favourite way to unwind?
There are quite a few things I like to do to unwind…curling up in bed with a good book…I enjoy those random Sundays afternoons at home with a rom-com… but if I had to pick just one, I’d choose those evenings sitting at our kitchen table with the lights low, a candle, feet up with a glass of white wine and jazz music playing in the background.
what’s your favourite season in greece?
I’d have to say spring. Each season has its own beauty but everything in springtime is green and lush! In Southern Greece, there is the distinct scent of orange tree blossoms that fill the air and makes me juuuust a bit happier this time fo the year. It’s also the best time to see the sights and to enjoy the outdoor things before summer’s weather.
Looking forward to our next Sunday Stories!
Chat soon! Demi xoxo