Stef Richardson of LOKAL DIGS knows what's what...

I met Stef when she worked at Press Juice and I was honestly going there far too much that I'd like to admit. While I was pregnant I craved fruit and juiced nice conversation - and that I would find when I ran into her at my favourite juice and smoothie shop. Stef is the writer and creator of lokaldigs.com which is an incredibly savvy and delectable blog about all things Georgian Bay. She has an eye for culture and her recommendations are on point not to mention the photos of food are drool worthy to boot! She let me interview her and honestly she has such a way with words that I kind of didn't want the interview to end! Read on and find out about Lokal Digs and Stef's views of Gratitude. 

If someone were to meet you at a dinner party for the first time and they asked you about yourself and your life what would you say?
First, they’d have to steal me away from the hors d'oeuvres. I live for dinner parties – simply for the food but also for the good conversation. It feeds my soul if you will. Most people see my life through the lens of Instagram or my blog, and in reality that’s only a tiny spec. Of course I highlight all of the wonderful things this area has to breathe but I am a growing human and I’d be kidding myself if I said everything was amazing. It’s pretty darn close though! I’ve learned that genuine, creative and real people are the secret to MY happiness. Without these relationships flooding my every day with the most amount of joy, seeing a Georgian Bay sunset, dining out at my fave restaurant or hiking through the escarpment simply wouldn’t be the same. I live for the connections (little and big) and this little place we call home is just bursting with curious beings. I can’t see myself leaving anytime soon.
What inspired you to start your blog Lokal Digs?
Would you believe me if I said two girls and a brunch date? Seriously though. During a really hard time in my life, I met these two wonderful friends who inspired me to do great things. There were parts to me I had yet to explore and it was a neat feeling. I 100% credit them for introducing me to the person I am today. Eggs, beans, guac and a few glugs of sriracha later, we came to the conclusion that I should write a blog and document my undying love for the area. Who knew almost three years later and I’d still be chugging away. The love just keeps on growing! 
Since you could be called an “expert” on all things southern Georgian Bay - what would you say is THE best part about living here? 
The people and Georgian Bay. That feeling that good friends and a good ol’ sunset makes you feel is irreplaceable. Living mere footsteps away from everything you need to make a bad day turn good is such a luxury. Those who don’t live here understand, and those who live here just need that reminder. 

Can you share a time or times when you had to dig deep to find gratitude? 
If I’m honest, I dig deep for gratitude quite regularly. I’m notorious for filling my plate with projects and commitments and every so often I hit that sweet spot of exhaustion (more times than I’d like to admit). I can be very hard on myself, and during those times where I’m crying to my peers, nursing a killer headache or when I think that I have failed myself yet again, I try to think of all the good that has come with the bad, and the opportunities that I have made for myself. It comes full circle and I enjoy looking back and knowing I can do it all.  Appreciating the lesson and the reminders that life brings is a vital part of growing. Be good to yourself and appreciate the process.

What is your version of a gratitude attitude? 
Keep an open mind. We have no idea what the future holds or where we will find moments of gratitude or when we will need them most. I believe in the classic phrase “treat others how you want to be treated”. Be a good person, and hopefully someone will be good to you when you need it most. Every choice, decision or act accumulates to who you are in this present moment. Be proud, be raw, be vulnerable and don’t shy away from telling people when you appreciate them. It means more than you’d know. 

Check out Stef's blog at LokalDigs.com and follow her on Instagram @lokaldigs 

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