Stella Reddy's Story

When I reflect on my life these days, I find it has become very peaceful. I like it!!

Not perfect. Not without its echoes. But peaceful in a way that feels earned. The kind of peace that comes after years of struggle, internal and external. The kind that settles in your bones when you know you’re finally home and safe.

And I am home. It’s been five years now since I returned to Newfoundland & Labrador, and I still feel the deep gratitude every time I step outside. The salt air, the rugged coastline, the way the wind speaks in gusts and whispers—it grounds me. I’ve rebuilt my life here, piece by piece, and I’ve reclaimed parts of myself I thought were lost for good. I use my voice now with anything I am passionate about. I can even act silly once again and feel comfortable doing so!

I went shopping yesterday to pick up some items for the apple pie I am making today, and it was a beautiful day. High winds as usual, but it was 19 degrees Celsius, no sweater needed. I sat on the bus stop at the Mall when I was done, with my face to the sun, eyes closed, soaking it in. It was awesome. Looking around at all the people around me who smile at me is also nice to see! I LOVE living here.

Fall is creeping in now, and I see it in the small things. It’s dark now when hubby leaves for work. The sun doesn’t rise till after he is long gone. The way the light shifts—lower, softer, more golden. The breeze has a bite to it, just enough to make you reach for a sweater most days. It gets cold in the mornings and evenings now. The trees are starting to change! I love the colours of Fall here on The Rock! Even the ocean feels different—more restless, more alive.

I am looking forward to going to Bowring Park tomorrow! Hubby and I are going to pack some snacks and spend a few hours soaking in Mother Nature while walking the Trails. I do love those days out in the sunshine and fresh air, listening to the many birds.

I used to dread change. Not anymore! This year, the change feels different. Because the smear campaign—the toxic mess created by tenants who couldn’t control their own bitterness—is finally over. I am grateful the websites are gone, all of them! Their lies no longer cling to my name. What a relief!

For almost 9 years, I carried the weight of their words. I documented, I reported, I reflected, I held my ground. I stopped retaliating, even when I wanted to. I chose integrity. I chose healing. And now, I get to live without fear of what they could do in my name. It is finally over!

I didn’t know how changing my focus to myself would be so beneficial, but I am thankful it is.

For so long, my energy was spent trying to make others see the truth behind the smear, the manipulation, the harm. I was caught in their chaos, reacting to every twist, every lie, every attempt to erase me. It felt necessary at the time. Survival often does.

But something shifted. Slowly, quietly, I began turning that focus inward. I started asking what I needed—not what others expected, not what the situation demanded. Just me. What brings me peace? What would help me heal? What makes me feel like myself again?

And the answers surprised me. They were simple. A walk by the ocean. A quiet morning with my coffee spent in mindfulness. Writing without fear on my Blog. Laughing without apology. Letting go of the need to prove anything to anyone.

Changing my focus to myself didn’t mean ignoring the harm—it meant refusing to let it define me. It meant choosing growth and becoming more emotionally intelligent. And the more I did, the more I felt like I was becoming more myself.

I’m thankful for that shift. It’s given me space to breathe, to reflect, to live. And it’s reminded me that healing isn’t about fixing what was broken—it’s about nurturing what’s still here. I am still here.

Life is good. Not because everything is easy, but because I’ve learned to live in the truth of it. And that truth, these days, is peaceful.