Today I had an animal communication session with my dog Gus, and I’ll be honest — I wasn’t expecting it to go as deep as it did. I went in with curiosity, mostly wanting to check in on his health and behavior. But what I got was something entirely different. It was soulful, emotional, and honestly... life shifting.

One of the most powerful messages that came through was this:

“You give, give, give, give, give… but what about you?”

Gus, through the communicator, reflected something I already knew deep down but haven’t been living fully: I’m so good at giving. To people. To animals. To clients. To projects. But when it comes to myself — pausing to ask what I need from me — I often come up blank.

He showed me a mirror. Literally.

“He’s showing you standing in the mirror, seeing yourself for how beautiful you truly are. Give yourself the love you give to us.”

Cue the tears.

It was as if Gus (and maybe the universe through him) wanted to hold up a reflection — not just of who I am to him, but who I’ve forgotten I am to myself.

Another part that wrecked me:

“Even though they’ve passed on, the dogs on the other side are still with you. We all love you — to the ends of the earth.”

That moment cracked me open. It reminded me that love doesn’t leave. The animals I’ve lost — the ones who still show up in my memories, dreams, and sometimes in the way the wind moves — they’re still here. Still loving me. Still walking with me.

And then came the thank you.

“You and Gus have a deep soul bond. It’s not just affection — it’s mutual. He fulfills your needs, and you fulfill his.”

This was more than just a sweet message from a beloved pet. It was a call back to self. A call to pause. To soften. To ask the question I’ve been too busy or too tired or too distracted to ask:

“What do I need from me right now?”

So if you’ve been in that same place — of doing, giving, stretching — I hope this post meets you where you are. Maybe take a moment today to look in the mirror and see what Gus saw.

You’re worthy of your own love too.

Related Topics:

• How an Animal Communicator Helped Me See My Horse – and My Purpose – More Clearly

• Lessons from Waylon: What My Horse Wants Me to Know

Because selling your home should only cost you packing tape — not your sanity.

🏡 Selling a Home in Calgary? Take a Deep Breath

Selling your home is a big deal — emotionally, financially, and logistically. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ve helped plenty of Calgary homeowners navigate the process without the chaos, panic, or 3 a.m. Google searches.

How? With my Stress-Free Selling System — a proven process that keeps things calm, organized, and yes… even a little fun.

1️⃣ A Clear, Step-by-Step Game Plan

You wouldn’t go on a road trip without a map (or at least Google Maps), right? The same goes for selling your home. From our first coffee to the final handshake at closing, you’ll know exactly what’s happening, when it’s happening, and why it matters.

2️⃣ Staging & Presentation That Wows

Buyers shop with their eyes first. I help you stage your home so it’s love at first sight — whether that’s rearranging your furniture, adding pops of colour, or bringing in a professional stager. And yes, I’ll make sure the photographer captures every angle buyers want to see.

3️⃣ Pricing That Attracts the Right Buyers

Price too high and your home lingers. Price too low and you leave money on the table. I use real Calgary market data (not guesswork) to set the sweet-spot price that attracts interest and strong offers.

4️⃣ Marketing Everywhere Buyers Are Looking

I put your home in front of as many qualified buyers as possible:
✔ MLS listing with full details
✔ Eye-catching social media campaigns
✔ Targeted Google & Facebook ads
✔ Email blasts to my buyer network
✔ Professional signage & open houses

5️⃣ Negotiation Without the Drama

Once the offers roll in, I take the lead. My job? Get you the best possible terms while keeping the process calm, respectful, and productive. You focus on packing boxes — I’ll handle the paperwork and fine print.

🙌 The End Result? A Smoother Sale & Happier Seller

My goal is simple: to help you sell your Calgary home quickly, profitably, and without feeling like you’ve run a marathon in dress shoes.

📩 Ready to Sell Without Losing Your Mind?

If you’re thinking about selling, DM me SELL or reach out today for my Stress-Free Selling Guide. We’ll chat about your goals, create your game plan, and get you moving toward your next chapter — wine budget intact. 🍷

Related Reading:

• Top 5 Mistakes That Cost Calgary Sellers Money

• Open House Tips: How to Make Buyers Fall in Love

• When Is the Best Time to Sell in Calgary? Here’s the Data

FAQ

Q: Do I have to stage my home before selling?
Not always — but it can significantly boost buyer interest and sale price. I’ll help you decide what makes sense for your home.

Q: How long does it usually take to sell a home in Calgary?
It depends on the market, property type, and price point. I’ll give you a realistic timeline based on current stats.

Q: Will I have to be home for showings?
Nope! In fact, it’s usually better if you’re not. Buyers feel more comfortable exploring without the seller present.

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Recently, I had a deeply moving session with an animal communicator named Holly. I booked it to help my horse, Cash, who’s been dealing with ongoing health issues.

What I didn’t expect was for the conversation to uncover not only insights into his care, but also a clearer sense of my own purpose—and how this horse has shaped my life in ways I never saw coming.

Cash’s Story: From “Project Horse” to Lifelong Partner

I’ve owned and rehomed many horses over the years, often taking in ones that needed training, rehabilitation, or a fresh start. Cash arrived in 2017 through friends who knew I was experienced with “problem” horses.

He was gorgeous—rich coloring, a long mane and tail, and well-bred reining horse bloodlines. But on the ground? He was dangerous: pushy, reactive, and hard to handle. I almost didn’t buy him.

The turning point came the day we brought him home. While brushing his tangled mane, I watched the tension melt from his body. From that moment, something shifted. He became easier to handle, and when I finally rode him, I discovered he was responsive, smooth, and fun.

Over time, Cash turned into my go-to trail horse, my trusted partner in the mountains, and the horse I could put anyone on with confidence.

Health Challenges and the Search for Answers

When I first got him, his hooves were in terrible condition, requiring years of corrective shoeing. More recently, Cash developed intermittent lameness in his right front foot. After X-rays last fall, my vet diagnosed him with navicular disease, a degenerative condition that can cause chronic pain.

I’ve worked with farriers, vets, and bodyworkers to keep him comfortable. I’ve also pursued a holistic approach—studying equine rehabilitation therapy and becoming a Reiki Master—skills that have helped me support him and other horses over the years.

What the Animal Communicator Shared

During our session, Cash confirmed he needs a different farrier (ironically, I already had a new one scheduled). He described his discomfort in detail—how he’s been landing toe-first instead of heel-first—and even offered suggestions on what might help.

Then, Holly shared something that stopped me cold:

“She’s buying us a place.”

I hadn’t told her this, but I’ve been debating buying an acreage—a space where my horses could live and where I could run a horse rehabilitation facility.

Cash went further, saying he wants me to help other horses the way I’ve helped him, and that the number five is important—five horses, to be exact.

A Deeper Bond and a Bigger Purpose

Holly explained that Cash didn’t trust humans before me. His early reining training likely pushed him hard, and an injury may have ended his career. I, in turn, gave him patience, care, and the freedom to just “be.”

Reflecting on our journey, I realized: if it weren’t for Cash, I wouldn’t have gone searching for a whole-horse approach to care. I wouldn’t have found the Canadian Equine Therapy Institute. I wouldn’t have worked on the many horses I’ve helped since.

In short—Cash was the catalyst for my career in equine therapy and my ongoing spiritual journey.

The Message I Needed to Hear

Before we ended, Holly relayed Cash’s final message:

“Trust yourself.”

It’s a reminder I needed—not just in my horse work, but in building my real estate business and in life.

Looking Ahead

I don’t know exactly how or when, but I can see it now:
An acreage.
Five horses in rehabilitation.
A space for healing—both for the animals and the people who love them.

Cash has given me more than great rides and mountain memories. He’s given me direction. And I’m finally ready to follow it.

If Your Horse Has Changed Your Life…

I’d love to hear your story. Drop it in the comments or send me a message—I believe our animals often know more than we give them credit for.

Related Topics:

• What My Dog Gus Taught Me About Self-Love

• Lessons from Waylon: What My Horse Wants Me to Know

Monday morning started slow—exactly how I needed it to.

I slipped into my Fairmont robe and slippers and made my way to the hot tub, letting the warmth settle into my body after several packed and emotional days. It was one of those rare mornings where nothing needed to happen, and that in itself felt like a gift.

Back in my suite—this beautiful corner room wrapped in windows facing both the harbour and the city—I curled up on the windowsill, matcha oat milk latte in hand, and just sat with everything. My breakfast from Tractor was simple but nourishing, and for the first time in a long time, I gave myself permission to stay still.

This trip wasn’t just a retreat—it was a reset. And in that stillness, some truths floated up:

• I’ve worked hard to get here.

• I’ve carried a lot of pressure, sometimes trying to prove I’m enough.

• I’ve questioned my worth more than I care to admit—especially when others don’t see the value I know I bring.

But something shifted this weekend. Between the quiet conversations, deep inner work, and new sisterhood, I remembered who I am outside the hustle.

I don’t need to do more to be worthy. I just need to keep showing up with heart and integrity—and trust that it’s more than enough.

Before heading to the airport, I took myself for a final treat—raspberry sorbet dipped in dark chocolate from Chocolats Favoris—and then hopped in a taxi to Butchart Gardens. I let myself wander without a plan, just soaking in the beauty. But it was the Rose Garden that truly stopped me. Something about the way it bloomed unapologetically, fully, wildly—it made me pause. It reminded me that growth can be both soft and powerful.

I ended my time in Victoria right there, among the roses, letting it all land.

Related Topics:

• Sunday in Victoria: Water Taxis, Rose Gardens & Whale Watching

• Elevated Reflections: A Real Estate Mastermind Retreat in Victoria, BC

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Sunday was one of those days that reminded me to slow down and simply be.

The morning started gently. I ordered room service and allowed myself to ease into the day without an agenda. After a few intense days of connection, growth, and masterminding, it felt good to just breathe and exist for a while.

Later that morning, Kiara, Shelby, and I boarded a water taxi for a tour of the Gorge. Our “captain,” Buzz, was a quirky and entertaining storyteller who made the entire experience memorable. He cracked jokes the whole time but also shared fascinating bits of local history as we glided through the calm waters of Victoria’s Inner Harbour and surrounding inlet.

Buzz dropped us off at Fisherman’s Wharf, where we explored the colourful floating homes and vibrant food stalls. On his recommendation, we stopped for lunch—and I was thrilled to find a dedicated gluten-free section. That meant I could actually enjoy halibut and chips without worry. Delicious and inclusive? Yes, please.

After lunch, we returned to the Fairmont so Kiara could grab her bags and head home. Then Shelby and I moved into my new room—a stunning corner suite at the Empress with two full walls of windows, one overlooking the bustling harbour and the other framing downtown Victoria. It felt luxurious and grounding all at once—a physical reflection of the space I’m stepping into, personally and professionally.

With no plans and plenty of daylight left, Shelby and I went exploring. We walked to Chinatown so I could show her Fan Tan Alley, and then continued all the way to Craigdarroch Castle, admiring the architecture and lush greenery. From there, we strolled to the Government House gardens, where the rose garden was in full bloom and the entire space felt peaceful and timeless.

Next, we wandered south toward the ocean and watched as parasailers danced through the sky, floating effortlessly with the wind. It was one of those moments that made us pause—beautifully still and awe-inspiring.

We ended up in Beacon Hill Park, where peacocks, ducks, and locals filled the space with life. We paid a visit to the Moss Lady, wandered the paths, and took in the beauty of this massive green space before Shelby left to catch her flight home.

But the day didn’t end there.

As the sun dipped lower, I boarded a whale watching tour with Eagle Wings—something I’d been looking forward to for days. And it did not disappoint. We first spotted a pod of orcas, sleek and graceful as they sliced through the water. Then—completely unexpectedly—we encountered a pair of humpback whales. Watching them surface and dive was absolutely magical. It’s hard to describe what it feels like to witness creatures that powerful and majestic in the wild… but “grateful” comes close.

I returned to the harbour after dark, walking back to the hotel through quiet, lamp-lit streets. Victoria at night is something else—peaceful, historic, a little romantic. Back in my room, I sank into bed feeling incredibly full—of experience, of awe, of life.

And while it felt like a perfect finale… I still had one more day in Victoria.

Related Topics:

• Saturday in Victoria: Leadership Lessons & Ocean Views

• Slow Mornings, Sweet Endings: My Final Day in Victoria

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Published by Kristen Edmunds | REALTOR® & Associate Broker | Calgary & Southern Alberta

Saturday: Expanding Leadership in a Room Steeped in History

Saturday began with another inspiring session in the Library at the Fairmont Empress — a room that’s seen over a century of conversations between world leaders, authors, diplomats, and visionaries. Originally a private reading and meeting space for VIP guests, the Library was designed to embody the same grace and intellectual power Queen Victoria was known for. Sitting in that space, surrounded by strong, driven women, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history — and the rising sense of our own.

We explored themes of visibility, authority, and embodiment — not as buzzwords, but as lived experiences. How we lead. How we show up. How we soften. This retreat wasn’t about doing more. It was about being more — with less hustle and more clarity. With structure to anchor us, but space to rise.

Sunset Views & Supper at Vista 18

After a full day of digging deep into identity and leadership, we wrapped up the evening at Vista 18, a rooftop restaurant at the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites. The panoramic view of the city and harbour at sunset was nothing short of stunning.

We talked about life, business, and everything in between — laughing over perfectly grilled steaks and clinking glasses filled with sparkling non-alcoholic rosé wine. There’s something powerful about good food and great company after a day of soul work. It’s like everything settles in a little deeper.

And I couldn’t help but take a moment to appreciate how far I’ve come: from running non-stop in my business, to making space for this kind of reflection and connection. Being able to pause, take in the view, and truly enjoy it? That’s the kind of wealth I’m building now — the kind that nourishes more than just the bank account.

Reflection

I went to Victoria expecting strategy and structure. I got that — and so much more. I left Saturday feeling a little taller, a little softer, and a lot more aligned. Not because everything was perfect, but because I let myself be fully present in the process. And that shift? That’s where leadership lives.

To be continued…

Related Topics:

• From Harbour Views to Inner Shifts: Day One at the Elevated Mastermind

• Sunday in Victoria: Water Taxis, Rose Gardens & Whale Watching

• Slow Mornings, Sweet Endings: My Final Day in Victoria

Let’s Stay Connected

If you're navigating a season of change — buying, selling, or realigning your lifestyle with what matters most — I'd love to support you. I specialize in helping clients in Calgary and Southern Alberta make smart, strategic real estate moves with heart and clarity.
📩 Reach out any time, or follow me on Instagram @kristenedmunds.realestate

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Friday morning, Brenda and Kiara came by to check out my room (I was still soaking in the harbour views) before we walked over together to the Fairmont Empress, where we’d be staying for the rest of the retreat.

Let me just say — changing hotels with a backpack and a water bottle clipped to it made me feel like a schoolgirl on a field trip, especially with my little loafers on. We had a good laugh about it, but in that moment, it felt symbolic. I was arriving not just physically but mentally, ready to learn, to stretch, and to grow.

Walking into the Fairmont felt like stepping into a new version of myself — one that was ready to take up space, make bold moves, and lead with intention.

Our mastermind sessions that day were held in the iconic Library at the Fairmont Empress — a room steeped in over a century of history. Originally created as a private reading and meeting room for VIP guests, it’s hosted royalty, authors, world leaders, and visionaries since the hotel opened in 1908. Queen Victoria herself, known for her intellectual presence and quiet authority, embodied the energy of this space — and being there, surrounded by powerhouse women, felt incredibly aligned. It was a reminder that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful.

Our conversations inside that library were deep, raw, and beautifully expansive. We talked about alignment, vision, and releasing the narratives that no longer serve us. Phones and laptops were tucked away. We were fully present, fully human — laughing, crying, and connecting on a level that went far beyond business.

Later in the day, our coach Elise Montgomery treated us to High Tea at the Fairmont. It was elegant, yes — the tea towers, the linens, the view — but more than that, it was intentional. Elise encouraged us to simply receive. As women, and especially as leaders, we're often the ones pouring into others. Sitting down and letting someone else pour the tea was symbolic of the deeper work we were doing: softening, surrendering, and remembering that we’re allowed to be held, too.

After tea, Nancy Ball, a local luxury real estate agent, graciously gave us a private tour of three stunning multi-million-dollar homes in the area. Each property offered something different — thoughtful design, coastal elegance, and the kind of inspiration that sparks new vision. Nancy then took a few of us over to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, where we shared a meal at The Snug, their cozy ocean-view restaurant. It was the perfect place to pause, breathe, and take in just how expansive this retreat was becoming — not just in what we were learning, but in how we were feeling.

To be continued…

Related Topics:

• Elevated Reflections: A Real Estate Mastermind Retreat in Victoria, BC

• Saturday in Victoria: Leadership Lessons & Ocean Views

• Sunday in Victoria: Water Taxis, Rose Gardens & Whale Watching

Let’s Stay Connected

If you’re someone who values clarity, connection, and confidence in your real estate journey — I’d love to work with you. I specialize in helping clients across Calgary and Southern Alberta buy and sell with strategy, heart, and ease. Reach out anytime, or follow my journey on Instagram @kristenedmunds.realestate.

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

A behind-the-scenes look at my transformative weekend in Victoria blending real estate leadership, personal growth, and a little west coast magic
By Kristen Edmunds | REALTOR® & Associate Broker | Calgary & Southern Alberta

Thursday: Touching Down in Victoria

There’s something magical about flying over the Rockies and landing on the coast — you feel it the moment you step off the plane. I arrived in Victoria on Thursday afternoon, excited for the weekend but also ready to slow down. The last few months have been full speed ahead, and this retreat felt like the perfect time to pause, recharge, and reflect.

I checked into the Hotel Grand Pacific, right along the harbour. My room had a stunning Harbourview, and I just stood there for a moment taking it all in. The ocean breeze, distant seaplanes, and gentle hum of the city—it was the kind of reset I didn’t realize I needed.

That afternoon, I met up with Brenda and Kiara, two fellow real estate leaders (and now, real friends). We had lunch at Steamship Grill & Bar, right across from my hotel. It was one of those slow, scenic lunches filled with great food, easy laughter, and a gorgeous view of the Harbour.

After that, the three of us spent the afternoon wandering around downtown Victoria on foot. We didn’t have a set plan—we just explored. Historic buildings, tucked-away alleys, waterfront paths... we covered a lot of ground. It wasn’t until later that we learned we’d missed a few iconic spots — places we were just a block or two away from, or right across the street. That became a bit of a theme: sometimes the best experiences are just out of view, waiting for you to take one more step.

That evening, we each headed back to our hotel rooms—feet sore, hearts full, and ready for what the next day would bring.

This Retreat Was About More Than Business

For me, this wasn’t just another real estate event. It was a line in the sand — a moment of saying: I want to lead differently. I want to build a business that feels good, not just looks good. One that leaves room for strategy and soul.

I joined The Elevated Mastermind because I wanted to grow—not just as a REALTOR®, but as a business owner and a human. What I didn’t expect was how personal that growth would feel. This weekend wasn’t just about real estate—it was about realignment, clarity, confidence, and courage.

And over the next few blog posts, I’ll share more. You'll get an inside look at:

• What this mastermind taught me about leadership, visibility, and values

• Why I’m making intentional changes to how I run my business in Calgary and beyond

• Hidden gems you’ll want to check out if you’re ever in Victoria

• And how all of this ties back to helping my clients make smart, future-focused real estate decisions

This isn’t just a travel recap. It’s the start of something new. And I’m so glad you’re here for it.

Related Topics:

• From Harbour Views to Inner Shifts: Day One at the Elevated Mastermind

• Saturday in Victoria: Leadership Lessons & Ocean Views

• Sunday in Victoria: Water Taxis, Rose Gardens & Whale Watching

Let’s Stay Connected

If you’re someone who values clarity, connection, and confidence in your real estate journey—I’d love to work with you. I help clients across Calgary and Southern Alberta buy and sell with strategy, heart, and ease.

Want to chat or follow along behind the scenes? Come say hi on Instagram @kristenedmunds.realestate.

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.