Tawnya Ritco is a mom, partner, daughter, sister, friend, and teammate with more than twenty years in the natural health industry. Tawnya is a registered holistic nutritionist and dedicated relationship-builder.
My amazing parents tell me that two of my first words were “me do!”. They reflected how much I seemed wired for independence. I often smile at the thought of “me do” and how our character starts to develop so early in life, shaped by our experiences along the way.
I’ve never lost that sense of independence. Like everyone, I’ve faced challenges and opportunities, had failures and successes, and have felt both profound heartache and incredible joy. Like many, I’ve learned the most from the difficult moments; the ones that pushed me entirely outside of my comfort zone. Those moments helped me realize not only how fragile we are, but how resilient we can be in the pursuit of life.
One came at the age of sixteen when I survived a terrifying drowning accident. It happened when I was tubing down Skutz Falls on a hot summer day on the Cowichan River on Vancouver Island. I suddenly lost my innertube, was sucked under the rapids, and became lodged underwater between two rocks. Thankfully, I was pulled out of the rushing water, unconscious but alive. I survived that near-death experience solely because of the relentless efforts of my friend and a complete stranger, who both risked themselves to save me.
That accident changed me forever. It taught me the importance of selfless acts and that this one had saved my life. I also learned that I couldn’t do everything myself and that we often need help, especially in urgent times. The strength of my independence became the power I’ve found in interdependence. “Me do” became “we do”.
I’m eternally grateful for what that perilous moment taught me and for the inspiration and strength I’ve drawn from it and other key moments. I’ve found that the more we allow ourselves to be inspired, the more we inspire others. I’ve realized that each day is a fresh start – a new beginning — and that we’re constantly learning, adapting, and evolving as we strive to be the best that we can be.
Connect with Tawnya:
Website: www.tawnyaritco.com
Instagram: @tawnyaritco
