We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey. Kenji Miyazawa Dear Mom, It’s hard to say goodbye. It’s hard for me to believe that you’re actually gone. I still expect to see you enter the room or to hear your voice when the phone rings. Your passing has affected me deeply…more…
I would rather die of passion than boredom. Octave Mouret in Au Bonheur des Dames by Émile Zola Happy New Year! As 2018 unfolds, I wish everyone health, joy and prosperity. The last year for me was a transformative one, filled with travel, new friendships, and assorted challenges. Two pivotal moments stood out – one…
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. Joseph Campbell This summer I challenged myself – I signed up for a stand-up comedy course. The course is Comedy Girl, an all-female stand-up class taught by seasoned performer and writer Dawn Whitwell. The Level 1 training at Comedy Bar was no walk in…
I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive. Joseph Campbell Not long ago I celebrated my birthday, an event made more memorable by my friendly neighbourhood drugstore, which announced that as a “young senior,” I now qualified for a special…
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Picasso Creativity isn’t the exclusive domain of the Picassos or Mozarts of our world. In truth, we are all creatives and creative expression comes in all shapes and forms. Here are simple everyday activities we can all do…
The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it. Thich Nhat Hanh As 2016 draws to a close and a new year approaches, a common refrain I hear from many people is what a lousy year it has been for them individually – illnesses, injuries, relationship woes,…
Even Monkeys Fall from Trees. Japanese Proverb I have a “thing” for monkeys. This fascination (some may call it a mild obsession), began in childhood with a menagerie of stuffed toys and dozens of Curious George books, grew into assorted baubles, key chains, tees and ultimately culminated with a trip to Southeast Asia. While there,…
Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Rachel Carson What a glorious summer. The season has been remarkably sunny and hot (a gift for those of us weary of long winters), and I’ve returned from trips to the Bruce Peninsula National Park and the…
Spring is when life’s alive in everything. Christina Rossetti There’s nothing more exhilarating as a sunny spring day. Mother Nature in her glory of colours, scents and sounds not only awakens our senses to life in bloom but also stirs within us a sense of excitement, joy and hope (especially after a long winter). I…
Love is the absence of judgement. Dalai Lama “You’re a disgrace to your profession!” The woman marched towards me with a scowl on her face. I glanced back over my shoulder. Is she talking to me? She angrily waved her hands in the air exclaiming, “How dare you hand out this poison!” “This isn’t healthy…