Mindful Monday: Ontario Roads + Lakeside Reflections

Last week, I shared one of my favourite childhood memories—a summer road trip with my family. All these years later, I still love road trips.

Just recently, I took a drive to my friend’s cottage, about four and a half hours away. I loved being on the road. Ontario is so beautiful in the summer.

While some things have changed since I was a child—paper maps have been replaced by GPS, and I now have a summer playlist on Spotify—the feeling is still the same.

There’s something magical about driving under the wide open sky, and the charm of small towns along the way. I love pulling off to explore—grabbing a drink, visiting a local shop, or just soaking in the atmosphere.

As I drove, I felt wave after wave of gratitude. Gratitude for the beauty of the land, for the time to slow down, for the simple joy of the journey.

Eventually, I arrived at my friend's cottage, which felt like a little piece of heaven.

Each morning, I would carry my tea down to the dock, taking in the sounds, beauty, and silence. Frankie, my friend’s dog, quickly adopted this as our shared ritual. By day four, he was already waiting by my bedroom door, ready for our dock time together. It was so sweet.

I swam, kayaked, and paddle boarded every day—it was actually my first time on a paddle board, and I loved it.

Being with good friends. eating delicious food - it was perfect.

I found myself often pausing and taking a breath. My cells felt alive with gratitude.  

While I was there, I came across a quote by Deepak Chopra that resonated with me…

“Gratitude isn’t just a feeling. It’s a frequency. A portal. A quiet “yes” that unlocks the power, creativity, and wisdom of the universe. Start there. Begin with appreciation. And watch how everything shifts.”

We kayaked into quiet coves, watched and listened to loons and bullfrogs, and one day, a heron flew right past us. Every day, I found myself so enthralled with the lily pads. They were like a tapestry of unique and beautiful designs.

I loved watching how the water changed throughout the day—still like glass, then rippling, catching the sunlight, reflecting the trees. Every moment was fleeting and beautiful in its impermanence.

Coming home, I feel nourished and grateful. 

Summer in Ontario is breathtaking.

And if you don’t live here, I highly recommend planning a visit.

As we each continue on our journeys this summer, I’ll be taking my usual pause from Mindful Monday messages during August—a time to slow down, rest, and recharge.

Wishing you a beautiful month ahead. I look forward to reconnecting with you in September!

With love,
Diane