For many life was difficult last year. I think it’s safe to say we didn’t see what was coming and yet, it happened. And right now, there is still much suffering, hardship, and pain on our planet.

When I woke up on Christmas morning to our first big snow fall it was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t wait to get outside.

The Universe continues to teach me lessons in the most interesting and unexpected ways, including through the gift of a Christmas angel.

Last week I was sitting in my office staring at my computer. I’m working on a new project and my mind was completely blank. Nothing was coming. So, I decided to change gears and meditate. I sat down again, and still…nothing.

For the last several weeks I’ve been on a ‘journey to self-love’ with an incredible group of women, and I am in awe of the alchemy that has unfolded.

Last week I shared with you how much I enjoy spending time with my great-niece Maya who is 3 ½ years old. There are so many things that I adore and appreciate about our time together.

As I’ve shared before, one of the ways I find peace and connection is with a walk in the woods near my house, several times a week. I love it! It’s so beautiful and peaceful and is my refuge.

I recently read this quote and could instantly relate:

“When an eggshell is cracked from the outside it is broken, when it’s cracked from the inside it is reborn.” ~ Ama

I am loving the Fall weather right now and really savouring the season.

With a quick drive, I can be right in the woods, surrounded by nature and grateful for hikes that bring me something beautiful and different with each visit.

This past weekend in Canada we celebrated Thanksgiving.

I enjoyed the time to reflect on how much I have to be grateful for, including my passion for self-discovery which brings meaning to everything.

On the journey of self-discovery, I am constantly learning and growing.

Self-discovery is like an onion. As we peel back the layers, the truth of who we are begins to reveal itself more and more.

Sometimes we are living life and embracing the moment; we have the courage and tenacity to be present with adversity, and at other times, there is resistance.

We are midway into September already! Gosh time flies.

For me, September has always felt like the beginning of the year much more than January. That first day back at school feeling has never gone away.

You may not know this about me, 24 years ago I sold cars at a Ford dealership in Vancouver. At the time, it was the largest Ford dealership in Canada. My team alone had 10 sales people and I was the only woman.

Nature continually teaches me what it looks like to ‘be’. As I go for my walks in the woods I see and feel tremendous wisdom.

A few weeks ago, I made the decision to commit to a morning walk for 28 days.

Research has shown when we do something consistently for 28 days, we have created a habit.

This week, I feel somewhat at a loss for words.

As I have been out on my morning walks there is a silence that allows me to hear the birds, the wind, life within me and all around me. I recognize now more than ever how privileged I am.

The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of feelings; inspired, not inspired, productive, not productive, focused, not focused, creative, not creative, frustrated, deeply fulfilled.

Can you relate?