Consider the Benefits of Shopping Local

On Friday, I spent a lovely day in a nearby town with my high-school girlfriends. We visited small shops and enjoyed a delicious lunch at a Mexican restaurant. It was a refreshing change from shopping online or at generic big box stores, and it reminded me of the wonderful benefits of shopping local. In recent years, shopping has become very impersonal. We do more of … Continue reading Consider the Benefits of Shopping Local

Ideas for Low Cost and Low Fuss Winter Gatherings

At this time of year, many of us put pressure on ourselves by striving for perfection. Whether it be the perfect gift, the perfect meal, or the perfect gathering, we set standards that create unnecessary stress when our loved ones would be happy with something simple. If you’re facing the task of planning a get-together, read on for five ideas for low cost and low … Continue reading Ideas for Low Cost and Low Fuss Winter Gatherings

What Will You Say No to this NOvember?

Last weekend, I saw a couple of posts about NOvember. I was intrigued. I’d heard of November and Movember, but NOvember was new to me. In fact, a quick look at the Days of the Year website that I depend on to tell me these things turned up nothing. How I Heard About NOvember Although I usually avoid labelling myself a minimalist, I’m always looking … Continue reading What Will You Say No to this NOvember?

portrait photo of woman in yellow top wearing headphones

Dancing: A Joyful Path to Physical and Mental Well-being

Dancing is beautiful and is waiting for us! Imagine stepping onto the dance floor, feeling the music pulse through your body, and being carried away by the beat. Yes, dancing isn’t just about moving your body—it’s a powerful practice that nurtures our physical and mental well-being in ways we might not even realize. Why Dance? Dancing is more than just a recreational activity—it’s a holistic … Continue reading Dancing: A Joyful Path to Physical and Mental Well-being

How Sustainable Living Makes Life Better

And just like that, it’s July! Reaching the halfway point of 2024 also means it’s the start of Plastic Free July. If you’re considering making some changes to reduce your footprint, you might be surprised to learn that sustainable living can make your life better in many ways. Plastic Free July started in Australia in 2011. It has since grown into a global movement that … Continue reading How Sustainable Living Makes Life Better

Sprinkling a Little Kindness Into Our World

As I was thinking about my dad this Father’s Day weekend, I recalled something he often said when I was growing up. “Kindness costs nothing.” It’s a simple phrase—yet a phrase that makes you wonder why kindness appears to be such a rare commodity these days. One of the nicest compliments I’ve received in the weeks leading up to my retirement is “Michelle is one … Continue reading Sprinkling a Little Kindness Into Our World

A Simple Spring Interlude

The calendar says spring officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere on March 19 but, in typical Canadian fashion, it has only really started to feel like spring in the last week. I love spring. Seeing things come back to life after a long winter is a reminder of the cycle of life and the resilience of nature. A few days ago, SeekerFive asked for hacks … Continue reading A Simple Spring Interlude

photography of a woman listening to music

Embracing Change: Your Journey to Reinvention

Have you ever found yourself yearning for a fresh start, a chance to redefine who you are and what you stand for? Reinventing oneself can be a daunting yet exhilarating endeavor, fraught with challenges and opportunities alike. If you’ve ever felt the pull towards a new beginning, join me as we explore the six steps to successful reinvention. Step One: Ignite Your Passion Embarking on … Continue reading Embracing Change: Your Journey to Reinvention

Do We Have a Loneliness Crisis?

Over the weekend, I attended a talk by Jeremy Nobel, author of Project UnLonely. Dr. Nobel discussed why we need to be concerned about the increase in loneliness and disconnection we are seeing in our world today. He also offered some possible solutions to the loneliness crisis. Being Alone vs. Being Lonely Dr. Nobel started his talk by showing us a picture similar to the … Continue reading Do We Have a Loneliness Crisis?

pretty woman covering her eyes

Workaholism -Balancing Ambition and Well-being

In the relentless pursuit of success, many of us find ourselves teetering on the edge of a precarious precipice—the allure of workaholism. It’s a tale as old as time, one where ambition and dedication collide with the harsh realities of health, relationships, and overall well-being. Let’s delve deeper into the perils that await those who succumb to workaholism. The Health Paradox At first glance, the … Continue reading Workaholism -Balancing Ambition and Well-being

The Endless Quest for Greener Grass

Why are many humans on an endless quest for greener grass? Rather than enjoying the here and now, we convince ourselves that retirement, a different job, a bigger house, or a new relationship, will be the key to our happiness. But is the grass really greener? And even if it is, will the sight of that lush green grass satisfy us, or will we continue … Continue reading The Endless Quest for Greener Grass

It’s Time to End Negative Stereotypes of Older Adults

Yesterday, I shared on my personal blog that I’m retiring at the end of June. After working full time for over 40 years, I’m excited to get started on my next chapter. In the back of my mind, though, is a small seed of concern about being made to feel irrelevant thanks to the negative stereotypes of older adults that I see in the world … Continue reading It’s Time to End Negative Stereotypes of Older Adults

Coping With Empty Nest Syndrome

Last week, my younger daughter left on an extended work trip, leaving us with no kids at home for the first time in almost 24 years. This prompted me to do some reading and thinking about empty nest syndrome. As I usually do in these situations, I made a list of practical ways to cope with what can be a challenging time for many parents. … Continue reading Coping With Empty Nest Syndrome

close up photo of a monkey

Change: Understanding the Evolutionary Roots of Fear

In the timeless words of Buddha and Aristotle, change is an undeniable fact of life. However, the pace of change in our modern world has reached unprecedented levels, ushering in disruptions across social, technological, political, and environmental dimensions. As we grapple with this constant state of flux, managing uncertainty becomes a pressing challenge for many, often evoking fear. The Acceleration of Change in Our Modern … Continue reading Change: Understanding the Evolutionary Roots of Fear

Crab Nebula: A Star's Spectacular Death (NASA, Chandra, 10/24/06)

Accept Me Without Strife

Before Christmas, I visited a man with whom I had kept a weekly appointment for many years. Something inside me insisted that I should visit him. It could be one of the last times I would see him. I followed my inner voice and tried to call him, but the three numbers I had for him didn’t work. So I decided to show up at … Continue reading Accept Me Without Strife

Dreaming into heart

In August 2022, I dived into the heart. I did it by visiting the Anahata Ayahuasca Retreat Centre in Pisac, Sacred Valley of Peru. I was there for my own reasons, but once again, my journey had led me to someone who had been pushed into a corner by life and forced to make a change. During my trip to Peru ( July to October 2022), … Continue reading Dreaming into heart

Say Good-Bye to FOMO and Hello to JOMO!

You’ve likely heard the term FOMO recently. If you haven’t, it stands for Fear of Missing Out. You may also be familiar with FOMO’s cousin, YOLO—You Only Live Once. But FOMO and YOLO have a younger and brighter cousin that you may not be aware of—JOMO. Read on to learn how embracing the Joy of Missing Out can restore a sense of calm and balance … Continue reading Say Good-Bye to FOMO and Hello to JOMO!