In the last week, I’ve switched from taking the UP Express (the train from Union Station to Toronto-Pearson International Airport) to the Kitchener GO Train to get to work. At every opportunity, I take a seat by a window and stare at the rolling landscape. Sometimes I read. Other times the 30ish-minute journey is a time to reflect, to disconnect and just be. [Read more…] about Just Be
motivation
It’s Not a Competition
Life is a journey, and it’s not always clear where we’re headed or why we’re moving in a particular direction. Sometimes it feels awkward, and we wonder when that period of awkwardness will end. I’m wondering that myself because it feels like I’m stuck in a funk—and all the world is passing by me or ahead of me. So, I remind myself: it’s not a competition. [Read more…] about It’s Not a Competition
What’s Next?
The end of 2023 isn’t that far off. As Halloween approaches, it won’t be long before Christmas displays start popping up in stores. Reflecting on the year so far, I’ve accomplished more than I sometimes give myself credit for. I quit a job where I was underpaid, undervalued, and that left me empty. I figured out how to spend most of the summer doing what I love. A recruiter found me and now—for the first time in years—I actually enjoy my day job. I published Bring Him Back to Me in August. And last but not least, I recently ran the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The question is…what’s next? [Read more…] about What’s Next?
Stay Focused
It started out almost as a dare from my chiropractor back in May: ‘Have you signed up for a race yet?’ He threw out the question at some point during each session, and I initially brushed it off. I’d been seeing him for just over a year, and in my mind I hadn’t seen the treatment as preventative as much as restorative. Run a race? No way! I wanted to stay focused on healing my body, not causing it more damage. [Read more…] about Stay Focused
Less but Better
It’s been a difficult lesson to learn, but it is slowly sinking in: less but better. Because I have only recently recognized that I have perhaps pushed myself to the brink vainly trying—despite what I told myself—to do it all. And if I’m trying to do it all, I’m not able to (when I’m honest with myself) bring the focus and attention necessary to each task. [Read more…] about Less but Better