This year I feel very sad to leave this safe haven and return to the big city , but I’m also excited to see my children and friends. Farewell Nova Scotia I look forward to my return next year hoping life looks a little brighter for all of us at that time.
How often do we take time to notice all the beauty that surrounds us? I take the same walk many times throughout my week, but each day I see something new. Change isn’t always easy, but if we look at change as seeing things from a different perspective, then maybe we will embrace it even more. Although the thought of change can be scary, it can also be exhilarating. So just for today I will take time to embrace change.
It gets harder and harder to leave a place I love, leaving behind so many friends and family for yet another year. Being near the water brings me such a sense of peace, except when there is an expected hurricane of course, but that doesn’t happen very often.
I loved growing up near the sea. I love being near, listening to the sounds of the water and just looking out and observing the ever changing Mira River. I am connected to the beauty and the people here and each year I need to let go and go west. The coming and the going like the flow of the ocean, is what I am meant to do.
As I head back west I look forward to that chapter as my family and friends there too. I am connected deeply to both places. Fortunately for me I had the joy of growing up near the sea and can keep coming back.
Maintaining connections with great friends although I moved so far away so long ago, has allowed me to feel like I belong.
Growing up near the sea will always be a part of me.
Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life
Pablo Picasso
I love painting. In the last while I have grown to love working with inks and alcohol. I love the vibrancy of the colours and the way I feel when I splash away and see what happens.
What joy it brings me to be in the state of flow on a regular basis. I wish that for you too. We could all use a little therapeutic bath right now. Try doing a little art and see what happens.
In this world we encounter a few people who change how we feel about life. Around 30 years ago you entered my life. I was not looking for a new friend, but oh how the loss would have been mine if I did not open my heart to new friendships. A lesson that has sustained me to this day.
Today is your birthday and I want to celebrate you and all that you are.
Funand spontaneous Remember the time we were Thelma and Louise (without the driving off the cliff part) ? We bought new hats, scarves and dresses took off in your moms convertible and laughed and created memories to our hearts delight.
Intelligent Remember the times we have chatted about life’s problems and concerns and while often we agree, sometimes we don’t and those can be great conversations with you.
Generous I have watched you be generous to others in so many ways you never get acknowledged for. You have given me so many beautiful and thoughtful gifts over the years. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Accomplished I have loved celebrating and watching you do what you do best.
Courageous You have encountered many challenges in your life and have overcome them with grace and determination.
Champion You are a champion for so many and especially care about those with severe challenges.
Dependable I can count on you to be there anytime I need a friend.
Sensational The many times we spent together with our children laughing and doing silly things. Oh what fun. You are an outstanding auntie to my kids. They love you.
Effervescent I love spending time with you. It is never dull. Our trips together together to Vegas, Palm Springs and Mexico or wherever we are in the world are always full of joy. Even when we just vegetate together it is fun.
Beautiful heart and mind. You are beautiful inside and out.
You are optimistic, unwavering, determined, vibrant, accepting, kind and so much more. I cannot imagine my life without you in it. We have created so many memories that make me smile every time I think of them. We have laughed (too many times to count) and cried together. We have weathered many storms, trials and tribulations and come out on the other side knowing that we are and will always be here for each other.
I appreciate all that you are and all that you do. I value YOU. You enrich my life and make it better because you are in it. I love you my friend and look forward to all that life brings us as we journey through it.
This year more than any other year we will all need to take a mental vacation. Maybe you will need to take one hourly , daily or weekly whatever works for you.
Turn on a YouTube video with calming music. You can find one here in my virtual calm room. Then lay back in a comfortable space. If you are doing this from home make sure your space is a positive place for you to feel comfortable in. You may want to spice your working space up a bit . Add flowers and visuals that bring you joy.
Then close your eyes and breathe using the box breathing method. Think about a place you love and that feels safe for you. Personally , I always go to the beach in my mind. It might have something to do with all the summers I spent on beaches. I love the smells and the sounds of water. I picture being on the beach and waving my arms around in complete joy with a big smile on my face, but you do what works for you.
Take that mental vacation whenever you need it and ask anyone you want to join you in that space or just be by yourself and feel all the feels that make sense in the moment.
There are many simple pleasures in life, living life at a slower pace is one. When in Cape Breton life seems to slow down even in the best of times.
I start walking a bit slower when I get off of the plane during my yearly venture to enjoy the summers in beautiful Cape Breton.
A few of my favourite simple pleasures are :
Getting up early looking out at the water and enjoying my first cup of tea.
Watching the boats go by.
Seeing kids water skiing or being pulled on a tube while shouting with glee.
Reading a good book or magazine while soaking in the sun.
Swimming in the Mira and taking a walk along the shore of any beach in Nova Scotia.
Spending an evening with our kids one in their 20’s the other in their 30’s.
Enjoying a meal cooked by our adult children.
Eating outside on a warm summer eve.
Spending time with friends anytime, anyway.
Appreciating all in life that I have to be grateful for.
I love being around our children who are now young adults. Yesterday I got to spend time with my daughter. We cooked together, played crazy eights, and Yahtzee thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. What simpler pleasure could there be than that?
Counsellor Talk : Creative Collaborative Connections 