58 | Things Change

It always comes as a surprise to me when the Labour Day weekend rolls around - summer is always so quick to evaporate, no matter how slowly I savour my days. There is always a 4/7 chance that my birthday will fall on this long weekend (boy, did I ever hate it in the years when it was the first day back at school)! In my younger years I’d have been delirious to have it fall on the Sunday!

Now that I’m older and presumably wiser, I’m simply happy to be on the right side of the dirt. This year I’m enjoying a low-key time at the seashore with my family. It’s lovely to have everyone together. Much like home - there is plenty of wind, sun and sand, but it’s different with plenty of salt in the air and easy access to fresh lobster. For my celebratory dinner, I’m treating us to jumbo lobster rolls and fried clams from Captain Frosty’s, our favourite local clam shack. It is my most favourite meal, it’ll be followed by ice cream from the Smuggler.

These are the 58 things that currently bring me joy:

My four phenomenal kids who continue to be four points on a compass :: Two silly Labradoodles who make me laugh :: Memories of my sweet and gentle love, I continue to be grateful for every minute of my time with him :: A lovely group of supportive friends who continue to grow with me :: Holidays with family in Cape Cod with plenty of lobster and fried clams :: Starting my days with hot Earl Grey tea :: Measuring my time by sabbats and the phases of the moon :: Living in a small town :: Gauging the weather of the day by how the flag is flying :: Reading brilliant novels from familiar and new-to-me authors :: Rainy afternoons spent napping on the covered porch :: Spotify playlists which currently has Blue October on repeat :: Writing, then writing some more :: Bare feet in the waves of the great Lake Huron :: Gardens filled with peonies, hydrangeas, and hostas :: Vaccines and masks that keep everyone safe :: Crystals that litter my shelves :: EMDR :: Always having a project – something to look forward to :: A great team who help keep me healthy and moving :: Fresh bread orders from Crust & Crackle :: Quiet time alone :: Oracle Cards, and the fun community at the upcoming Oraclepalooza weekend with Colette Baron-Reid :: Keeping houseplants alive :: Bold colours :: Driving a convertible :: The first hint of fall in the air :: Comfort foods like lazy lasagne, turkey chili, and dip dip chicken :: My insatiable curiosity about the possibility of all things :: Twinkle lights :: Fresh Ontario strawberries in July (and some frozen to enjoy in February) :: Phone calls with my kids – I’m the one who texts :: Regular participation in workshops and courses :: Using my Pilates reformer machine :: DreamQuest Mastermind through next May :: Que Sera Sera :: Connecting and re-connecting :: Watching hockey, football, golf, and tennis :: Upcoming travel which includes Santa Fe, NM and Ocho Rios, Jamaica :: Medications that keep me alive and healthy :: Binge-watching well-made shows :: Investing in an ayurvedic retreat centre in Mexico :: Finding shoes that fit: Merrells, Asics, and Manitobah Mukluks :: Snuggling up in blankets out at the fire pit under star filled skies :: Torrential storms filled with thunder and lightening :: Journals, calendars, coloured markers, and fountain pens :: CBD gummies and hemp oil :: Unwavering optimism :: Daily meditation :: Splurging on Camilla because it's fun and I’m worth it :: Order: everything having a home and put regularly away in its proper place :: White sheets and towels from Cozy Earth :: Daydreaming :: Making landscape plans for summer 2024 :: Wrapping non-occasion gifts for friends :: Laughing :: Honouring well-earned boundaries :: No longer playing small.

I’ve greatly enjoyed this last year, it turned out to be an ideal time to lay a new foundation for my life. I don’t know who said it, but it’s true: rock bottom is the solid foundation on which to build your future - or something to that effect. There was a time I didn’t know if I’d ever make it through the overwhelming grief that enveloped my days, weeks, and months. Here I am, 2+ years later, and I’m blinded by all the light in my life.

The only guarantee in life is that things change. With gratitude for every day, I’m going with the flow and allowing for whatever is meant for me to find me.