This is one of my favourite lessons - I remind myself of this everytime I feel uncomfortable. I know some people who will do just about anything to avoid discomfort - they'll go so far as to fast-forward through parts of shows or movies that "feel too tense". This constant avoidance of discomfort actually makes us more sensitive to it and weakens our resiliency. What are your thoughts on this? (And please, no shade to my massage therapist. He's the reason I have range of motion and all my ribs are seated where they're supposed to be).

Happy Monday! As we settle into this first month of the year, lots of people have been asking about my word for the year. I had decided a couple of months ago that my word for 2026 was going to be "Gratitude" and then a friend and colleauge upped the ante by challenging me to have a word for every month as well! I'm still working on that list, but I wonder - do you have a word for the year? If you do, please share it here! I found this site that shares some great ideas for choosing your word for the year: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/word-of-the-year-ideas

How did you spend the last hours of 2025? Did you party it up? Spend it in quiet contemplation? Somewhere in between? Our new year celebrations were quiet and subdued. In past years, we have celebrated at church (watch-night service - if you know, you know), with friends in their homes, or quietly at home. This year, we were happy to be quiet at home. That said, we still have some little traditions that carry over year to year. 1. We reflect on the year that was. 2. We celebrate the wins. 3. We let go of the losses. 4. We contemplate our intention for the coming year. The latter part of this year has been one in which gratitude has become a prominent practice. This looks to be pushing into next year, with my words for 2026: THANK YOU. More than ever, I see the value of gratitude not only for stabilizing and strengthening mindset, but also putting us in a heart posture to receive. I'm open to receiving all the abundance destined for me in 2026. In 2025 I experienced the honour of traveling to Amsterdam to speak on the MIndvalley stage - something I had dreamed about but not imagined would happen so soon. I published another two books, and helped two more authors to become first-time published. My private practice settled into its new space and welcomed a host of new clients throughout the year. I appeared on more actual and virtual stages than in the previous year, and refined my personal brand. I made a conscious decision to be more visible and engaged in my community, so I joined a board of directors for a chamber of commerce, and I am still learning how to show up in that space. The last time I served on a board of directors was Y2K. I took my faith to another level, learning that I don't have to perform to be loved or accepted. I spent quality time with my family and loved on my grandbabies whenever I could. I decided to take control of my diet and get my diabetes under control (AIC is dropping nicely!), and I had the privilege of hosting my dad for Christmas - for the first time since 2007.

I love thinking about self-care as a spiritual and sacred act, something I do to honor my health, well-being, and fulfillment in life. I have grown to appreciate that self-care is not just something we do, it is also a way of being. Spiritual self-care includes all of the thoughts, feelings, and actions we choose to focus on in order to nourish ourselves in mind, body, heart and spirit. Our mental physical, emotional, and spiritual energy are created through acts of self-care that generate a sense of wellness, and joy in life and work. When it comes to self-care, it's important to remember, you're human and not perfect. Self-care is a process and it is not about perfection. It is about taking self-loving action in the direction of your well-being, health, and joy each day. It is the devotion to showing up for yourself and your own needs each day, or as often as possible, regardless of what else is going on in your life and despite how many other people and circumstances require your attention. Self-care involves making yourself a priority in the midst of it all. Which can be easier said than done at times.

I'm just getting home from a whirlwind weekend away to visit my aging father, my sister who is in a long-term care home due to advanced MS, my brother who is running point on their care, and my brothers in law, one of whom is celebrating retirement. While balancing the celebrations and the concerns for ongoing care for my family members, I also carry concern for my adult children (one is getting married this spring), and my grandkids who are the light of my life. Twenty or thirty years ago, when people talked about the sandwich generation, I nodded sympathetically like I understood. I didn't get it at all. It's not until you're there that you can fully understand it. It started back in the aughts when my mom's illness was advancing. Caring for my mom in my home while trying to manage working and supporting my kids who were still in school at the time - it was a lot. That was my first real introduction to being in the sandwich. Fast forward to the last several years of watching my father's health decline, trying to be present for my kids and grandkids, maintaining two businesses, and still trying to be present for my partner and have a social life. It's no joke! Now, I'm not complaining. I AM trying to figure it all out, and doing my best to maintain a balanced life. @Melissa Rowe asked me this weekend what I'm doing for me - my response? Meditation, prayer, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. That's what we've got time and capacity for. Perhaps in the days to come, there will be time and space for more. Maybe some winter hikes, some day trips to small-town Ontario or long overdue visits with friends. For now, the urgent and the important have priority. Luxuries get squeezed in where possible. Are you also in the sandwich generation? What's your experience? Are you trying to do the most, or are you achieving success in finding balance? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!