Just the other day, as the children in my household pressed pause on their play to catch up on some much-needed rest, I rested an elbow on the smooth surface of the kitchen table, my hand cupping the ceramic promise of wakefulness. I inhaled the delicious moment of silence for a few extra seconds before … Continue reading Tantrums, Toddlers, Torrential Rain: How One Mom’s Decision Paid-it-Forward
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The Unexpected Detour That Landed Me Exactly Where I Was Supposed to Be
Last week, I experienced an unbelievable moment that will stay in my heart forever. Dampness permeated the air that morning. As I hurried out the front door of my house and onto the driveway, I felt the impact of a big, fat raindrop on my forehead. The cold licked at the back of my throat … Continue reading The Unexpected Detour That Landed Me Exactly Where I Was Supposed to Be
Diapers, a Duchess, and the Disaster that Gained Me a Friend
The blood drained from my wearied face, as I stared at my smiling 8 –week-old son, sprawled precariously on the thin change pad barely separating him from the gritty and germ-ridden coffee shop bathroom floor upon which he lay. Desperate times. Desperate measures. My little man had just blown through his 5th diaper of the … Continue reading Diapers, a Duchess, and the Disaster that Gained Me a Friend
Handfuls of Hope
“Why would God make me this way?” he threw his hands up exasperated, standing in the middle of the grocery aisle as she stood beside him. My 84-year-old friend, Kate, a devout Christian, had spotted Sam immediately upon entering the grocery store that day, hunched over as he squinted at the ingredients on a box … Continue reading Handfuls of Hope
Giving Thanks for An Unexpected Encounter
“What beautiful blue eyes!” her voice broke through my thoughts as I waited, admittedly impatient for the sign to invite us to cross the busy road. It was the Saturday of a hectic Thanksgiving weekend, we were set to catch the next ferry to our favourite gulf island, and I had just raced into a … Continue reading Giving Thanks for An Unexpected Encounter
On Vulnerability and Courage
I’m going to let you in on a secret. The other day, I started doubting myself, as all humans do when we feel vulnerable. Feeling exposed is not something that people tend to actively seek, and I am no different. In fact, the research I’ve done has demonstrated that without question, our brains will enthusiastically … Continue reading On Vulnerability and Courage
“Love Thy Neighbour!”
The most unexpected example of Small Act Big Impact generosity literally knocked at my door one sunny Friday in September. To say it had been a busy week for my household, would be an understatement. My calendar was crammed with transitions to preschool, packing lunches, preparing for school presentations, and all of the responsibilities … Continue reading “Love Thy Neighbour!”
A Letter to Mr. Graham
Mr. Graham was one of the most remarkable teachers I ever had. He was the Drama teacher at my high-school and made an indelible mark on my life by creating a sense of belonging in an environment, where I often felt like a misfit. He spoke in metaphors with a raspy British accent and inhaled … Continue reading A Letter to Mr. Graham
Kindness transforms culture
Kindness transforms culture. Kindness is in everyone. It’s what makes us human. Compassion, toward ourselves and others, is the essence of what helps us persevere courageously in the face of unimaginable adversity. I was inspired by this revelation after reading Simon Senik’s book, Leaders Eat Last, where he discusses the concept of putting people before … Continue reading Kindness transforms culture
Strength in2 Fitness Superstar Coach Rendered Speechless with Kind Act
Superhero. Dedicated. Compassionate. Inspirational. Fearless. She makes everybody feel like a somebody. These are a few of the words used by gym-goers to describe Stacy McDougall, owner, operator, and heart of Strength in2 Fitness (SI2F) Gym. “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others,*” and that’s what Stacy does! She makes … Continue reading Strength in2 Fitness Superstar Coach Rendered Speechless with Kind Act