Life is full of difficulties, with the right tools we can navigate challenges in a way that promotes growth. I believe that cultivating mindfulness, self-awareness, and optimism can lead to a full life filled with genuine happiness. Mindfulness is at the centre of all self-development. Having an awareness of our thinking and our reactions is the first step in taking control of how we navigate life. Diving into self-awareness; our nature, what makes us unique; our strengths, values and our habits allows us to bring meaning to our lives and compassion to ourselves. Understanding the power of optimism (positive outlook) and how it affects our brains, bodies, behaviours, and relationships encourages us to intentionally work on spending more time in a positive headspace. Knowing that we are living a human experience that is unique to us, but shared among humankind, allows for understanding that difficulties are inevitable, we are not alone. Working to strengthen these traits in ourselves allows us to live with self-compassion, build meaningful relationships and cultivate joy, hope, and resilience.
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Santosha
I should have named her Santosha, because that was the gift that she brought me back to. “Santosha invites us into contentment by taking refuge in a calm center, opening our hearts in gratitude for what we do have and practicing the paradox of not seeking.” After my first pregnancy and the birth of my…
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How Perfectionism Stifled My Athletic Dreams
The author reflects on her journey as a young athlete, emphasizing the impact of upbringing and self-expectations on her dreams. Initially aspiring to play in the NHL, she experienced setbacks that led her to lower her goals. She discusses the importance of resilience, accepting imperfection, and viewing failure as a growth opportunity rather than a…
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How do you handle stress?
Four years ago, my youngest son came into the world unexpectedly and without us knowing if he would be alive. It was October 2020, full-blown Covid. I went to my 36 week appointment the day after having an ultrasound to check on the baby due to my gestational diabetes. At the ultrasound, the baby looked…
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Understand yourself to meet your needs
Practicing and developing mindfulness allows us to build on our self-awareness. When we are mindful, we can recognize the emotions we are feeling, the thoughts we are having and the headspace in which we are operating. When we are mindful, we notice patterns of what triggers us to feel stress or anger and we notice…
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the power of positivity
I lived a lot of my life as a very anxious human. I still do lean towards to more anxious end of the scale, but I have come a long way in my life. When I was young everything new was hard for me. I was afraid of everything. Being in an unfamiliar environment scared…
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Mindfulness
“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally,” – Kabat-Zinn. Awareness is a key trait to living a content life. If we are aware of our thoughts, emotions, and our inner state of being, we are more likely to be in control of our physical reactions and behaviours.…
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Goals for Growth
It is 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning and my five year old daughter is getting ready for her first dance class of the season. As she comes into the room where I am working, she is excited! She dances around with a big smile on her face, tapping and twirling. I am happy to see…
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Prioritizing Your Well-being
Life can be hectic, but when was the last time you really paused to check in with yourself? Mindfulness is all about living in the moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you can move from “just fine” to flourishing. It helps us stay grounded, reduces stress, and…
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Understanding Your Reactions
Ever wonder why certain situations trigger strong emotions in you? That’s where self-awareness comes in. When we understand our tendencies and reactions, we can stop ourselves from slipping into unproductive mindsets. It’s like hitting pause before you react. Take a moment to reflect on how you typically respond to stress or criticism. Are those reactions…
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The Power of Positive Thinking
Did you know that a positive outlook can make you a better problem-solver? When we approach life with optimism, we see opportunities instead of obstacles. Being optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges, but it does mean choosing to believe that things can improve. Optimism helps us become more resilient, allowing us to bounce back from…
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Shifting to a Growth Mindset
Ever find yourself stuck thinking, “I’m just not good at this”? That’s a fixed mindset talking. A growth mindset, on the other hand, believes that with effort and perseverance, we can improve. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about seeing challenges as opportunities to grow. When we embrace a growth mindset, failures become lessons, and…