“Living is changing, that’s the lesson the seasons teach us.”             
Paulo Coelho
As the weather cools a bit this month, and the threat of “the white stuff” looms around the corner, I have been walking recently in the river valley, listening to the crunch of the leaves as I put in my 5 km.
I love the above quote which reminds me that, when the seasons  change, and bring on a new, but familiar look, it is exciting and new each time.  The first snow fall, the first falling of the colourful leaves, the first plants peeking out from the ground, etc.
Every season brings a new look and feel of refreshing the earth.  Personally, I love the autumn, and the colours that appear almost overnight; the leaves then falling, and nature then takes a bit of a break as the foliage and many living beings hibernate during the cooler/colder months.  
The point I have become more acutely aware of is that I too, am ever changing as I grow in spirit towards my goal of being more aware of my surroundings, of being more whole, and being grateful for every part of my life.
Becoming sober over four years ago, have made this even more crystal clear.  I awaken every day to celebrate my life, and be grateful for all of my blessings.
The last couple of weeks have been jammed packed with events, and things to get done before I go away for a little R&R.  Getting all my necessary appointments complete; finishing up a couple of book signings at local bookstores; responding to those who are asking about my book; spreading news of a newly dropped podcast; a few birthdays thrown it; a long overdue lunch with family; writing a few “journals” for the website; catching up with my book club; and supporting my husband as he ran once again for the Terry Fox Foundation on September 15th.
As I worked my way through the last couple of weeks, I noticed that I was not nearly as “panicked” about running out of time.  I was still able to fit in my routines that keep me sober, and still able to “see” the day ahead and be grateful for every moment.    I am more able to let go of the things that I really don’t have to worry about and focus on the important “stuff”.  This was not at all me a few years ago.
Bringing myself to the task at hand with a positive attitude about the outcome makes a tremendous difference.  Going at the tasks with anger or resentment not only doesn’t get things done, but leaves me grumpy and frustrated.
Calm down Cheryl I say, and do one thing at a time and all will be well.  Just as the seasons remind us of change that we can look forward to, taking the time to see my surroundings and being grateful for even the smallest positive changes is exciting.
Sometimes the winding road is never ending it seems, just as climbing the stairs every day is both gratifying, even though the climbing too is never ending.
The Journey is worth it.  Don’t forget that…keep climbing!  You are worth it.

“Be Kind to yourself.  You may not be perfect, but you are all you’ve got to work with.”    - Henepola Gunaratana








This morning, I went for a long walk in a city park on the river bank.  The sound of nature moved me…the poplar trees rustling in the breeze, the scurry of the chipmunks competing with a group of birds at a bird feeder that someone erected. The sights of nature were there as well…the footprints of a bear on the shore, a mass of white feathers, some still with blood on the roots indicating a loss of a bird overnight, dozen’s of grasshoppers constantly taking flight in front of my path and the wild daisies throughout.
I read Whoopi Goldberg’s latest book over the past week, “Bits and Pieces”.  One of the readings stuck with me:  “There’s bad in the world that you can’t do anything about.  1.Do I allow those bad things stunt my growth as a human being? or 2. Am I just going to sit down and die over it? or 3. Or, do I figures out how I can be better?   Which option/s are a waste of time?” 
As I pondered this thought, I would add to it that it doesn’t help anything or anyone to rattle on and complain about it either.  What can I do, I asked?  For me, I strive to be the best I can be, live everyday to the fullest, and am grateful for all I do have.  I can try and make a difference everyday to someone I encounter.  On my walk today, I said “Good Morning” to every walker, every cyclist, every jogger and everyone I saw sitting on a memorial bench. 
This afternoon, I am re-reading Jann Arden’s book, “If I Knew Then - Finding wisdom in failure and power in aging”.  If you are a woman in your 50-70’s, this is a must read.  She talks about not really paying attention to who she was, or was becoming in her 40’s and early 50’s, but as she enters her 60’s and 70’s, she is seeing it differently.  
My favourite quote so far, is exactly how I am feeling right now, and for the last 4 + years… “What I think about now couldn’t be further from brooding on time running out.  Instead, I’m focused on reimagining and reinvention, the act of becoming someone I always hoped I would be.  I feel that I am a wise woman emerging through the trees with a renewed sense of the purpose of my own glorious life.”  Jann, I feel exactly the same!
I have found so many ways over the last couple of years to unlock my Joy.  Reading powerful memoirs of strong women such as Whoopi, Jann, Glennon Doyle, Margaret Atwood, Elizabeth Gilbert, Emily Carr, Judith Duerk, and soooo many others inspire me…
I feel honoured to grow older and wiser.  I have lost friends who left the planet so many years younger than myself, so I am grateful for my opportunities. News flash, we are all going to die one day.  I accept that, and because of that am determined to make the most of all I can.
Today’s Lesson : Find a Way to Unlock your Joy !