I know January can be a bit "blah", but I have always viewed this time as a "new start".  Although its not necessary to label one day a year to have a new start, it can be really be done at any time, it helps me to move forward.  

This year because of the pandemic, the holidays were very quiet which is very unusual for me.  I was nervous about how that would feel, but I actually enjoyed and appreciated my down time.  I was grateful that all of my friends and family were happy and safe and although we were not spending the time together, we were all here and in good health.  I found myself on a few occasions just staring out my back window, thankful for where I am.  I am completely surrounded in nature and I don't think there is anything more beautiful than seeing the snow on the trees.

January is my time to complete my goal list.  Yes, I know there is A LOT of information out there at this time of year.  Ads telling you that you need to set your resolutions, take a look at your weight, make huge changes, etc.  But this can be very scary.  I think I have written in the past about the "101 Goal List" that I have been doing every year since I was a teenager.  This tradition was passed to me from my best friends' mom and it is one that I still use to this day.  For over 30 years I have been doing this and it is my "reset" button.  I have tracked my lists for years and it is so interesting to see how my priorities have changed.  I know 101 sounds like a massive number, but I break my goals down into very simple, little steps.  I have anything from cleaning out a closet, to volunteering my time.  This system works for me.  I don't believe I have ever accomplished all of them, but I have made progress every year which is great.  This year, my main goal is to be the best HUMAN I can be.  I don't put pressure on myself as I have a full year to work through these goals, but it gives me an excellent guide to refer to.

Thank you 2020 for the lessons.  Welcome 2021...I know the blessings are on the way!

November, the month of Remembrance Day.  As busy as our lives are, we typically take one minute on the 11th to give thanks and then we go about our day.  Except this year was different for me.  

Leading up to November 11th, I couldn't help but think of my grandparents and what they went through.  My grandfather served in the war and was seriously injured, however he lived which means he was one of the lucky ones.  Because he survived, my entire family was created.  He came back from the war, married my grandma who was a nurse in the war, had triplets (one being my dad) and here I am!  One small bit of chance, that Louis Sciarra survived while so many others met a very different fate and my world was shaped.

I have always been thankful for those who fought for us, but I don't think I have ever really taken the time to put myself in their shoes.  Men, women and animals gave of themselves so we can be free today.  The Canadian flag has always given a sense of calm, pride and home but this year it went far beyond that for me.  

I thank all of the veterans, from years ago and today for keeping us free and safe.  I thank my lucky stars every day that I wake up in Canada.  Most of all, I thank the fates for bringing my grandpa home all of those years ago.  I look at my family, nephews and nieces and can't imagine my life without them.

THANK YOU.   

I'm an October baby so it may be assumed that I would love the fall.  But I don't think people automatically love the season they are born in.  In my case, it's true!

I was born the day before Halloween so for as long as I can remember, my birthday parties would consist of many exciting costumes.  As I became an adult, everything turned towards nature and colours for me.  I still feel that there is nothing more beautiful than Canada in the fall.  The most famous painters would not be able to paint the beauty that Mother Nature does for us every year and we are asked for nothing in return.

We are nearing the end of this remarkable season which means most leaves are on the ground, the trees are bare and there is a huge chill in the air.  I could look at this and feel a sadness, but Fall is in my heart.  Remember, it's not the end but the preparation for a new beginning.  

Until next year my love...

In my quest to continue working with and learning about animals, I have now completed an amazing Animal Communication course- Level I, taught by the wonderful Marie-Lune Fortin.  I am working through an Equine Massage course- The Masterson Method to continue my work with horses and I am expanding my Reiki work with animals.  With each modality I am studying, I learn more about how beautiful these souls truly are.  Animals are just like us- they need the same level of care, respect and love in order to thrive.  

I am having a lot of fun with animal communication.  Through each "conversation", I am able to see the true personality of the animal and learn what is important to them.  I have actually giggled out loud with some of the things I have heard as animals can be quite comical.

When I saw this photo, I naturally wanted to tune into this cutie to figure out what was on her mind!  Its our little secret......

So here I am, 1 1/2 weeks before we move into a brand new home.  This is the 4th time so you think that I would be a pro by now.  I have watched my behaviour over the past few weeks and I keep wondering when the panic and stress will set in....only it hasn't.  

In all of our houses, we have created our space, worked hard to make it ours, but it never really felt like "home".  We are now pouring our hearts and souls into our new place, but it extends beyond that.  We are moving to a home within the trees.......the healing power of nature at our finger tips.  I have never felt so grateful and blessed.  Birds, wildlife and nature- my favourite things.  

To a blessed new beginning!!

It is no secret that I am an avid animal and bird lover.  So much so that I have been training in both Animal Reiki and Animal Communication.  I am learning and discovering that one of my true passions in life is helping them. 

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting out on my deck when I noticed a hummingbird that was struggling and had been hurt.  It was able to fly up to the feeder I have just above but I know that it needed help.  Whenever this happens I don't think, I just jump into action.  While I was giving Reiki to the injured bird, several more began circling around me.  This may not be unusual at first glance, however we have only ever had 3 hummingbirds maximum at our feeders.  At one point we counted around 7-8 birds circling.  One was even brave enough to sit on the top of my hand while the injured bird was being treated under that same hand.  Since this magical day happened, I have only ever seen 2-3 again. 

The injured hummingbird did end up flying away healthy and safe.  This was one of the biggest blessings I have ever encountered with wildlife and I am so grateful.

I have attached the video so you can share in this small miracle with me!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vxc9t7u9h1v3lwg/AADe0AXfVTvXhY3CN3ulK2DBa?dl=0

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I'm pretty sure when the isolation started, we never thought it would literally shut us down for months.  Here we are, week 11 working from home is about to start, and we are slowly contemplating going back.  What does that mean?

I am the type of person who barely slows down.  My brain works a mile a minute and I think of so many things at once that I have several lists to keep me organized.  In the first couple of weeks I was going stir crazy....anxious to get "back at it" as soon as possible.  I didn't realize how caught up in "the busyness of life" I was until I had to stop.  Now, I have a much different perspective.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to have the time to reassess my values and priorities.  I have learned what to let go of and what small irritations really don't matter.  I have learned to just sit and enjoy- listening to the birds, walking in nature, petting my aging dog and laughing again.  I have learned to completely walk away from any drama and remain solid in my positive thinking.  

I do realize that someone reading this may disagree and perhaps you have had a completely different experience with your time.  Outside of a few exceptions, I do believe it is a personal choice for what you allow into your world.  You can use this time to be frustrated and impatient or you can take the time to truly check in with yourself.  Look at it as an opportunity to create a solid foundation and set the boundaries that you will stick to for YOUR OWN mental health and well being.  Try not to slip right back into the same old, same old. 

​I challenge you to create "your new normal"! 

Week number five of isolation and social distancing.  Out of everything that is happening, who knew I would miss HUGS the most!

Its very strange, isn't it?  One day we go from being completely caught up in our working world, constantly moving on to the next "to do list" and worrying about meeting deadlines.  We run ourselves ragged and often forget to pause and be grateful for what we have.  The next day the world is on pause.

I have never been a fear based person.  I choose not to watch the news and I am not  obsessive about being online.  Having said that, I am also not naive to the challenges our world is facing in this moment.  My heart goes out to all those who have lost, are sick or are actively fighting for their health.  For once I actually appreciate the speed of our online communication.  Within days, the entire world was notified to take some time away so we can actively help in stopping the spread of COVID-19.  

I realize that there are many people who are stuck in shock and fear and are truly scared for our future.  This is very scary, however if we all choose to remain calm, help others where necessary and take the time to spend quality time with our families and loved ones, we will get through this together.  

So please join me in taking a deep breath and using this time to be grateful for all that we have.

Funny how we assume that we are healing them.