Intentional living
-
Together at Home
I am listening to the One World: Together at Home event. It’s a global broadcast and livestream event to support frontline healthcare workers and the World Health Organization. If you are not listening already, check out Global Citizen for how to connect and then come back and read the rest of this post. Welcome back. As I listen to the global event, I wanted to share what I have seen locally in my neighbourhood showing gratitude for our healthcare workers. This show of appreciation is wide-spread. The street art from the past few weeks is a beautiful way to say thank you to frontline workers, like nurses, doctors, grocery store…
-
Neighbourly Moss and Lichen
In March, before the parks were closed, I went for a short walk at Balls Falls. Bright green patches of moss stood out in the otherwise muted landscape. I took several photos of the striking moss-covered rocks. But is moss interesting enough for a story? I had my doubts at the time. Well, here we are. Let me tell you about moss. Moss is a flowerless plant. It’s a simple plant structure and thrives in places where other plants can’t. Like shady damp areas. It can be mistaken for lichen. Lichen, however, does not have stems and leaves like a plant. It’s not a plant, but rather algae and fungus…
-
Connecting with Nature
You can be alone, but it still provides companionship. When everything is shutting down, it perseveres. If you feel glum, it lifts you up. Nature. Being in nature is good for us. It’s good for the mind and body. It makes us happy. We know the Japanese custom of forest bathing has a positive impact on our mood. Taking time to breathe and notice life continuing is a suggested activity in the Coping calendar. I am thankful that connecting with nature is still an activity I can enjoy safely on my quiet neighbourhood paths. It gives me an opportunity to slow down and spot the encouraging signs of spring. According…
-
International Day of Happiness
At my former office, I was fortunate to have a lovely colleague who would bring in goodies to celebrate different occasions. Throughout the year, we enjoyed treats and impromptu social gatherings in the kitchen for celebrations like Saint Patrick’s day and fun food days like World Cupcake Day or World Samosa Day. I discovered occasions I did not know existed. While I had my head down commuting to work, she was cooking up ways to brighten our day at the office. She is one of the kindest people I know. When she left our division to move to another position, there was a void. Not only related to yummy food,…
-
The Little Book of Lykke
Looking for a book to read? Perhaps you have some unexpected time at home. How about a happy book? The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World’s Happiest People. Lykke (pronounced Luuh-kah) means happiness in Danish. It’s written by Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. The book is the second in his trilogy of books on happiness – equally adorable and inspiring as his first and third books. In this little book, Meik takes us on a treasure hunt to find what makes happy people happy and “look for the good that does exist in the world.” So get your marker, get your…
-
Fresh tracks in the snow
If you are a skier and hear someone say “fresh tracks” you likely visualize tracks in an attractive curvy pattern down a white ski slope. Perhaps you like to stop part way down the hill to look up and admire your tracks in the pristine snow. This really is one of life’s greatest joys. So you likely have a smile on your face now. You are welcome. I have hung up my skis (for now). Fresh tracks may have a different meaning, but they still bring joy. Early this morning, the snow was pristine when I walked my dog Caramel. We were lucky to make fresh tracks in the snow.…
-
A rosy point of view at Back 10 Cellars
Sometimes it’s nice to look at the world through rose coloured glasses. If you need a little help to get into your positive POV (point of view) then I suggest the Rose Coloured Glasses Rosé from Back 10 Cellars. The intense shade of pink veers towards fushia. The deep shade is perfectly matched to the carefully designed label reflecting a “city folk living on a vineyard” vibe. When I visited the winery this fall, I learned the owner, Christina Brooks, intentionally matched the font colour with the first vintage of this beautiful rosé, a mix of Pinot Noir and Gamay. Ever since, the matching has been reversed, letting the grape…
-
The Art of Making Memories
He had me at Hygge. Then there was Lykke.* And now happy memories. * These Danish words have become quite popular, but as a quick refresher: Hygge (hoo-gaa) is a cosy feeling of contentment and Lykke (luuh- kah) is happiness. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, has made a trilogy. Cue Star Wars music. 🎵 Duuh Duuh da da da Duuh Duuh… 🎵 A trilogy of insights, advice and tips on happiness research. The Art of Making Memories: How to create and remember happy moments is his latest book from the Copenhagen institute spreading happiness and joy. Clearly, I am a fan of nostalgia. I devote a whole…
