Pouring champagne for our friends during #RockinEve
It’s 11pm on Jan 1 and I’m listening to a podcast.
For me the start of a new timeline (I say timeline because to me it could be the start of the school year, the final day of Diwali or Jan 1) is powerful. Beginnings are powerful, and we get a new beginning every time we see the sun rise, a new moon and a full moon. 🧿
My New Year Run – on a treadmill this year
The beauty for me is harnessing the power of beginnings
Captured this beauty during our family forrest bath (post processed in Fotor)
For as long as I can remember, I’ve tried to be mindful of the things I do on the first day of the new year. Some of those activities include:
Meditation, Journaling & Workout
Get outdoors
Study
Do something creative
Eat Health
Smile & be positive
Enjoy time with friends and family (and hug them and tell them I love them)
As you can see, these are really things we should all be doing daily, so doing this on the first day of a beginning really just sets the tone for the rest of that time line.
We aren’t perfect, and that’s okay – but thats why we should reset and re-try. Remember, energy grows where intention flows.
I was recently scrolling through TikTok and some someone post about what the biggest lesson that they learned this year. Without even watching the full post – I immediately thought about mine…(goes to show how mindless show intense my multi tasking is!)
I figured it would make a great blogmas post…
The biggest lesson I learned this year was maintaining consistency with my self growth practices.
Now as I’m saying that I realize it sounds very simplistic. But I realized not being consistent actually creates bad habits. Or rather, being consistent creates good habits. And for me those habits are helping me grow and develop.
So here’s the kicker: I find myself only being consistent with my self growth and development rituals (quality journaling, outdoors walks, forrest baths, deep meditation, creating content, making art, reading, learning) when I’m needing to change* something. And then, as soon as I achieve* that something I for some reason decide to de-prioritize those rituals.
Maybe that de-prioritization comes naturally because that thing I achieved takes up more of my time. But I’ve realized that I can’t let it. I need to be consistent with my rituals because they are the only thing that will support me in the long run.
We recently went to Las Vegas! This is actually my 5th trip to sincity (and 3rd trip with at least 1 kiddo!)
We tried to do some new things this time. So sharing some of what we got up to! All activities are family friendly (aka dooable for the kidos and the grandparents!
Hike in Zion National Park
After our Banff Trip, we knew our kids enjoyed hiking in nature. So we weren’t going to let a 3hr drive stop us from experience that is Zion National Park. There is a variety of hikes for all level of hikers but of course we stuck to the easy paved hikes. I would have loved to spend another day or two there but doing the lower Emrald pools hike was a great taste of Zion. The views are breath taking. And going in November meant you weren’t dealing with the desert heat.
Venice Gondola Ride
This quick copy cat ride of the famous gondola experience in Venice is a great activity for any age. This is my 3rd ride, but my youngest one did this for the first time when she was 5 months old! Although the ride is super quick (under 15 min) there is an opportunity to learn about vegas, hear a beautiful serenade and enjoy some time in a boat on the water (always relaxing)!
Flamingo Habitat
This place is a vibe! In the middle of the Las Vegas strip is a gorgeous outdoor setting with palm, trees, waterfalls and cute animals! This completely free activity is like a trip to a mini zoo. Kids of all ages will love the animals and watching the fishes (which are mesmerizing to watch on the bridge).
Seven Magic Mountains
7MM is an outdoor art display of stacked colourful boulders. It’s a great place to do an IG transition and they are even safe enough to climb (carefully ofcourse! for the perfect shot) I did read if you got at 9am, you’ll beat the crowds, but we went mid afternoon to get the most sunshine!
Cereal Killersz
The Cereal Killerz Kitchen is actually a Cereal Bar. They have every cereal ever made + some rare ones that were only available for a short time and then of course some you haven’t head of! The best part was that they have alternative milk options! You can a classic cereal and milk bowl, or a millkshake. I would definite go back here next time!
I know I’ve stumbled upon these quotes multiple times, but just recently they hit different.
It made me reflect on my purpose, direction and priorities. And also gave me more motivation. Though, I must say, quotes are flaky and can’t always provide inspiration. On occasion they can make you stand up, re-evaluate and take action.
So please feel free to reflect on the words and enjoy the sunflower pics I took at Robintide Farms
What we fear of doing most is usually what we most need to do.
We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.
It’s Never Too Late To Be What You Might Have Been
If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
It’s been about 4 weeks since we got back from our trip to Calgary & BC (more lovingly known by most as “the Banff trip”)
I’ve yet to go through all my photos, but I figured this would be a good way to start. I read a lot of travel guides and blog posts ahead of our trip about what to see and do on #TheBanffTrip.
So I figure it only fair that I share my tips too! (my way of paying it forward). And nooo this list does not include Lake Louise (a bit of let down in my opinion!).
I’m sharing FOUR experiences that you can’t miss when in Calgary & BC (aka on your own Banff trip). These are great options to add to your itinerary if you are travelling with family/kids or if you want to try things off the beaten path (without the need to extensive gear or training!)
I should say that most of these attractions technically are in BC but considering how close everything is to each other, most people would still consider these things on their Banff Trip.
I’ve also shared our travel vlog – hopefully it provides some inspiration for a future trip.
Glacier (paid) Tour
Most people will tell you to check out the Glacier field by taking a small hike to the base of the glacier (aka the snout…just doesn’t sound nice). If you just see the base, you will not get the magnificent views, history/information and fresh (drinkable) glacier water. This can only be experienced by paying for the tour.
Peyto Lake
A moderate hike uphill and you get views of a turquoise lake surrounded by mountains (both with trees and snow peaks). And although there were crowds, it was way better here than to be herded like cattle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Make sure to detour and check out this lake.
Takakkaw Falls
This is an easy-moderate hike with a surprise ending! The cool (read: cold) spray from the waterfall. Getting to most waterfalls can be a trek, but this is mostly paved which made it easier for my kids.
Jasper Gondola
We didn’t do the popular Banff Gondola (to be honest didn’t even want to). I found this attraction by a simple google search …and I honestly think this was way better. The views are stunning and you can even hike further up the summit. It was windy up there so be sure to bring a touq and some layers. The mountains in the distance look unreal!
Well technically I’ve always been making monthly goals. But even more so, I just back from a vacation… vacations have a way and making me more inspired to review my habits & goals. And sometimes you need to write down your intentions and get re-acclimatized to your dreams.
Here are my August Goals & my current status as of the first full week of the month.
Drink 3L of water: I added a habit tracker (little water drops to track every water bottle of 500mL) to my planner for every day. So far I’ve gotten to 2.L a few days.
Make art daily: not hitting this one yet. The plan was to either paint, photograph, use procreate or blog. And so far all I have excuses. Will try again this week.
Forrest walks: again not there yet. My workday is a little crazy (side note: talking to my leadership about that this week to make sure I’m putting my career goals and professional brand first – and to have more space in my day to take walks in a forrest)
Daily Journaling & Mediation: 7 for 8 so far!
Read 2 books: I recently finished Verity and I’m now reading The Secret.
Share my art weekly: Promising myself that I will share a procreate piece this week!
