Category: Reflection

In life, we are always evolving and learning. I feel it is the nature of life. I am realizing this more and more through life experiences. I now know how much there is to learn and grow about.

Often times I feel that the things we think we have so much experience in are in fact the places where by keeping an open mind we can learn so much. In terms of driving, we often drive without thinking too much but in terms of the critical skills of accelerating, braking, and turning there are so many ways we can improve these skills. This helps us become safer on the road and improves our confidence.

I recently enrolled in an ice skating class, I have been ice skating for many years and after enrolling in a class, I feel I am getting better in every way. I think that is a lesson of life. To never think you know enough, to be open-minded, humble, and to have a beginner’s mindset.

A master had to begin at some time and spend time working on honing those skills. On my trip to Japan, everyone I met took so much pride and dedication in their craft for every job. That is where I learned what matters is how you are doing things. Two people can do the same task, but if one is doing the task and learning how to do it better vs the other just doing the task to get it done.

I also notice those who once were beginners and now masters start to rest on their laurels. You see this often in sports and in life. They achieved success in the past and keep thinking about the glory days. In order to get the most out of life, it is better to adopt a beginner’s mindset.

As fall is coming to an end and winter is fast approaching there is a lot to appreciate and look forward to in the coming months. There has been great progress in the world recovery and new ways that we all adapted during the pandemic have now become norms.

A new season is a great way to think and relfect on how the last few months have been and is there anything to learn and grow that will help carry you forward. I personally also take this time to see how my long terms goals are coming along. I love the seasons and how the change in our physical environments encourages us to change our behaviour. This means time to get out those skates and get out there.

My big takeway during the lockdowns was how important it is to get out there and enjoy nature and with the colder months I am planning to continue to getting some quality outdoor time. This winter will also be different as more and more restrictions are easing up, it will be great to connect with more friends and family.

I strive to become better in all areas of my life. I realize there is no end goal just a series of checks and benchmarks along the way.

There is always more to learn and grow, however, that does not mean we would stop trying to become better altogether. I often find it better to reflect and see how far you have come and what lessons can be learned.

Being calm and feeling confident to take on adversity is a great feeling when you know you are trying best in all areas of your life. Deep down I feel we all know what we should do to move forward. Sometimes it is really hard to proceed forward and make those tough decisions. If we don’t, life just pauses in that area of our lives and holds us back.

Improving your quality of life and quality of thoughts work in tandem. It takes diligent effort in both to achieve the balance that we all so desire.

Every year I realize how much I don’t know and I love it. Every year I want to become calmer and kinder. It’s all a work in progress.

The summer of 2021 is here!

Things are looking up and the world is recovering. I feel it in the pulse of the city. The warm weather evokes positive feelings and people are out and about.

Looking back at the beginning of the year till now, it has been a vast difference. I am grateful for the all the essential workers and especially the health care workers who are jabbing people at record pace.

I look forward to supporting my local businesses as well as travelling further than before. I can confidently say the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter than ever.

My thoughts and prayers are with those that have passed and with those recovering. I will always remember this time in my life and have many stories to share about my experiences.

I have come to learn to trust myself even more as well as really lean into my inner voice. In the time of confusion and fear, it was gut wrenching. I think this last year has all taught us so much about life.

Things don’t go as planned, we never know what may come. Have a good idea of where you want to go is great. Planning the details and expecting everything to work out is not good.

The biggest lesson I learned was to do everything I can do that is within my control. After I learned that it was liberating. No more thinking about what if etc. Knowing deep down that you did everything you could is amazing because then there are no regrets.

I remember my first introduction to personal development was when volunteering at a library and finding the book Getting Things Done. That was a big productivity boost. Then over the years of travelling, reading more life-changing books, life experience, and accepting personal responsibility helped me to grow as an individual.

The next step-up for me was evaluating my life was breaking my life into different areas and striving for balance in them. There comes a sense of inner contentment knowing that you are making tangible progress in these different areas. I am tracking things, making goals, giving it all, and not taking myself so seriously. It is the feeling that I am doing my best and taking it one day at a time. I am enjoying today, grateful for now and the past, as well as feeling optimistic about the future.

Things are looking up now. There is positive momentum with the world recovering. I am thankful for everyone doing their part.

In our own life, we can build positive momentum as well, it all happens because of small positive actions consistently. I love the expression, “One brick at a time”. It starts with our habits, a small change over a lifetime can have profound effects.

Just like with investing and compound interest, our habits play a big part in the life we live. Here are some small wins we can practice daily:

• 5 min daily reflection
• 5 min daily stretching
• Sending a message to a friend/family
• Drinking one more glass of water than usual
• Going for a quick walk

From my personal experience, these small habit changes among many others make a big difference and you won’t see the positive benefits right away but over time you will.

I have realized that life sometimes works as a game. You are at your level and slowly progress. A clear example of this is in school as you progress through the various grades. There is a set path and criteria to easily track your progress.

This becomes more abstract as you progress in life, everyone is in their journey and there is no set path or criteria. Ultimately we decide that. However, if you choose not to progress and stay in the same situation you can. There is nothing wrong with this but it presents a unique personal responsibility to realize that until you overcome this unique circumstance in front of you, you can not progress to the next level.

There is no final level to reach, there is only more personal responsibility to take. When you look back at your life you realize what you are doing today, you could have never thought you could do it previously. I am fascinated by this concept and try to work on building my responsibility and accountability standards in my life.