Fall Splendour in Georgian Bay (Photo by Flora Lim)

With a glorious spectacle of rich, jewel-toned colours and the clean, crisp air of cooler temperatures, Fall announces her arrival. For me, Thanksgiving is a time for reflection as the seasons change and we take a break from our busy lives.

4.5 years after COVID-19 shut down much of the world and 2 years after Thrive reopened its doors to welcome families new and old, my list of thanks is long:

Countless joys brought by seeing little ones and their families flourish
Small acts of kindness that can make a huge difference in a day
Being able to choose the environment and the experiences I curate for myself and for others
Having the resilience and good health to continue to support the families Thrive is privileged to serve
Getting to do work that lights me up
Learning something new everyday… and sometimes more
Finally embracing the fact that life is a marathon, not a sprint
There is still great beauty and solace to be found in the world
Places where I can go to find peace and nourish my soul
Tides that will continue to ebb and flow long after I am gone
Mysteries in the universe and the human heart that I will never be able to understand but I will always keep trying

Making time to be in nature has become my anchoring. I find renewal when I am surrounded by trees, the sounds of leaves rustling and birds singing and the smell of fresh air. It puts into context my relationship with the universe and the history of everything that has ever existed and that is yet to exist. Above all, it reminds me that while life is finite, joy is infinite.

Each and every day, we are presented with choices about what we bring into the world - more misery, pain and suffering or more peace, love and connection. On this Thanksgiving weekend, I wish you and your family the time and space to breathe in peace and contentment.

My Thanksgiving offering to you are some photos taken from my recent hike in The Blue Mountains. I hope that they lighten your heart and brighten your day. Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Reflection

For There Is Always Light

Summer Musings