Marian and I took a stroll up Signal Hill yesterday to celebrate the New Year, get some movement and physical activity into our day, and enjoy the view. As usual, Signal Hill didn’t disappoint. 

I’ve been working on my website and realized that I haven’t posted much here over the past few years having drifted to posting more on social media platforms. As I hiked up, I realized that I had been missing the “longer form” writing of a blog post versus the quick Insta post. No promises as life is fairly rich and full but I hope to post more here in 2024 than I did in 2023 :-). Not too hard of a goal to reach!

I continue to advocate for folks to spend time outdoors in whatever way they can. I often “take a lap” meaning a quick 30-minute route around our neighbourhood parks to move and think. I so appreciate the clarity of mind that comes from rhymic movement outdoors as well as the fresh air and paying closer attention to the nature surrounding me.

Our fall was quite busy with travels and conferences so slowing down during the festive season was appreciated. The pause gives time to rest, rejuvenate, and reflect on past, present and future intentions and goals. Like a walk out in nature, I like to have near and close-in goals as well as further, more reaching goals. This time of year can be filled with the pressure to set goals and make big life changes but I also like to be gentle with myself and recognize that invitations can come every Monday (or any other day you choose), in fact, every month, semester, week, year, etc. can be filled with such invitations to shift a little or a lot.

I was trying to take a selfie of the two of us and a kind person stepped up and offered to take the picture for me–a much better option for a less dorky shot (my selfie arms are often too short to get us both). From this high perch, I looked out over the immense North Atlantic and hoped that 2024 would bring a close to ongoing wars and conflicts, health and well-being, and many more moments for pause and reflection. Then the wind started to gust and bite through our layers and we headed back down the hill enjoying the benefits of a lovely, thoughtful walk with a few stops for photos along the way.