One Rising Star

“Mind over miles.” A few years back, I was all in. I was that person signing up for every race that came across my radar—10K’s, half-marathons, marathons—you name it. The thrill of crossing the finish line, the camaraderie at the starting line, the way the crowds cheered you on, it was all so energizing. I didn’t even need music to get through a run, even a whole 42km marathon, which, I know, sounds crazy to most people. But there I was, in my zone, taking it all in and doing something I enjoyed. I collected lots of medals and racked up plenty of podium finishes, but most importantly I had some memorable international races, and met tons of amazing people along the way. I discovered that running was a really accessible sport; all you needed was a pair of shoes and the will to go. I could literally show up to a race, put one foot in front of the other, and—boom—be part of a community of people all working toward the same goal. So, what happened? Why did I stop running? For me, it came d...

“It hasn’t been easy. It’s actually been really tough. But look at you, moving forward and still giving it your best. I’m so proud of how hard you’re trying.” A few years ago, I was totally immersed in the world of CrossFit, high-intensity workouts and heavy lifting. It became a significant part of my life, shaping not just my physical health, but also my mental resilience.   When I suddenly began struggling  with my mental health, and as a result, experiencing anxiety attacks and sleepless nights, I knew the  constant drive to perform at a high level in the gym was adding unnecessary stress to an already heavy mental load. I started to realize that the toll these demanding workouts were taking on my mind and body outweighed the benefits. So, a fter several years of pushing myself to the limit,  I made the decision to, not quit, but just scale bac k on CrossFit. I was stepping back not because I didn’t love it anymore, but because doing it too frequently was no ...

“These are the moments, these are the memories.” As the new academic year kicked off, I found myself navigating the often-overwhelming waters of starting at a new school. The transition has been challenging, demanding longer hours and amplifying my anxiety, which, as usual, has taken a toll on my sleep. Coupled with a lingering lower back injury, my fitness routine has suffered, and my motivation has dipped. Maintaining a balance between work and my fitness goals is crucial for my physical and mental well-being, and lately, it has felt like a struggle. When the midterm break approached, I contemplated staying in Dubai to catch up on rest and regain my training momentum. However, an undeniable pull tugged at my heart—one that urged me to return home to Canada and spend time with my parents. I had always been hesitant about flying back for just a short visit, but this time, something told me that it was exactly what I needed. My week at home turned out to be the perfect solution to the r...

  “I could try to be just like you, but I wanna be like me - the girl in the mirror.” Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself and thought “YIKES!”? Of course you have! We all have! We can all get a little self-critical from time to time, can’t we? I’ll be honest, I don’t often love seeing pictures of myself, especially those really close up, like selfies. Every image seems to amplify my insecurities and highlight “ flaws ” that I wish would disappear. I’m a pretty simple girl—no make-up, no heels, just me as I am, and I find that the world often holds up a different standard of beauty for females, one that's heavily curated and polished. My negative thoughts can weigh heavily at times, and social media ( with all its’ filters ) only magnifies those feelings of self-doubt. Over the last year, I’ve taken a number of selfies or mirror pictures. Some were taken to capture moments during my solo trips, some were taken to track physical changes influenced by diet, training and r...

  “Until you spread your wings, you’ll never know how far you can fly.” For as long as I can remember, there has been a relentless pull within me; a desire to fly away, to explore beyond the boundaries of familiarity, and to immerse myself in the cultural richness of our world. It all started over 15 years ago with a pivotal moment: my first international trip to the Dominican Republic for humanitarian purposes. Little did I know then that this remarkable trip ( *along with teaching in a challenging multicultural school ) would set the stage for a life defined by adventure, discovery, and personal growth. Since that transformative experience, my life has been a whirlwind of movement and exploration. I've been blessed with the opportunity to experience living and working abroad, both in the UAE and in Vietnam, and along the way, I've had the privilege to traverse more than 40 countries, each offering its own unique blend of culture, history, landscape and perspective. Looking ...

“Where the mind goes, energy flows.” Our lives are shaped by what we choose to focus on. The mind is a powerful tool, directing energy and attention to whatever captures its interest. This fundamental truth ‘Wherever the mind goes, energy flows.” means that our emotions and experiences are deeply influenced by our mental focus. Consider the stories we create in our minds. These narratives can lead us on a roller coaster of emotions, affecting how we perceive and interact with the world. A mind filled with anxiety and overthinking often twists reality, leading to a restless and agitated state. This internal chaos can strip away from our inner calm, making it difficult to live productively, instinctively, and in the present moment. Many of us are familiar with the ever-turning wheel of thoughts that can trouble an overactive mind. We seek control, believing that managing every detail will bring peace. Yet, on the contrary, this desire for control can heighten our anxiety, pulling us furt...