Skip to main content

Find Your Smile: REFLECT

#SoManyReasonsToSmile2020


“Look back so the view forward is even clearer.”


I think most people would agree that 2020 has been...well…

unexpected, unusual, destabilizing, uncomfortable, interesting and enriching.


In order to make sense of what has been a pretty strange year, 

I believe it is worth taking some time to reflect 

on what we have learned (or been reminded of) and how we have grown.



Below are some of my biggest takeaways from the last 12 months 

(*see previous posts for more details).


  1. There is so much to be grateful for and there is always a reason to smile;
  2. The best way to live life is through various types of experiences;
  3. Love your family, your friends and most of all love yourself;
  4. The choice is yours to control your response to whatever is happening;
  5. Be adaptable to change, embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities;
  6. Keep things in perspective;
  7. Keep an open-mind, listen to others stories and celebrate differences;
  8. Find the right people to have in your life simply by being yourself;
  9. Challenge yourself and allow yourself to grow;
  10. Find your inner strength to rise above difficult situations;
  11. Be yourself and stay true to your core values;
  12. Don't be afraid to invest in yourself because you're worth it;
  13. Reflect with the intent of moving forward.


“Whatever happened over this past year, be thankful for where it brought you.

Where you are is where you’re meant to be.”


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Living Outside The Box

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I believe I’m on the path I’m meant to be." As we get older, it’s easy to get trapped in society’s idea of what life "should" look like. By the time we hit 40, there’s a well-defined picture of success: owning a home, starting a family, climbing the career ladder. But as I approach this milestone, I’m choosing to remind myself that true happiness isn’t found in checking off someone else’s list. It’s found in stepping outside the box, embracing the unexpected, and allowing life to unfold in its own unique way. Sure, my path hasn’t always been conventional, and I’ve often found myself comparing my journey to others, wondering why I’m not where they are. But when I take a step back and reflect, I see how much I’ve gained by stepping off the well-worn road. Life may not have gone according to plan, but I’m proud of the unexpected milestones I’ve reached along the way. I’ve traveled to over 40 countries, lived in three (ye...

The runner in me

“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...

Good days

“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...