Sunny disposition

No one can deny the impact of weather on their mood. The term "sunny disposition" is no coincidence. Sunny days usually mean bright smiles. Dreary days, well, not as smiley.

Having said that of course, we each have different preferences. Imagine that some actually prefer the cold. Crazy, I know. Anyway, I love warm days filled with sun and blue skies. In fact, this past winter was especially long and bleak so that lovely days like today make me feel like I should be sleeping on the balcony for the next four months.

Jokes aside, I am invigorated by being surrounded by people - friends, neighbours, strangers - soaking up the sun and enjoying all of the great things these next months bring. The city explodes with festivals, street markets, concerts and so many other activities that make weekends packed with frolic of all types. I am almost overwhelmed by all the options.

It reminds me of when I lived in Montreal where winters are simply inhumane. With the first hint of spring people shed their coats and make a pilgrimage to Mt. Royal. Bars, patios and streets team with people starved to drink up the sun's rays. It (almost) made you forget about the winter.

So maybe it's not just the weather that lifts my spirits, but being amongst people who are feeling lifted as well. Smiles and sunny dispositions are contagious...and energizing. Good thing. I have a mattress to drag outside...

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10 simple joys

Recently "Chewbacca Mom" reminded the world that life is about the "simple joys". Think about it - more of life is about the everyday moments than the sexy milestones. Though I've written a lot here about gratitude, this got me reflecting yet again on the simple joys I am thankful for. This is my list right now, though in no way complete.
1. Snuggling under a cozy duvet 2. That first sip of freshly brewed coffee in the morning 3. Hugging my partner tightly 4. Smiling to strangers and getting smiles back 5. Taking in a beautiful skyline view 6. Mastering a new skill that was unknown to me 7. Being awakened by the chirping birds outside my window each morning 8. Watching a scary movie and jumping with fright (this is a guilty pleasure, I'll admit) 9. Grocery shopping with my partner (yes I know, weird but true - we are talking simple!) 10. Camping adventures (s'mores included ;))
What are your simple joys?

Finding what speaks to you

For some time, my partner and I have been talking about devoting time together to a local cause we believe in. Fuelled by our own sense of gratitude and desire to make a small difference, we considered a few options. And though there are so many wonderful causes to choose from, nothing seemed a perfect match. That is until we found The Furniture Bank.
The Furniture Bank is a Canadian non-profit dedicated to providing gently used household furnishings to families in need. With my new but growing background in design, and my partner's handyman skills, this was the cause we had been searching for. Volunteers can assist clients with furniture selection, prepare furniture for delivery, provide marketing or administrative support, and/or repair furniture. If you'd like to say hello, come by and you'll find us in the furniture workshop giving pieces a second life.
So, if you're also considering volunteering for a cause, start by asking yourself what's important to you. Po…

I'm not Thinking about It

Meditation. Eastern philosophers have long touted its great benefits. Westerners attempt it with varying levels of success.
According to Wikipedia, meditation is “any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit.”

Big Little Life

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