From the Shores of the Ottawa River

Today, I start another year around the sun. It is lightly snowing, -10 in Ottawa. Looking back on the last year, I acknowledge the emotional progress I made.

Every morning, I meditate sometimes for 30 minutes but never less than 15 minutes.  I write in my journal.

 I start my day with tea. , I discovered a new tea from the New York Tea Society, Master Cho white tea. At first, I thought that my new friend Pennie oversold the tea with her description of it, but she didn’t. It is extraordinary. The first sip sits on my tongue expands like a warm blanket. it is smooth with no bitter notes. It quickly became my favorite.

 After my tea I will do some brief scrolling on social media I like Instagram and X. I upload a picture with music on Instagram that shows the moment I am having.

 This morning that’s exactly what I did. I am regularly the first person in my household to wake up. I have always been a morning person.

What I am excited about today is interviewing a classmate of mine. We were at Holy Angels Residential School together. She’s the same age as my big sister, Rose. reconnected with my friend/cousin about a month ago. we have both been on a journey of awakening and getting in touch with our soul’s journey.  I am feeling so much appreciation having her in my life in this moment.

Trauma is a common theme linked to Indian residential schools. It involves how we become triggered and how we can recognize that. The theme also explores how we can grow emotionally and spiritually as humans. That is what the conversation I will be having today with my friend Ruby on my podcast Empathetic Witness.

I believe people come into my life to teach me how to be authentic. I am waking up to who I am. Even the triggers are meant to create a space to learn more about myself. Nevertheless, I must be aware to see the impact of my unconscious actions. To that end, I have bought myself a beautiful leather journal to record my progress this year around the sun. How are you growing?

I

A Note of Appreciation For Ruby

Reconnecting with you after all these years feels like something more than coincidence. It’s almost like a gentle nudge from the universe. It reminds us that certain people circle back into our lives at exactly the right moment.

Over the past month, I’ve felt a deep gratitude growing in my heart. You and I have both been on such meaningful journeys—awakening, healing, listening more closely to our souls. And somehow, in this moment, our paths have aligned again. It feels grounding. It feels affirming. It feels like coming home.

Thank you for being here, open, and authentic.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your reflections, and your spirit.
I truly appreciate having you in my life right now. We are both exactly as we are, evolving and remembering who we’re meant to be.

There is something beautiful about reconnecting with someone who sees you not just as you were, but as you’re becoming. I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful for you.