I’ve always believed in walking my talk yet I still can’t quite believe I’m actually doing this…
This has been a dream since I was 19 years old but I was either too afraid to do it alone or the timing was never right. There was always a reason or excuse NOT to do it.
But now—because I trust my heart’s whispers—I’ve stepped fully into making the dream a reality. And it feels easy, fun, and the next right step.
With the exception of a few boxes of treasured items and legal must-haves safely stowed away, I’ve donated or sold ALL of my belongings and given up my apartment in Toronto.
With just a small suitcase and backpack (and of course, my computer), I plan to spend the next few years following my heart to see where it leads me while still serving you as usual.
First stop: London, England! In fact, I’m writing you this note from a quaint town situated by the Thames in the southwest of London.
For me, today, this is what being heartfully happy in business and life looks like.
What does it look like for you?
You might be saying, “Yeah, easy for you to follow your heart, but I’ve got obligations (kids, aging parents, job…)”
I get it. I really do.
When my mom was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, I was juggling the responsibilities of co-parenting teenage kids; one who was starting university and one who was involved in an upper-level sport with a lot of practices and travel. I had a part-time job and was the only person my dad called upon when he needed help with my mom (which was often). I was the one he vented to and the one who spelled him off. I did all their errands as well as my own family’s.
I was so immersed in trying to hold all the pieces together while, at the same time, my heart was breaking over the loss of the mother I knew and a marriage that I could feel crumbling under the strain. I longed for heartful happiness and it seemed so far away.
If I could go back and give my then-self one piece of advice, it would be to stop trying to do it all. It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s the strong thing to do. As is allowing yourself time to fill yourself up with joyful activities.
I often think about how I would have shown up more loving and less frustrated or resentful had I been listening to the nudges of my heart; nudges that were telling me to take breaks and receive the help that was being offered. To let myself grieve. To ask for what I need instead of assuming others should know. (They don’t.)
Heartful happiness comes from honouring your energy, honouring your needs, and honouring who you are and what you want.
The more you’re in alignment with your heart, the happier you are — and that can happen anywhere, at any time, in any circumstance.
What I’ve learned is that heartful happiness doesn’t need to wait until the time is right or until all your obligations are over because there will always be obligations of some sort.
I lost my mom to Alzheimer’s ten years before she left us physically. My dad passed away just as I was getting to really know him. My brother-in-law died suddenly in his 50’s. COVID took far too many, far too soon.
The only time you’re guaranteed is right now.
How can you be happier NOW?
How can you change things or do things differently so your needs — your heart and your happiness — are a priority?
I believe our lives show us what we most need to learn.
One of my greatest lessons has been that our hearts know what’s best for us. We need only the courage to follow its whispers.
What is your life trying to teach you right now?
Stop for a moment, tune into your heart and ask: What do I most need to know right now? Listen for your heart’s loving reply. Why not make this a daily question?
