Love & Light

Sometimes the unexpected catches you off guard, sending prickly pins and needles down your fingertips and into your toes. Sometimes the unexpected can derail your day, surprise you with delight, or overwhelm you with shock, and then deep sadness.

Last Monday I woke up to receive some tragic and completely unexpected news; a childhood friend of mine was killed in an unforeseen accident. At first my head felt fuzzy, I was shocked. As the day wore on, my state of shock transitioned into sadness.

It was difficult to be in Melbourne and feel so far from friends and family back home in Toronto. I exchanged tears with my best friend via Skype, spoke to my Dad, and reached out to those who needed a little extra strength. I felt a little bit closer.

It's not easy to lose a friend, nor is it easy to fathom the pain that their parents and best friends endure. Sometimes it takes time, but love and light always pokes through tragedy and lifts you up in unexpected ways. It strengthens your core and reminds you to live and to live brightly. It reminds you to fill up with gratitude and project kindness into the world. As inspired by the Lululemon manifesto, it reaffirms to breathe deep and appreciate the moment.

I'm so grateful that I was home, with friends and family, for three whole weeks. If I wasn't just with my friends and family, the unfortunate news would have hit me a lot harder. Thanks for flying me home, Dad.

I'm so blessed to have such loving and inspirational people in my life. They are always with me, no matter the distance or ocean between us.

When I was home, I saw my little brother graduate High School - as he walked across the stage. I'm so grateful and happy to be his big sister. Bryce, you mean the world to me.

I'm grateful to love and be loved. 

I'm grateful for friends who make me laugh. When I was home, I spent time with my dear friend, Patrick, and enjoyed almost every single day with my best friend, Nadine. I love you both.

 I'm grateful for my loving parents and family home. I'm grateful for close friends, who live around the corner.
I'm grateful for delicious and healthy food, which I enjoy every single day.

I'm grateful for the likeminded people in my life. During my visit, I laughed until my abs hurt and enjoyed holistic meals with my heart-of-gold friend and soulmate, Ingrid.

I'm grateful for my good health, sharp memory, and University education.

I'm grateful to have been a part of my friends life. I'm grateful to have shared a seat next to him in Grade 1, and to have grown with him all the way through High School. Even though I'm down under, so far from home, I feel close as I shed some love and light.  

Make a wish and send your love and light into the world. Life is too short not to. 


Love,