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Canada Day Wisdom from Tavis and the Mat
Happy Canada Day from Tavis This morning, we gathered by the lake for Canada Day yoga, but I forgot to take a group photo. In the moment, I missed capturing the wonderful group who arrived with open hearts, wearing red and white, ready to move, breathe, and start the day with purpose. But I did manage to get a photo of Tavis. Tavis stood proudly on the yoga mat, wearing his Canada Day bandana and enjoying the sunshine, the lake breeze, and the simple joy of being present. He
bjaucoin
Jul 12 min read


Mentorship, Community, and the Joy of Watching Others Rise
This reflection celebrates Kelly Woodford and Jamie as they open Threshold Psychology, a space rooted in care, connection, learning, resilience, and service to the South Shore community.
bjaucoin
Jun 282 min read


A Daughter’s Gratitude
A Father’s Day reflection on legacy, love, and the quiet power of showing up. In this post, I honour my father, Harv MacArthur, and the lessons he gave me about living beside uncertainty with grace, hope, faith, and love.
bjaucoin
Jun 212 min read


The Story Beneath the Ink
Sometimes the smallest symbols hold the most meaning. My new tattoo is a reminder of resilience, love, life, hope, and the choice to keep rising through difficult seasons.
bjaucoin
Jun 52 min read


Returning to the Ice: Grief, Gratitude, and Family Traditions
What began as one evening at Stars on Ice after a CT scan has become a cherished tradition of friendship, healing, and honouring my mother’s memory through the joy of figure skating.
bjaucoin
Apr 252 min read


Game Day: A Different Kind of Victory
A heartfelt reflection on living fully through cancer. Discover resilience, mindful living, and practical ways to nourish body, mind, and spirit.
bjaucoin
Apr 212 min read


RISE Book Club Reflections: When Memoir Meets Practical Healing
Book clubs across the U.S. are engaging deeply with RISE: Living Life Over Cancer. Discover how readers are responding to its powerful blend of memoir and guidance.
bjaucoin
Apr 172 min read


Rising Again: A Reflection for Easter
This Good Friday, a quiet breath. A new day. Another chance to rise.
bjaucoin
Apr 32 min read


Celebrating 200 Blogs: Gratitude, Community, and a New Resource to Support Your Journey
Celebrating 200 blog posts, this reflection shares lessons on living with cancer, resilience, and community, along with a new Five Cornerstones Guide to support your well-being.
bjaucoin
Mar 162 min read


The Power of Story: Reflections from The Listening Room
Listen to my reflections from The Listening Room Last evening, I had the honour of sharing my story at The Listening Room , co-presented by Harbour House and ALCHEMIA Art Workshop. It was an evening when women gathered not only to speak but also to listen to one another’s journeys, struggles, and moments of courage. This gathering was created by Christopher Quigley of Custom Cultured , whose vision for The Listening Room is to offer a space for honest, vulnerable, and caring
bjaucoin
Mar 72 min read


Happy Heritage Day 2026
Happy Heritage Day! Celebrating the resilience of the Acadian people.
bjaucoin
Feb 162 min read


Beginning the New Year with Gratitude
“Sometimes the most meaningful beginning is not a resolution, but a renewed commitment to kindness, presence, and hope.” BJ Aucoin As I step into a new year, my first intention is gratitude. Like many, 2025 carried its share of challenges. Yet, in those moments, there were pockets of love, connection, and grace. There were reminders that even in difficult seasons, beauty still finds its way to us. I choose to begin this year by honouring those moments and holding them close.
bjaucoin
Dec 31, 20251 min read


Boxing Day: A 30-Year Tradition of Love
Some traditions become woven so deeply into our lives that they quietly shape who we are. For over 30 years, our family has gathered on Boxing Day, a tradition begun in 1996 by my sister and her husband and lovingly continued today by her son and his wife. What started as a simple act of opening their home has become one of the most meaningful touchstones of our family life. Growing up in a family of seven children, this gathering gave all of us the chance to come together, w
bjaucoin
Dec 28, 20252 min read


Love Reigns: A Christmas Reflection
These past few weeks have shown me that love is truly the essence of life. As I cradle my grandchild and enjoy the company of my furry friends, I reflect on the invaluable bonds we create. Read more about my Christmas reflection here: https://wix.to/nYh84mB #Love #ChristmasReflection #livinglifeovercancer #GrandparentLove #NewGrandbabyJoy #FamilyIsEverything
#FamilyLove #LoveIsTheGreatestGift #ChristmasReflection #MeaningOfChristmas #LoveReigns #ChristmasSpirit #SeasonOfLove
bjaucoin
Dec 22, 20252 min read


🎄 A Gift of Hope for the Holiday Season
Hope is the greatest gift we can give one another. The holidays often invite both joy and reflection. At a recent Christmas fair, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Claus. Her warmth reminded me how deeply people are searching for comfort, connection, and hope at this time of year. For many, the season can bring mixed emotions. Some are healing. Some are facing uncertainty. Others are working hard to care for their minds, bodies, and spirits. In those moments, the right messa
bjaucoin
Dec 12, 20251 min read


A Tiny New Light in My Life
Last night, I had the joy of celebrating my Birthday with someone very special in my arms, my sweet grandson. There is something indescribable about holding a tiny new life so close. As I sang softly to him, I was reminded of my own mother and how she would gently rock her grandchildren as she sang. It felt like a beautiful moment carried through the generations of unconditional love and joy. This little guy has changed my world in the most tender way. His presence brings new
bjaucoin
Dec 10, 20251 min read


Another Turn Around the Sun: Celebrating My Birthday, My Blessings, and This Beautiful Life
I have always loved my Birthdays. For me, they have always signalled a party, a celebration, a reason to gather the people I love. Anyone who knows me knows that I have never needed much of an excuse to bring family and friends together. This year, as I mark another 365 days around the sun, that joy feels even deeper. Since being diagnosed with stage IV cancer, with Google giving me less than five years, each Birthday has become more than a celebration. I choose not to look a
bjaucoin
Dec 7, 20252 min read


X-Ring Day and 39 Years of Love
December 3rd has always held a special place in my heart. At St. Francis Xavier University, it is a day filled with pride, tradition, and connection. It is St. Francis Xavier Day and the beloved X-Ring ceremony, a moment that marks a lifelong bond to the X community. For me, this day holds an added layer of meaning. Thirty-nine years ago today, Raymond and I began dating. It was a simple beginning that grew into a commitment that has carried us through almost four decades of
bjaucoin
Dec 3, 20251 min read


Happy Canada Day! True North Strong and Free.
CANADA Canada is my country and I'm proud to call it "Home". Her beauty will always call me back wherever I might roam. God gave us this...
bjaucoin
Jul 1, 20241 min read


Happy Father's Day! Celebrating our Super Heroes.
"My Father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person; he believed in me." Jim Valvano Today, we honour those we fondly...
bjaucoin
Jun 16, 20242 min read
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