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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


Celebrating My Two Favourite Gifts!
"Grow Old with Me, the Best is Yet to Be." - R. Browning When I count my blessings, I count these two. Joseph Raymond and Joseph...
bjaucoin
May 17, 20241 min read


"Mother's Day - Simple Yet so Complex"
To All Mothers Next to the holiday season, today stands out as a day filled with intricate emotions. As we begin this day, we carry a...
bjaucoin
May 12, 20242 min read


« Betty Jean 1 - Cancer 0 »
The best news possible was given to me today! I am in stable condition with no evidence of cancer in my bones, no progression to other...
bjaucoin
May 2, 20241 min read


"Today is Game Day! Taking on a formidable opponent."
"Nobody who ever gave their best regretted it!" G. Halas In the world of cancer, today is game day! My hard work, practice, and...
bjaucoin
May 2, 20242 min read


Celebrating Siblings Day with Gratitude!
The greatest gift our parents ever gave us was one another! I was lucky enough to be the fifth of seven children raised in the MacArthur...
bjaucoin
Apr 10, 20242 min read


Wishing you a Joyous and Blessed Easter.
It is special to end our time in Antigua on this Easter Sunday. The spirit of Easter is all about hope, love, and joyful living. We wish...
bjaucoin
Mar 31, 20241 min read


Congratulations to Stacey Jensen!
Congratulations to Stacey Jensen for winning the Living Life Over Cancer gift giveaway! Thank you to everyone who joined me in...
bjaucoin
Mar 23, 20241 min read


Celebrating 100 Posts with a Gift Giveaway: Comment, share, like and/or register for your chance to win!
I’m celebrating 100 posts today! It's St. Paddy's Day and one of you will be lucky enough to win this self-care package. Please leave a...
bjaucoin
Mar 17, 20241 min read


Happy International Women's Day!
A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey. But a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become...
bjaucoin
Mar 8, 20241 min read


Celebrating William Hall: 1st NS Recipient of the Victoria Cross
“To me, beauty is inclusion– every size, every colour– that's the world I live in.” William Neilson Hall, seaman (born 25 April 1829 in...
bjaucoin
Feb 19, 20241 min read


Happy Birthday to my Heavenly Valentine Angel!
"You raised me, so I can stand on mountains You raised me, to walk on stormy seas I am strong when I am on your shoulders You raised me...
bjaucoin
Feb 14, 20242 min read
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