top of page
ree

When life feels noisy or rushed, the most supportive place to begin is with your breath. It anchors you and brings you back into the present moment. As Amit Ray reminds us:


“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”


Today, I invite you to join me for a gentle mindfulness practice that helps calm the mind and settle the body. This practice supports greater self awareness and self regulation by guiding your attention inward and giving your nervous system a chance to rest.


Before We Begin

Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably. A chair, cushion, or yoga mat all work well. Choose a place where you can relax without distractions.


A Simple Practice

In this session, you will be guided to follow your breath and return to it whenever your mind drifts. This helps you slow down, release tension, and reconnect with yourself.

When you are ready, click the video below and join me.


Take a seat. Take a breath. Allow yourself this moment of presence.



 
 
 
ree

As the world grows noisier and the commercial rush of the holidays begins, we are invited to pause and return to what truly matters: self-care, family, connection, and meaningful experiences that nourish the soul.


This yoga practice is inspired by the quote:

“When the world is noisy, slow down to listen to the direction of your heart.”


In this gentle class, we will slow down, reduce the external and internal noise, and create space to hear our own inner guidance. Through breath, mindful movement, and restorative stillness, you will be encouraged to let your heart lead the way.


Join me as we take a collective pause across the province, grounding ourselves, reconnecting with what matters, and moving into the season with clarity, calm, and intention.



 
 
 
ree

Picture of me with my sister, Doreen.


A friend recently shared a YouTube video that sparked a wave of nostalgia for me. It reminded me of the familiar phrases many of us heard growing up in the 60s and 70s. These sayings shaped our childhood in ways we didn’t recognize at the time. They provided structure, warmth, and clear expectations.


Our parents might not have used the language of emotional intelligence or resilience, but they taught it. We grew up with unconditional love, but we also learned that three things mattered: Respect, Resilience, and Relationships.


Below are 12 sayings that defined an entire generation and the lessons tucked inside each one. If you would like the link to the video that inspired this post, feel free to let me know in the comments.


1. “Because I said so.”

This was the final answer.It taught boundaries, trust, and that sometimes children are not meant to carry the weight of adult explanations.

2. “We have food at home.”

A reminder to be satisfied with what we already had.This taught gratitude, patience, and resourcefulness.

3. “Don’t make me stop this car.”

A clear indicator that our actions affected others.We learned self-control and the consequences of pushing limits.

4. “You’ll understand when you’re older.”

This phrase reassured us that understanding comes with time.It taught patience, emotional safety, and respect for the complexities of adulthood.

5. “If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you.”

This encouraged us to think for ourselves. We learned about values, personal responsibility, and the importance of making decisions based on our own judgment.

6. “Go outside and play.”

A universal invitation to move, explore, and create. We built friendships, imagination, and resilience, all without screens or schedules.

7. “Were you raised in a barn.”

A prompt to close the door and mind our manners. It reinforced that manners matter, standards matter, and our actions affect everyone in the house.

8. “You’re not going out dressed like that.”

A lesson in self-respect and how we present ourselves to the world. We learned that clothing communicates something and that our appearance is part of our personal self.

9. “Turn off that racket.”

The classic music generation gap.It taught us that tastes differ and that relationships sometimes require patience and compromise.

10. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”

This was our introduction to financial responsibility.We learned limits, the value of saving, and the importance of thinking before spending.

11. “Wait until your father gets home.”

A phrase that stirred a mix of nerves and accountability.We learned consequences, shared parenting roles, and the understanding that actions matter.

12. “I love you, but I don’t like your behaviour right now.”

Perhaps the most powerful lesson of all.We learned unconditional love mixed with accountability. We discovered that relationships can hold both love and correction at the same time.


Why These Sayings Still Matter

These expressions formed the backbone of our upbringing. They created boundaries, taught self-discipline, and helped us understand our place in the family and the wider world. Most importantly, they shaped who we became: resilient, respectful, and grounded in strong relationships.


Your Turn

How many of these sayings did you hear growing up.Share your memories below. I would love to hear which ones shaped your childhood.

If you would like the YouTube video that inspired this blog, just ask and I will share it in the comments.

 
 
 
Living Life Over Cancer Logo. Multiple ribbons in a circle.
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

©2023 Living Life Over Cancer  

bottom of page