A Green Light to Live

This morning, I woke with gratitude. I have a green light to return to Costa Rica, a place and a people I love.

This time, the journey looks a little different. I am travelling on a new medication. It comes with new questions and new responsibilities. I need to stay out of the direct sun, watch carefully for side effects, and pay close attention to my body to be sure the dosage is correct. These are not small things, and I take them seriously. And still, I am willing to do this so that I can return to a place that brings me peace and joy.

During a recent conversation with my general physician oncologist, we discussed more than just medication. We talked about life. About the importance of living each day, until we cannot. That conversation stayed with me.

Today is the 8th day of the new year, and I am reminded of a quote by the Dalai Lama that has long guided me:

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday, and the other is called tomorrow. Today is the right day to love, believe, do, and live.”

We often say we believe in Carpe Diem, seize the day, yet we quietly place limits on ourselves. They show up in our thoughts and our words.

But it is not the right time.

What if something goes wrong?

I will do it when things calm down.

I am too tired.

It feels selfish.

I should be more practical.

These thoughts may sound responsible, but over time, they can hold us back from fully living. Carpe Diem does not mean ignoring reality. It means preparing with care and choosing to live anyway. It means holding responsibility and joy at the same time.

So today, I offer this gentle reminder to myself and to you.

Do one thing that brings you joy.

Reach out to someone you love.

Move your body in a way that feels kind.

Take a chance you have been putting off.

Prepare thoughtfully, without letting fear take over.

We cannot change yesterday. Tomorrow is not promised.

But today is here, and today matters.

Today, I choose to live.

Two Sides of Healing

Quote image shared from @TherapyQuotes

I hope everyone welcomed 2026 surrounded by joy, hope, and love. There is something powerful about the turning of a calendar year; an invitation to pause, reflect, and step forward with intention.

For me, the first day of the new year arrived quietly and with purpose. I completed a cycle of my new medication and entered what is known as a rest week. This pause is intentional. It allows my body time to recover, rebuild my blood counts, and regain strength before beginning my next cycle next Thursday. Healing, I am learning once again, is not only about action. It is also about rest.

Next week brings another layer of care. I will receive maintenance infusions and have blood work completed to see how this new treatment is supporting stabilization. I will also meet with my General Physician Oncologist to review results and discuss plans for Costa Rica. These conversations are part of the practical side of healing, appointments, monitoring, adjustments, and planning life alongside treatment rather than placing life on hold. This is where the two sides of healing become clear.

One side is medical and measurable. It includes medications, infusions, counselling, lab work, and the expertise of health-care teams who guide us with science and skill. These supports matter deeply. They help steady us, strengthen us, and give our bodies what they need.

The other side of healing is human. It is how we choose to live our days. It is being present. It is joy. It is listening to our bodies, honouring fatigue, allowing rest, and doing what brings meaning even in the midst of uncertainty.

For those of us facing challenges in 2026: illness, chronic disease, cancer, or other life-altering circumstance, the photo message matters. Rising above is rarely loud or dramatic. It happens in the daily choices to balance medicine with humanity, treatment with tenderness, and structure with joy.

On every form shared across my healthcare team are these words written by my oncologist: “She is leaving for Costa Rica on January 21. Let’s make this happen.”

Those words matter. My oncologist understands that healing is supported not only by protocols, but by how I choose to live. He supports my moving forward when I can, pulling back when I need to, and remaining focused on what brings me joy.

As Ray and I prepare for our upcoming flight to Costa Rica, we are deeply grateful to be able to continue to travel this year. We do not worry about what lies beyond today. Whatever happens in the future is not ours to carry right now.

January 2nd is. And today, the work is simple: to live fully, to honour both sides of healing, and to choose presence over fear, one quiet, meaningful day at a time.

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.

Rather than setting resolutions, I am choosing to give my time and intention to what nourishes me. I want to notice the beauty that surrounds me each day, immersing myself in nature here in Nova Scotia and in Costa Rica. I want to savour moments with family and friends, to witness my grandson move through the wondrous stages of infancy, and to honour each day I am given to live, laugh, and love.

This year may invite you to do the same. To release expectations, to be gentler with yourself, and to honour what truly matters in your life. There is no single right way to move forward, only the invitation to move with intention and compassion.

As this new year unfolds, I send my heartfelt wishes to each of you who follow along, support me, and so generously share your light. May 2026 bring good health, happiness, and love into your lives.

As we continue to walk alongside one another in the year ahead, on our way home, may we all RISE together, anchored in hope.