SPRING REFLECTIONS: Renewal, Traditions, and Growth

A short journey through new beginnings, family, and self-discovery.  Enjoy!

Spring is here!  We had what seemed like THE longest and coldest winter this past season and we’re getting little teasers here in Toronto but it’s coming soon!

Before we get into Spring, I want to do a check-in and set a gentle reminder to everyone.  March was Women’s History Month where we celebrated International Women’s Day.  If you missed my post on the topic take a read here but I talked about this year’s themes and shared some personal and related stories.  Thank you for the love on that post!

So, checking in to see if you celebrated yourself during March?  Carved out time daily just for you?  Saying no and/or ask for help because well, that’s ok.  Did you have the opportunity to help, donate, volunteer or mentor another woman or girl?  How about the education piece?  Learning about all the amazing women in history?  If you did some of it, great and if you didn’t get to all of it, no sweat!  The reminder is to continue that momentum!  The idea is to continue to celebrate ourselves and the amazing women who came before us, are around us and those yet to come.  We are trailblazers and we can pave the way for our daughters and their daughters to come.

There are many ways to continue the theme – the internet is full of ideas and lists but I’ve put one here so you don’t have to look.  I believe that something as simple as living your own purpose is a start.  By doing so you are inspiring others.  Period!

Back to Spring!  It’s a close second to summer as my favourite season but I love it because a few things always come up for me:

• New beginnings: The snow has melted and we are shedding our winter layers. Outside it is starting to be colourful with flowers, the trees will be green again, birds are singing, people are out and smiling. The vibes just hit differently.
• Easter: This holiday always reminds me of my late mother and father-in-law, so it holds a special place in my heart. One of the first holidays I attended at their home many years ago was Easter and it was (to me) such a joyous occasion.  Growing up, it was my mom and my two siblings for the most part so I welcomed the big family vibe.
• Traditions: Easter also comes with traditions that I get to honour. Good Friday is traditionally pickled fish and hot cross buns and being the oldest daughter, I feel like this tradition fell onto me – but the fact that my pickled fish slaps is probably the main reason why it’s my dish to make and to share!  I also host our family dinner, and I’ve been doing so for years.  It’s the potluck style where others bring and it ends up being a feast with all the traditional eats and treats.  Most of all, I personally love hosting and having everyone at the same table so we can share and cultivate some of that “big family” joy!
• Reflection: This is a good time to look back at the first quarter of the year and do a little self-check-in or pulse check and it can be on the goals you set back in January OR just a mental health check. Are you doing what you set out to do but more importantly, are you getting what you need in return from your people, your job and/or friends?
• Moving forward: What’s next? Whether on a personal or business level it’s good to look ahead to see where you’re going and to ensure you’re still on the path you want to be on.  Is it time to change direction or make small adjustments?

THE TRADITIONAL PICKLED FISH – MY 2026 EDITION

These are just a few thought starters and it’s healthy to have self-check-in moments.  It creates an awareness of what and who is real and I’ll add that it’s a boss move to be able to say, “this is not working” or “this doesn’t deserve my energy” and walk away.  I’ve silently celebrated some personal growth moments this year already and one of them is protecting my peace.  There’s no one way it’s done but the more you practice it, the easier it gets.

Strong Is My Beautiful™ continues to grow.  I keep reminding myself that SIMB is a feeling and a way of life.  Living and believing that strength is beauty and embracing that it can look and feel different from one person to the next is where it’s at! The brand is constantly growing and evolving, and it’s doing so in the way I intended.  Through sharing, mentoring, motivating, uplifting and growing through the hard stuff.  All the rest will follow.

I welcome the next few months.  I still work with victims and survivors of violence, and I am meeting a new group this week.  Boxing is incorporated as part of their healing journey, and it’s work I’ve been doing through an NGO for the past three years.  It’s so rewarding to see their transformation in a 6-week cycle, and many go on to continue in some capacity which is amazing.

Whether it’s Spring where you are or another season, take the time to check in with yourself, continue to honour and love the hell out of yourself and keep pushing forward.

Stay strong and stay beautiful!

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