I can’t believe it’s early May already! It seems like yesterday when I set my intentions for the year. Did you set some for 2026, too? How’s it going for you, so far? Some of my intentions are bearing fruit. Such as, completing some coursework. One such program was a fitness routine using weights. I signed up for a seniors class with a personal trainer. I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy exercising using weights and resistance bands. Now, I just need more self-motivation to continue. Ha!

I am continuing to make incremental adjustments as life presents its joys and its challenges. Another change made is that I’m slowing down more from “being out and about” so much. I’m pencilling in “reading” and “writing” time blocks into my day timer. Two such activities I throughly enjoy. Of course, I always make time for coffee dates with friends~I deeply value my friendships. My friends are mostly women. And I have a few male friends. I feel very fortunate to know such fine people. One thing about my friendships is that we are honest with one another and that level of ease between us brings such a joy. I can call a spade a spade, so to speak. Not to mention, the various subjects we can talk about. I am learning from each person how I can be a better person. I recently made a new friend having met him at work. We went for breakfast on the day after he left my place of employment. We had a good chat and some laughs, too. His courage and candour inspire me.

I’m facing a professional challenge. Suffice it to say, there is a dynamic at play which involves a healing and a lesson for me. It’s uncomfortable to say the least however, I know without a shadow of a doubt that all will be well and that good things will follow.

It’s morning right now. I just finished a cup of strong black coffee. Made by and brought to me by my beloved. The living room window is cracked wide open and birds are chirping with delight as the day unfolds. I can also see that the windows need to be cleaned. Our tuxedo cat, Emi woke us up at 5 am. She doesn’t understand it’s not a work day today. Thank goodness she let me sleep in until 7 am yesterday. Yes, Emi runs the show around here; it is all about her. And so be it, she’s adorable family member and she’s as loving as can be.

Today is Sunday. We have been going to the Centre for Spiritual Living, for over a year, and it’s been a game changer in terms of adding joy to my life. The community is amazing. It’s a place where I can engage in a variety of spiritual practices. And it’s not religious. After the “celebration” I’m having coffee with a good friend. She and I write each other, through FB Messenger, a little, every morning.

Last month, I spend a few hours walking through the greenhouse pavilions at the Muttart Conservatory, with a friend. In one pavilion the daffodils were blooming. It’ll be a little while before they bloom outdoors. Though, I saw some lily of the valley stems poking their heads up out of the ground yesterday in a north facing flower garden.

I wish you a happy Spring and beginnings of Summer. May your 2026 intensions unfold for you gently and brilliantly!

~Barbara