Author: Kim Fluxgold

Some days shine a little brighter – not because everything is perfect, but because life feels a little less broken. 

Last night reminded me what joy truly feels like. Shabbat dinner with dear friends, laughter echoing around the table, hands dusted with flour as we each shaped our own challahs; kneading not just dough, but a sense of belonging and tradition.

The evening flowed into a birthday celebration for one of my favorite people and then, an epic, unforgettable Jays win; our hearts racing with pure excitement.

It was the perfect way to close out another tiresome week. I found myself pausing, just to soak it all in.

It’s in these quiet, unexpected moments when joy sneaks up on you. The simple, beautiful moments that weave together the fabric of joy.

I carried that feeling into today, out on the trails on a cool fall afternoon, breathing in the crisp air, surrounded by the colors and scents of the season.

It’s in these moments: a shared meal with loved ones, a celebration of your people, a cheer that unites us, a quiet breath that grounds us.

The sacred and the simple. The grateful and the hopeful. The moments that linger long after the candles go out.

That’s where joy lives, waiting to be felt.

Let’s go, Jays! Let’s do it again tonight!

#momentsofjoy #shabbat #myfavouritepeople #gratitude #simplejoy #sacred #celebration #milestones #laughter #letsgobluejays #iwantitall #mentalhealth #wellbeing #nature #trails #fallcolours #belonging

Eleven years ago, this month marked the first of many hospital admissions in what would become a long and tiresome mental health journey. I was finally discharged more than three months later. During that time, I met a lot of people — some I eventually needed to distance (and block) myself from, and others who became genuine friends I still cherish today.

Last night, as I often do (sadly), I found myself scrolling through the websites of both Benjamins and Steeles Memorial (the Jewish memorial chapels in Toronto). My heart sank when I saw a familiar name. It was someone I’d met during that first inpatient stay back in October 2014.

She and I stayed in touch regularly over the years. She checked in on me often, probably weekly, if not more, and as recently as last weekend. She always took a genuine interest in how I was doing, often commenting on my blogs, sending me heartfelt memes, and reminding me that she was there if I ever needed someone to listen.

Her life was far from easy. In her short time on this earth, she faced profound challenges — both mental and physical ones that few truly understood. She rarely let on just how heavy those burdens were. Yet, despite everything she carried, she remained kind, generous, and full of heart. She gave her time freely, even when she had so little left to give herself.

As I write this, I can’t help but shake a deep feeling of guilt for not replying to her last message, the one she’d sent me a few days ago. I’ve had a lot going on lately, both health-wise and personally, and I just wasn’t in the headspace to chat. And now… she’s gone.

I don’t know what the right words are right now. I just know that life is fragile, unpredictable, and often unfair. I wish I’d answered her message. I wish I’d told her one more time how much her kindness meant to me.

I pray she’s finally at peace. I’ll carry her compassion with me moving forward. I’ll miss her messages, her warmth, and her light.

Rest easy, my friend. 💔

#tooyoung #mentalhealth #grief #guilt #physicalhealth #lightinthedarkness #inpatient #depression #anxiety #checkonyourpeople #resteasy #compassion #kindness 

I don’t even know how to describe what I’m feeling right now. I’m excited, exhausted, and hanging on by a thread. 

The Blue Jays are going to the World Series, baby!!!!

Ever since near the end of the regular season, I swear my heart’s been pounding out of my chest. But no matter what, I keep coming back for more—night after night.

These past few weeks have been insane. I’ve been on the edge of my seat, yelling at the TV, looking away during every opposing at-bat, and holding my breath at every pitch thrown to one of our guys, praying this next one might change the game. And last night, it did just that and more. 

I know I’m not alone. Millions of fans across the country are feeling just as shaky, hyped up, anxious, exhausted, and borderline delirious as I am.

And it’s not just excitement—it’s a full-body, emotionally draining, high-stakes rollercoaster.

The truth is, my anxiety doesn’t need any help. I’m already out here hanging on by a thread most days. But this? This has been next level. My chest tightens, my stomach’s in knots, and my heart races well after the final out, leaving me unable to sleep.

But I love it. I really do. I’ve been a loyal fan since long before they last won the World Series. I love this team. I love their fight. I love that they’ve made us believe again, especially after finishing dead last just a year ago. I love that this kind of stress means “we” made it, that we’re here after 32 years, and that we finally have something this big to hope for again.

The tears of joy, the elation, the sheer adrenaline? It’s worth it.

And I know I’ll keep doing it until this thing is over (in four games, 🙏), because this is what being a fan means: loving something so much it literally hurts.

So yeah, I’m tired. I’m wired. I’m anxious as hell. My eyes were burning all day from exhaustion, but I’ve never been prouder to be a Blue Jay’s fan. It’s such a feeling of community. And at least we’ve got a few days’ reprieve until the World Series kicks off Friday night.

Let’s have some more Springer Dingers. Let’s have some more Joe Carter moments. Let’s finish this and bring it home, boys.

#canadasteam #worldseriesbound #mentalhealth #anxious #excited #springerdingers #baseball #October #letsdothisboys #bringithome #alcschamps #wewantitall @torontobluejays

Every time I feel even the slightest bit of hope that our healthcare system isn’t completely broken, it finds a way to disappoint me again. And not just in small, manageable ways, but in ways that chip away at your spirit and break off just a little more of me in the process. 

Every time I start to believe, “Maybe this time it’ll be different.” It never is. When our healthcare system is supposed to help but ends up making things harder, it can feel isolating, exhausting, and even defeating.

That was my week.

A week filled with frustration, helplessness, and the quiet kind of anger that simmers below the surface. At the end of it, all that I was left with was an aching feeling of guilt for desperately needing care and a sense that maybe my health and my worth don’t matter.

So today, I walked. 

Rich and I took to the trails for a lovely #summerofrich, fall edition adventure close to home. 

I may have taken my frustration, helplessness, and anger with me but with the sun’s warmth on my skin and the gentle crunch of the falling leaves beneath my feet I felt a quiet reminder that not everything is broken. I let myself feel it all; the fear and exhaustion included. Then I let the trail give me space to heal. Out there, surrounded by trees starting to turn colour, I felt something shift. Not fixed. Not gone. But released. Just a little bit.

I even walked off the disappointment of the Jays game last night!!

My story is still unfolding. I’m still tired. Still angry. Still afraid. But today, I walked it out. And for now, that’s enough. Or at least, it has to be.

#mentalhealth #wellbeing #fall #changingseasons #healthcaresystem #frustration #helplessness #anger #brokensystem #exhaustion #hiking #trails #nature #healing #youmatter #youareenough 

Yoel Levy, who resides in Manchester, has made a unique name for himself on social media as “The Jewish Fitness Coach”, blending his passion for health with deep pride in his heritage.

Over the past year, Yoel has been running marathons around the world –dressed in a full Batman costume – in loving memory of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, two young brothers whose love for Batman and whose tragic story has touched the hearts of so many. Every finish line Yoel crosses is in their honour and in tribute to their beloved mother, Shiri.

Last week, while in Israel, Yoel had the privilege of meeting Yarden Bibas and the extended Bibas family at Kibbutz Nir Oz. The encounter left a powerful impact on him, strengthening his resolve to complete his ambitious goal: 12 marathons in 12 months.

As Yoel shared recently:
“Running in a costume for hours is no joke. It’s hot. It’s heavy. It hurts. But the WHY behind the costume is what keeps me going.”

Yoel’s next marathon is this Sunday, October 19, at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. So close to home. I would love nothing more than to be there as he runs, not just for a finish line but for memory, for justice, and for light. I just pray my anxiety allows for it.

If you live nearby, let’s show up for Yoel – and for the Bibas family. Together, we embody strength, hope, and community.

Keep running for their memories, Yoel!!

(His next marathon is in 2 weeks…in NYC!)

Shabbat Shalom🧡🧡🧡


http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com

#shabbatshalom #thejewishfitnesscoach #marathonrunner #bibasboys #batman #pride #hope #community #torontowaterfrontmarathon #neverforget #health #mentalhealth  @thejewishfitnesscoach

Today, on this Thanksgiving day (in Canada), the world feels a little lighter. Around the globe, Jews watched, unable to take a breath until the last of the living hostages, held in captivity and enduring unimaginable mental and physical torment for two long years, (two years to the day on the Jewish calendar) finally returned home. Reunited with their loved ones, the scenes were overwhelming, raw, magical beyond words, and impossible to describe without tears. A collective sigh of relief, joy, and heartbreak all collided in those moments.

Closer to home, I felt deeply grateful to be surrounded by loved ones today. (Missing @Jacob and my nephew @Noah 💙) as we celebrated my beloved mother-in-law, Ruth’s birthday (a few days late). Hearts were full and bellies fuller. The laughter felt heartier, the hugs a little tighter.

What would be the perfect cherry on top today? It’s a win by our Toronto Blue Jays! Let’s go, boys—let’s do this! 💙⚾️

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Happy Homecoming! 

Happy birthday, Ruth!  


Wishing everyone today and always continued moments of peace, gratitude, and joy.


Go Jays, Go!!

Please hug your loved ones a little tighter today 💛


Am Yisrael Chai!!


#happythanksgiving #happybirthdaywishes #happyhomecoming #gojaysgo #theyrehome #peace #gratitude #thankful #celebratingthemoments #amyisraelchai #wewilldanceagain 

One of my favourite things to do every fall is to watch the salmon swim upstream to spawn. There’s something deeply grounding about it — and fun, too! Their relentless push against the current, the sheer effort it takes just to move forward. I can watch them for hours, especially on a gorgeous day like today.

Over the years, I’ve had a front-row seat to what happens when someone you care about slowly begins to shrink away — physically and emotionally — after years of not moving their body. Not because they weren’t able. Maybe it became habit. Maybe it was grief, depression, or simply not realizing how vital movement truly is — not just for our muscles or hearts, but for our minds, too.

Witnessing that decline firsthand has only deepened my commitment to keep hiking, walking, and moving my own body. Movement clears the mental fog. It shifts our energy. It reminds us that we’re alive.

A walk. A stretch. Big or small — it all counts.

As I stood by the water’s edge today, mesmerized by the salmon, I found myself thinking: they don’t keep swimming because it’s easy — they keep going because it matters. And I think the same holds true for us.

Every time I watch the salmon fight their way upstream, I’m reminded that even when life feels hard — especially when it’s hard — we have to keep moving. Or in the case of the salmon: keep swimming.

#SalmonMigration #FallFavourite #MovementMatters #KeepSwimming #MentalHealthAwareness #WellnessJourney #StayGrounded #YouAreEnough #porthope #ganaraskariver #fishladder

Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day, a global movement dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and well-being. It also falls within National Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4–11), giving us an even greater opportunity to spark conversations, challenge stigma, and advocate for better mental health support for everyone.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet, because mental health challenges are often invisible, they’re easier to overlook or dismiss. That’s why days like today matter—they remind us to check in with ourselves and with others and to lead with empathy.

My own mental health journey began 11 years ago. It’s been a long, complicated, and truly exhausting internal battle—filled with setbacks, uncertainty, breakthroughs, growth, and purpose. There have been moments of deep despair, and others where I found strength I never knew I had. Through it all, I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear and that asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It’s honestly one of the bravest things you can do for yourself.

If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone or more understood or willing to ask for support, then it’s been worth it. There is immense value in being open about our experiences. 

So today, let’s remember: just because someone is smiling doesn’t mean they’re okay.

Let’s work toward a world where no one feels isolated, shamed, silenced, or having to hide their pain. Not all disabilities are visible—but they are all valid. 💚

Shabbat Shalom 

#WorldMentalHealthDay #YouAreNotAlone #ItsOkToNotBeOk #EndTheStigma #InvisibleDisabilities #YourMentalHealthMatters #YouAreEnough #NationalMentalIllnessAwarenessWeek #theyrecominghome

Neither Rich nor I were quite up for a #summerofrich hike today—but the beautiful weather was calling, and we’re so glad we listened to our bodies and followed where the day wanted to take us.

Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we don’t plan. A spontaneous hike led us to one of the most beautiful hidden gems we’ve ever explored —quickly becoming one of my favourite places. The trail had the perfect mix of moderately challenging terrain, breathtaking views that reminded us of our trip to Tobermory in the spring, a small but picturesque waterfall, and even a perfect little swimming spot tucked beside the rapids.

We slowed down and soaked it all in—the sunlight filtering through the trees, the steady rush of water, and the crisp crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. It was the kind of walk that grounds you while lifting your spirits at the same time.

Along the way, we met some truly lovely people. Each encounter added a quiet kind of magic to the day. One moment that especially touched our hearts was a warm conversation with a beautiful couple and their three teenagers. We learned they had moved to Canada from Israel just a few months before October 7th, two years ago. That simple exchange left a lasting impression —one of shared humanity and connection.  

There’s something really magical about the trail community—a shared appreciation for nature, simple joys, and the reminder that slowing down often leads to the most genuine connections, both with others and with ourselves.

As I’ve mentioned more than once lately, the past few weeks have been some of the heaviest I’ve carried in a while. But this weekend—with its record-breaking, spectacular weather, meaningful time with loved ones, and the added bonus of our Toronto Blue Jays knocking it out of the park—felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air. It was a gentle reminder that even in the midst of life’s weight, there are still moments of light, connection, and quiet joy waiting to be found.

#hiking #connection #community #mccraelakeconservation #sharedhumanity #amyisraelchai #mentalhealth #wellness #nature #hiddengem #picturesque #stunningviews #letsgobluejays 

Committing to quality time with friends, family, and our chosen families is such an important part of our social well-being and overall wellness.

One of the most meaningful ways we nurture these relationships is through traditions, like today’s. I’ve honestly lost count on how many years ago we first started our annual apple-picking tradition. But no matter how busy life gets, or how unpredictable things may be, making the effort to come together—however and whenever we can—is something I truly treasure with our chosen family. 

These moments allow us a chance to pause, reconnect, and focus on what really matters. They offer a deep sense of belonging, appreciation, and comfort; feelings that words can’t quite capture.

And the day’s not over yet! The traditions continue well into the evening with post-season baseball on the tv, cheering on our Toronto Blue Jays, dinner and the ultimate fall treat; delicious homemade apple crisp for dessert, lovingly made by the kiddos. It never gets old, no matter how old they get. ***missing @joreyzweig***

Huge thanks to all of you for always going the extra mile to keep this very special tradition alive. It means more than words can say. 💛

Let’s Go Blue Jays 💙 

#traditions #friendswhoarefamily #letsgobluejays #applepicking #nevergetsold #family #daystoremember #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #summerofrich #falledition