Another beautiful summer night, good friends and Neil Diamond music in the park. Neil was actually the first concert I ever went to when I was just 10 years old. It left a lasting impression, and I’ve loved him ever since.
His music has that nostalgic, feel-good quality that brings people together.
Listening to Neil’s greatest hits tonight under the summer sky sparked a lifetime of memories, including from that first concert, decades ago.
One funny one in particular. With the innocence of childhood on my side, I remember turning to my mother sitting beside me and asking her what that funky smell was in the stadium. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t incense!!!
I know you’re feeling really anxious and overwhelmed today.
Some days feel heavier than others. You know the ones I’m talking about; like when just getting out of bed, or quieting the noise in your head, or the weight of everything become impossible battles.
It’s on those days when showing yourself love and kindness also feel impossible.
But I see you trying.
Trying to be gentle with yourself.
Reminding yourself that you’re doing the best you can, even if it doesn’t look like much to someone else.
This is me, in the middle of it. Patient with my healing and worthy of the same love I so freely give away.
Not okay all the time. But still here.
Self-love isn’t always loud, but “it’s the one accessory that never goes out of style.”
With Canada Day falling on a Tuesday this year, the whole week felt completely out of whack. Monday felt like Friday. Tuesday felt like Sunday. And Wednesday, well, Wednesday felt just like it was Monday. It may have been a short week on the calendar, but somehow, it managed to feel painfully long.
The disorientation of which day of the week it was didn’t stop there. It was one of those weeks filled with emotional landmines, unexpected triggers due to some personal issues, and a flood of BIG, overwhelming, negative feelings. It’s been the kind of week where I found myself having to navigate both internal and external struggles, and anxiety and panic attacks, all the while, managing those BIG, overwhelming, negative feelings without the help of an off button. I feel like I’ve been holding the weight of a heavy tree branch, ready to snap at any moment.
But, it’s Friday, and for real this time!! And with it comes a tiny light at the end of the tunnel.
One of the many things I’ve come to appreciate most about my new job is that I only work half days on Fridays, and not just in the summer! And today, after the week I’ve had, it finally feels like someone is trying to extend a branch to me, one that is deeply rooted and strong.
As soon as my workday was done today, I headed home. I couldn’t think of a better way to ease into my busy weekend ahead than with a little sunshine in my backyard, taking time to myself to quiet the noise in my head and watch my cherry tree blossom.
It’s amazing how healing the simple things in life can be when everything feels so heavy.
This week has tested me, no doubt, but today, I am reminded just how important it is to take time to pause and reset.
As I lay in the summer sun, with Maggie taking to the shade, staring at our cherry tree, standing tall, in full bloom again after the harshness of winter, I felt a longing and admiration. A wish that my heart and mind could magically blossom so effortlessly and gracefully like my cherry tree.
Some days, I feel more grounded. Other days, I feel like that branch that is holding too much weight, unsure how it will hold on. Today, as I took pause, there was a gentle promise in the air that reminded me that life, no matter how heavy it’s feels sometimes, will always have the capability to bloom.
I hope you all can find some time today to pause and reset, too.
Today, we set out on a magnificent #summerofrich hike. Taking advantage of the stunning weather, immersing in the beauty of our surroundings and impressive rock formations, climbing some pretty wicked terrain, and exploring awe-inspiring caves. Some of the coolest we’ve ever seen. They even felt 30 degrees cooler than the actual temperature outside.
Rachel joined us for our special Canada Day adventure today, which was an added bonus, and on the way home from our hike, we made a pit stop at a local strawberry farm and market.
It’s hard to ignore the beauty and awe of this country we have always so proudly called home, surrounded by its vast landscapes, quiet lakes and our freedom, but trying to stay grounded in all the beauty and awe as a Jew in Canada at the moment feels harder and most difficult to ignore as hate and antisemitism rise high above our proudly waving Canadian flag.
I have always been proud to be Canadian, but our freedom feels fragile now as the rising intolerance is so widely accepted by our leaders.
But today, I choose to stand strong and proud. Unshaken as a Jewish Canadian citizen. Grateful through the brokenness, to keep showing up, and speaking out, for it’s moments like today, which remind us what is worth holding on to. Together, with our strength and resilience, we will rise again to a place where our proud maple leaf waves high above for everyone.
Pool days spent with family and friends is something I truly love. I think I may have been a fish in my past life. I can spend hours in a pool, IF the temperature is just right. But behind the sunshine, the laughter and the connection I feel when I’m with my loved ones poolside on a warm summer’s day, there is a quiet struggle I carry with me.
I’ve battled body and self-image issues my entire adult life, something I’ve shared quite openly many times before. An eating disorder that began when I was 18 years old and has reared its ugly head in many other forms ever since.
A few months ago, followed by a biopsy, I was finally formally diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis after a lifetime of living with a nameless disorder. Over time, this condition has only added another whole layer to my body-conscious challenges I already deal with on a daily basis as the tumours become more and more visible with each passing day, the older I get.
I regularly notice the changes. It’s hard not to be self-conscious. I feel like everyone is always staring at me. It makes it really difficult to enjoy the warmer weather when my skin is most exposed. I find myself trying to shrink out of sight often.
But, still, I am learning to show up anyway. To not let the shame define me. There is no argument that my body, and mind have both been through hell and back over the last decade, but I am trying to be more gentle with myself by making space for the joy, even when it’s hard.
“Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about power.” ~ unknown, and it’s about embracing your story, your scars, and your strength by showing up despite your perfectly imperfect imperfections.
Today, I am honouring the strength and resilience of those living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on this, “National PTSD Awareness Day.”
PTSD is a mental illness, one of many that are often misunderstood. Many people who suffer from PTSD suffer behind a brave face, in silence, and too afraid to speak up due to the stigma attached.
I am here to tell you that no matter its cause, whether from being witness to or experiencing a traumatic event yourself, its impact is oh so real.
Trauma does not discriminate, and neither does PTSD. Nor should it ever be seen as a weakness.
Today and every day, PTSD deserves understanding, empathy, compassion, kindness, and a listening ear; without judgment.
Let today be a reminder to anyone suffering with PTSD that you are seen, that you are not alone, that it’s okay to not be okay, that you are enough, and that your story and healing journey matter.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is always available.
In Canada and the US, please call 9-8-8.
Feel free to share my post to bring as much awareness as we can today, and together, let’s end the stigma.
Seeing ABBAMANIA at the summer “Concerts in the Park” is my favourite summertime ritual. There’s just something about ABBA’s music that hits a chord deep inside me like nothing else can (I’ve seen the musical Mamma Mia 8x).
I truly can’t explain it. Their music just gets me – every time.
Yup, my emotions were in overdrive tonight.
Mamma mia, here I go again My, my, how can I resist you? Mamma mia, does it show again? My, my, just how much I’ve missed you?
Yesterday was my birthday. I was truly thankful to everyone who reached out to wish me a happy birthday. It always makes the day feel just a little bit lighter.
Birthdays are supposed to feel joyful and celebratory. The truth is, though, for the past 11 consecutive birthdays, living with depression, I have quietly carried a heavy guilt on my shoulders. It silently screams at me, “You should feel grateful,” when, inside, I’m actually feeling overwhelmed and sad.
With depression and anxiety always nearby, it can be super draining. This year, I felt a particular heaviness in my heart on the day of my birthday and even on the days leading up to it. Over time, though, I have learned to celebrate in ways that feel more manageable for me. Birthdays don’t always need to be big and loud to feel joyful and meaningful.
My survival is its own kind of celebration. I can hold space for my sadness and overwhelm and still honour my day in my own way, at my own pace.
Last night was just that, and just enough. A birthday dinner with Rich and our 3 kids.The people who matter most to me. We shared a meal, stories, and laughter and made memories together. Being present, catching up, and in the moment.
I finally made it to the Nova Festival exhibition today, on its very last day.
I wanted to go sooner, but the truth is, my anxiety kept holding me back. It does that often, even for things that are important to me. Thankfully, though, the regret of not going became a far greater force, which allowed me to push through, and I’m so glad I did. So, too, was Rich.
I’m still processing the weight of today, in the most raw and powerful and healing way.
What I witnessed today will stay with me forever. The pain and unbearable loss of so many innocent lives stolen. The music that was silenced. The joy that was taken in an instant. The sheer disregard for human life. The terror. It is pure evil.
What I witnessed today as well as we walked through the exhibit, reading every story, seeing every photograph and memory of those who didn’t survive, seeing every item on display from the festival, watching every video recorded in real time, and hearing every voice of those who survived that tragic day was a tribute to humanity, resilience, strength, courage, community, a place of shared values, and a light in the darkness – giving hope that we will dance again.
We also got to hear another live testimonial, too by one of the many remarkable festival survivors. Her story was both heartbreaking and inspiring. I was mesmerized by her bravery, her strength, and her beauty. Getting to meet her afterward and giving her a big hug was such an honour.
This exhibit was “a sacred space of grief, remembrance, and strength.” As heart-wrenching as it was, the truth must be told. The denial must be stopped. We owe it to the victims, to the survivors, and to our future as Jews to continue sharing their stories around the world.
YouAreEnough 
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