Passionate Work.

Both dh and I have careers that are our true passions, using the best of our skills, and our long and varied eclectic educational journeys. Makes a work day so much easier when you get to do what you love, exactly when you want to, and for how long you want. But there are days, I want to shut off dh's screens when he keeps going. He has great boundaries most of the time. And other times, he just keeps working. It may because there is a deadline, or he's on a roll, and I do this sometimes too. Finding the balance is key and I know we are both always navigating this. It can be cyclical too, depending on the time of year, especially if we're both busy writing grants to ensure our projects are funded. Not an easy task but it's part of the process. Always ongoing.

I love this shot I took of dh when he was working a bit extra one night last week. It was another bitter cold day and he needed to stay focused for a project. So proud of his tenacity, and his values. It pays off when the community responds as well. Truly feel this year is going to work out for his work and his creative pursuits. The music club has been sold out every month so far, and now the big work for the Summer festival is ramping up. Everything is booked, announcements have been made, tickets are selling but now we need to find the funding we have based our budget on, versus waiting for tickets to sell. I sleep better at night knowing the expenses are covered. Waiting for revenue to come in during the event would be sooo stressful! Excited for the event this year. 

What are your work and life passions?

~ Chy

A New Passion.

A dear former co~worker recently invited me to a day

on the lake. She taught me how to paddle board, we

shared a lovely chat while we ate lunch in the middle

of the water, and my heart was filled with love and joy.

Now I have a new passion and this may end up being

a new journey. Kayaking is fun but this is even better!

~ Chy

Teary Day.

Last week, we had some pretty significant losses at our community hospice. The air became heavy, our hearts saddened and weary. I sat on the floor, outside of one of the suites, when the family asked if I'd be close by. My response "I'll be just outside the door," and that's where I sat for a good part of the day, keeping those out who didn't need to be inside. And present for those who needed a break from listening to the last breaths of their loved one. A break to cry, share and listen. It was an honor to be there and to offer care and compassion. These are the cherished moments that make our work so valuable, and yet, so hard. 

I've kept busy all through the week but each family who was grieving their personal loss of their loved one was always present in my mind. By yesterday, I was tired and the tears I had held at bay began to creep from the corners of my eyes. Someone would ask how I was, and the trickle would begin. I spent time in my office, trying to put the sadness aside. And would take breaks and sit in my favorite counselling room. But by the middle of the afternoon, I couldn't keep the tears contained. Dh came and picked me up a bit early and home we went, where I could cry without making anyone else sad. I'm so grateful for staff that knew even though I had smiles on my face all day that something wasn't quite right. As the counsellor who offers support to all, it's sometimes hard to remember that I need to grieve too and feel all the emotions around me. I had today off and it's been a wonderful day of enjoying the sun, putting life back in to order, Zoom calls with amazing people, and dreaming about tonight, tomorrow and the future. I'm feeling more hopeful for returning to work next week. The weekend will be busy but restful so I'm sure my energy will be restored as well. Can't wait!

Hope you've had an amazing week. And that if

you have tears, you are well supported, as I was.

~ Chy