Gratitude

I had been closely monitoring the Aurora app all day, eagerly watching the KP levels. A massive coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun had hinted at the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights from our location. Around 7 pm, an alert from the app sealed the deal, and I hurriedly made my way to Lantzville Beach. A few fellow enthusiasts joined me on the shore, armed with comfy chairs and cozy blankets, just in case we were in for an extended night. The weather forecast had predicted clouds, but to our delight, the horizon remained clear upon our arrival.

Describing the enchanting scene I witnessed at dawn has proven to be one of the more challenging pieces of writing I've tackled in recent times. As I pulled into the Piper's Lagoon parking lot just past 6 am, a few cars were already scattered about. The morning held an air of something extraordinary, urging me to hasten toward the water's edge, where I stood alone on the beach. A gentle breeze whispered through my hair, prompting me to pull up my hood to ward off the morning chill that nipped at the back of my neck. It was an unusual amalgamation of clouds and forest fire smoke that adorned the horizon, a sight unlike any I had ever beheld.

Twenty years ago this week marked my inaugural encounter with wildfires. Embarking on a journey from Ontario to Penticton, I was brimming with anticipation for my first-ever Ironman triathlon, set against the backdrop of Penticton's Lake Okanagan. The present-day wildfires in the Kelowna region draw eerie parallels to the Okanagan Mountain Fire of August 2003, an event that forced 27,000 individuals to evacuate their homes. Amidst this turmoil, athletes from around the globe congregated near the shores of Lake Okanagan, determined to confront the arduous trials that the Ironman entails. Our race hung precariously on the brink of cancellation, our year-long preparation and the pursuit of lifelong aspirations extinguished. At the same time, we felt the collective pain of a community that was on the verge of losing everything. 

I had an intuitive sense even before leaving my house that the sunrise would be a spectacle of colors. Although the horizon isn't visible from my window, I had a hunch that the scattered clouds would permit the sun's rays to penetrate and paint a breathtaking backdrop as it ascended. Sending a quick text to my photo buddy as I hopped into the car, I made my way to Piper's Lagoon in a flutter of excitement.

Navigating the rocks with care, I settled near the shore and took cover behind a large rock, where the crashing waves provided an exciting backdrop. While awaiting the sunrise, I noticed something peculiar. The horizon above the coastal mountains seemed to emit a radiant glow, resembling a rainbow.

It's been ten days since my departure from social media. Life feels more relaxed and I'm less tied to my phone. That being said, there are still ways to scroll mindlessly, even without Facebook. I'm learning to let go and allow more space for my own creativity, instead of letting the ideas of others fill my head. Meditation is on my 'list' although I've been mostly avoiding it. Perhaps I'm not ready to be alone with my inner roommate as Michael Singer calls it.

Who am I?

I thought I could indulge in some extra sleep. With that intention, I turned off my alarm and nestled into bed by 9 PM. However, my body had other plans, and I found myself awake before 5 AM. The sky was clear once again, but the irresistible pull of the water compelled me to make my way to the beach.

Sitting in my garden at 8 am, I already feel a sense of fulfillment as if I've experienced a complete day. The clear skies and warm sunshine warms my feet, following a refreshing morning swim with a friend. I've sorted through the photos I captured earlier and chosen my favorite to share with you.

On the occasion of a birthday celebration, it has become a tradition for our group of dipping enthusiasts to mark each other's special day with a sunrise dip.

It's usually an easy choice to decide between watching the sunrise or the sunset, except for one exceptional event I adore: witnessing the sunset followed by the rise of the full moon. This combination is surprisingly rare due to frequent overcast skies and the elusive nature of the moon.

Have you ever wanted to create a digital product but didn't know where to start? Well, I was in the same boat until I discovered the power of Chat GPT. In this blog post, I'll share with you how I used Chat GPT, along with some other steps, to create and launch my very own digital product – a Gratitude Habit Tracker.