Last week, I did something exciting and scary - and it filled me with so much energy.

It was my birthday. And I got on stage to sing solo for the first time in my life.

Today is my birthday. 44. And I want to share a few reflections from the past year.

It’ll probably be way too long to read- but if you stick around, thank you.

I hope something in here resonates with you or gives you something useful to take away.

I’ve always been one of those people who needs their space to feel clean, organized, and inviting.

Growing up, I’d always tidy my room before starting anything important. I simply couldn’t concentrate if things felt messy or chaotic around me. And if it came to resting or relaxing, forget about it - I would never be able to relax properly in a messy room.

And I’m not talking about spotless, perfectly sterile homes - that can be just as stressful, where you’re afraid to mess up a single cushion. It’s about balance. A space that supports you, not one that drains you.

Yesterday we took our cats to the vet, and one of my kitties was so terrified he tried to hide as much as he could. Can you spot him in the photo? :)

We all experience fear.
Unlike animals who react to real danger, we often fear things that haven’t even happened (and likely never will), which makes it even harder.

We got a puppy!!!! Something a lot of people really want but never go for.

This post is about how we rationalize or talk ourselves out of pure sources of joy, happiness, and energy.

Earlier this week, I attended a beautiful session.

It was led by spiritual advisors from Ekam, the World Center for Enlightenment in India - people who’ve guided and deeply influenced the spiritual journeys of many successful leaders around the world, including Tony Robbins. The session was part of the energy coaching program I’m currently taking and truly enjoying.

I found the session so inspiring that I wanted to pass on a few key ideas they shared with us…

I’m sure we’re all excited about the long weekend (and Easter, for those who celebrate!).

And hopefully... finally... some nicer weather coming to Toronto too!

Long weekends always sound like a break, but if we're being honest, sometimes they end up even busier than a regular work week. Errands, plans, family gatherings,

You exercise regularly. You eat well. You prioritize sleep. You try to stay mindful, set goals, and check things off your list.

From the outside, it looks like you’re doing everything right.

But at the end of the day - or the week - you still feel drained, with no energy left.

No matter how amazing life is, we all face challenges.

Unexpected setbacks. Tough situations. Negative people.

Maybe you’re struggling in your career. Maybe you’re out of a job and can’t find the right opportunity. Maybe you have a boss who makes you feel small or a family member who constantly drains your energy.

We each have our own unique challenges. But there’s one mindset shift that has become one of my absolute favourites - it can help you move through any situation with strength and resilience.

Most people think energy is about sleep, exercise, and nutrition. And while those things matter, they don’t tell the whole story.

Because if they did, everyone who gets 8 hours of sleep, exercises, and eats a balanced diet would feel amazing every day. And we know that’s not the case.

I’m sure you’ve met people who are always full of energy and drive.

I recently attended a session on unlocking potential, finding purpose, and managing energy to create success in different areas of life.

There were plenty of interesting insights, but one question stuck with me:

How long do you think you can go without complaining?

I heard this phrase on a podcast recently, and it stuck with me.

The first part - Do What You Love - is a whole topic on its own. It’s about reconnecting with your passions, the things that light you up and fill you up with positive energy, and how that affects your overall well-being. I could talk about that for hours.

But today, I want to focus on the second part: Love What You Do.

Today, I want to talk about something we all do regularly: taking showers.

For most of us, a shower is just part of the daily routine. It’s quick, practical, and often rushed because there’s so much else to do. Whether it’s to wake up and start the day fresh or to wind down before bed, showers often tend to be a simple in-and-out cleanup.

But here’s the thing - showers are actually a kind of magic sweet spot.

As we step into the new year, many of us set resolutions to make life better. But the truth is, most of those resolutions don’t stick - studies show that the majority fail by February.

Why?

Because the foundation isn’t there. Without a strong foundation of discipline, it’s hard to keep going once the initial excitement fades.

As we enjoy the holiday season and prepare for the new year, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on what truly fuels us. While we often focus and look for quick strategies to be productive, the real key lies in managing your energy and understanding your unique energy givers and drainers.

Sometimes, the simplest things can have the biggest impact - if we use them intentionally.

This one thing we do all the time without even thinking about it. It is free and accessible to every single one of us.

It has the power to help us feel calmer, more focused, and less stressed.

But we often forget to use it - or don’t use it effectively!

Every January, we tell ourselves: “This is the year I’ll exercise regularly,” or “I’ll start meditating daily,” or “I’ll finally eat healthier.” But let’s be honest - how often do those resolutions stick? Most of the time, they fail within the first month because we jump straight into new habits without addressing the root causes that make them difficult to sustain.

Instead of waiting for January to start fresh, use…

I wish we were taught to explore our inner world as early as we were taught math or reading.

Schools give us tools to navigate the external world, but rarely to understand ourselves.

Imagine if mindfulness, meditation, or self-reflection were mandatory from a young age - helping us listen to our thoughts, slow down, and live with more clarity and intention.

I love analogies - and I also love a clean home. When my space is tidy, organized, and has a sense of calm, I instantly feel lighter and more focused - it clears my mind and helps me get things done.

Now, imagine walking into a cluttered, noisy room - papers everywhere, dishes piled up, stuff covering every surface. For me, it’s impossible to…