Blogs

I’ve explored the science-backed benefits of adding a splash of self-love and a pinch of gratitude to your mindfulness practice, all served-up with a touch of British wit and wisdom from some of the most renowned thinkers.

Let’s be honest, the idea of loving ourselves is often dismissed quicker than the suggestion of an afternoon tea without biscuits (seriously, what’s the point of tea without a biscuit?). I get it — thoughts arise like, “Won’t self-love make me self-centred?” or “Isn’t it better to focus on caring for others first?” or even, “Will this turn me into a narcissistic ninny?” Meanwhile, some of us have been taught to chase approval from others like it’s the last remaining carrot cake at the Church bake sale.

However, the reality is that seeking acceptance from the outside world leaves us overlooking our most reliable source of validation — ourselves. Add a dollop of gratitude, and you’ve got a recipe for a transformative mindset shift that extends far beyond just you.

Read more: 6 Mindful Reasons to Embrace Self-Love and Gratitude (Even Churchill Would Have Approved)

As we head into the season of gratitude and holiday giving, let’s shift our focus from accumulating more “stuff” to something far more meaningful — creating memories, not just clutter! Yes, the holidays are known for well-intentioned gifts, but how many novelty socks and scented candles does one person need? (I mean, unless you’re secretly building a sock empire, it’s probably time to scale back). So, instead of turning your home into a stockroom of trinkets, why not sprinkle some gratitude into your life and celebrate the joy of less?

Here’s the twist: what if we swapped the avalanche of "stuff" for the blessing of shared moments? Experiences that fill our hearts, not our closets. Gratitude, my friend, isn’t just a season — it’s a lifestyle that will help you declutter with grace and joy.

Read more: Decluttering: Little Things to Remember if You Struggle to Let Go (with Gratitude!)

Let’s be honest. When was the last time you actually let your phone die? I mean, fully, completely dead, the sort of dead where you press the button, and it gives you that tragic little blank screen, silently judging you for your negligence. Never, right? It’s practically a universal sin in today’s world to let your phone battery run to 0%.

And what about that shiny smartwatch? The one that’s always tapping you on the wrist to remind you of your step count, how long you've been sitting, and your resting heart rate? Imagine, for a second, letting it run out of juice. Oh, the HORROR!

Read more: If You Recharge Your Phone, Why Not Your Mind?

It’s October, folks, and while we Canadians are getting busy and gearing up for that glorious long weekend of stuffing our faces with turkey and mashed potatoes (I’m already in jogging bottoms in preparation), I’ve got a little challenge for you. Yes, you, reading this while debating whether or not you can justify pie for breakfast. Spoiler: you absolutely can.

Thanksgiving is creeping up fast, but here’s the kicker—what if we didn’t wait for one single weekend to express our gratitude? What if we made this whole “being grateful” thing a year-round event? Like, why reserve it for just one meal and a couple of polite conversations over pumpkin pie? What if, instead of apologising our way through life, we started dishing out some gratitude instead? Oh yes, this is a gratitude revolution, and I’m leading the charge!

The Canadian Apology Syndrome

Read more: Why Say "Sorry" When You Can Say "Thank You?"