February Highlights

“Some people collect art. I collect words that move me.”  — Unknown

That is why I am writing this post using quotes to add my reflections and personality.

With a little help from my digital friend, ChatGPT, here are some words worth keeping.

“Though February is short, it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises.” — Charmaine J. Forde

February brought double the joy with both Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year — a delightful blend of love and tradition. For someone who hadn’t celebrated either before we met, I was pleasantly surprised (and touched) to receive and give:

💐 Before Valentine’s Day, I was surprised with a lovely bouquet — a thoughtful gesture that made my week.

🎨 On Valentine’s Day, we enjoyed a spontaneous visit to two museums, followed by afternoon hot chocolate and dinner at a cozy Chinese restaurant — art, culture, and good food all in one day.

🥟 On Chinese New Year’s Eve, homemade dumplings filled the kitchen with warmth, even though I had to skip dinner because of my super clean teeth after the dental appointment, I did appreciate the gesture very much.

💌 A sentimental gift — I shared a card my daughter made almost twenty years ago, paired with a funny poem I wrote. It was received with laughter and affection.

🎭 A memorable evening — tickets I purchased months ago for a Gala Show at Place des Arts turned into a night of quality entertainment that we both thoroughly enjoyed.

“The best things in life are better with friends.” — Unknown

So true, friends can add so much light when the days are dark and gloomy.

🎂 Friendship in full bloom — we celebrated three friends’ birthdays at a friend’s beautiful home, surrounded by joy and warmth.

🥢 Dim sum with colleagues — these gatherings never fail to brighten the coldest winter days.

🦞 Chinese New Year dinner — celebrated with nine others at a Chinese restaurant, complete with lobsters and nine other delicious dishes — a true feast!

🃏 Cards and laughter — despite February being a short month, we managed three card games at three different homes. Between laughter, healthy arguments, dumpling-making, and delicious food, every gathering was filled with cheer.

“February is the month of love, but also of quiet strength and subtle beginnings.”

🚶‍♀️ Quiet strength — I found balance through quiet daily walks, despite the weather and occasionally a mild cold. A solo walk through the Montreal Botanical Garden and the Insectarium one Sunday helped renew my energy and calm.

💦 A peaceful transition — the first day of March felt like a soft reset: a quiet morning of writing while doing laundry, a dip in the pool, and a rejuvenating nap after — simple moments that defined a perfect day.

“February — the month when your New Year’s resolutions quietly pack up and leave.”

🗓️ Keeping meaningful habits — I don’t know who said it, but that’s exactly why I no longer make New Year’s resolutions. 😄 Instead, I keep the small habits that matter — like weekly French practice over meals and long walks with my French tutor, who’s become a very good friend. I hope to keep this tradition alive for as long as we both can.

🎧 Language and laughter — my weekday routine continues: French podcasts on the way to work, and on the way home, a reward — French love songs or a few laughs with the CBC Radio show The Debaters.

🎬 Movie moments — watching films remains one of my favorite ways to unwind. This month, I watched three — two in French and one in Chinese — each adding its own flavor to February.

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”— Brené Brown

💭 Embracing vulnerability — This month, I decided to open up and seek help when I needed it. I joined a Workshop Series on Clarity and Confidence in Uncertain Times, which offered new ways to look inward and build strength.

🗣️ I also had an in-person mental support session with a professional, which amusingly turned into a bilingual exchange! I spoke French whenever I could, while she practiced English😆

🌱 And I signed up for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselling session — a meaningful step that helped me see things from a different perspective and gain new insights along the way.

“March, when days are getting long, let thy growing hours be strong to set right some wintry wrong.” ― Caroline May

With a trip starting on March 31, I can’t wait for this month to begin.

There will still be some uncertainty, yes — but also new opportunities for sure.

Cheers to March! 🥂🥂🥂

Image credit: ChatGPT🌷💖✨