January Moments

For this year, I decided to write something at the beginning of each month for the last month — to capture the essence of the month. A small pause to look back, to notice the moments that mattered, to focus on the blessings, not the burdens.

January brought its mix of endings and beginnings, sunshine and cold, quiet and laughter.

Old comforts:

• Sunlight streaming into my condo, especially when it is minus 20 outside. I benefit it each and every time: doing laundry or taking a nap in my Lay-Z-Boy — simple moments that warm both body and heart ☀️☀️☀️

• Playing badminton weekly, something familiar, grounding, a rhythm I have missed during the holiday and happily returned to 🏸🏸🏸

• Playing cards weekly: we played 5 times this month, with 4 games hosted inside my home: each time it was filled with great food, laughter, and the occasional loud voice — all signs of good company. I enjoyed it even more when it was sunny but felt like minus 30°C outside, and we had plus 25°C inside without the heating being turned on ♠️♥️♣️♦️

New comforts:

• I went swimming for first time this year on one of the coldest days— the air was crispy cold but once I was in the water, a strange calmness settled in. The pool was quiet, just a handful of people, and the chill outside made the warm water feel even better. I was glad I went out and braced the cold. Maybe that is what "new comforts" feel like: stepping out the familiar warmth and finding peace in unexpected places 🏊🏊🏊

• Visiting the Planetarium for the first time — and I’ve lived in this city for over 20 years. It reminded me of my trip to the Ontario Science Centre years ago, when I took my kid to watch an IMAX movie and was soaked in every minute of the viewing, but this time, maybe because I walked all the way there, I fell asleep under the stars. Maybe that’s a kind of peace, too 😇😇😇

• A video chat with my kids in the States — the first one in 2026. They’re bubbling with excitement about their upcoming adventure to LA next week, and as a mom, all I can do is send my love and wish them the best of luck ✈️✈️✈️

Something in between:

It is now official. My term will not be renewed beyond March 31. I documented this in my previous post, A Difficult Day.

I was genuinely touched by the wisdom and insight in the message I received from a friend:

Sometimes the low points in life aren’t because you did something wrong — they’re just life’s way of reminding you that maybe it’s time to take a break, or perhaps to choose a different path, one that might lead to a better-suited opportunity and more beautiful scenery.

I completely understand you — feeling sad is normal, and feeling lost is real. But these emotions will gradually pass. Please believe that your ability, kindness, and hard work have always been there; they’ve never left you 👍👍👍

Give yourself a bit of time to rest, and when you set out again, you’ll find yourself calmer and stronger than you imagined 🏵️🏵️🏵️

We’re all here for you, supporting you and loving you🌹🌹🌹

Here is something that is always appreciated and welcoming:

• Words of encouragement I’ve received when my heart felt heavy 🙏🙏🙏

• Your presence in my life (there a few of you here) —whether we’re walking, watching a movie or just window shopping, practicing French over a meal, or simply listening and being listened to—means so much to me🌹🌹🌹

• Words of compliment when I cooked a decent meal for a friend or loved one 🍴🍴🍴

• Gestures of love and care — whether it’s a bouquet of flowers, a box of sushi, a Lego flower set, or a family pass to 5 museums — all of these carry the same message: appreciation, compassion, friendship, and love ♥️♥️♥️

In moments like these, I’m reminded that kindness doesn’t need to be grand. It just needs to be sincere. And that sincerity — in words or gestures — always finds its way to the heart.

Thanks for reading and being in my January moments.

I am grateful for YOU!

Image credit: ChatGPT