On Vancouver Island, the pace of life moves to the rhythm of the tides. There’s a humility to the landscape — an unspoken reminder that we are part of something greater, not separate from it. The sea ebbs and flows, the cedars stand patient through every season, and the mountains remind us that endurance and […]
When Adam Shoalts closed A History of Canada in Ten Maps with the explorers’ first glimpses of the Pacific, it felt like a revelation — the great western frontier shimmering at the edge of the known world.The journey had been perilous, the outcome uncertain, yet those early explorers were united by a quiet faith
Modern-Day Pioneers: The Spirit of Resilience on Vancouver Island Read More »
When I finished reading Adam Shoalts’ A History of Canada in Ten Maps, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much those early explorers and map-makers had in common with leaders today.They faced uncertainty, discomfort, risk, and sometimes failure — yet they kept moving forward, trusting something larger than themselves. Leadership, I’ve learned, is not
Mapping the Inner Landscape: Leadership Lessons from A History of Canada in Ten Maps Read More »
“Every map tells a story. And every map has a purpose—it invites us to go somewhere we’ve never been.” — Adam Shoalts If you’ve ever stood on a quiet Vancouver Island shore, the wind threading through cedar and salt air, you’ll understand the feeling of discovery that pulses through A History of Canada in
Mapping a Nation: A Journey Through A History of Canada in Ten Maps Read More »
This morning, I rolled out my mat at Kind Yoga Society, a gentle sanctuary tucked into a quiet corner of Nanaimo. The room was softly lit, infused with the faint scent of sandalwood and stillness. Outside, November leaves tumbled in slow spirals, surrendering to the wind. There was something sacred about the simplicity of
Stillness in Motion: Reflections from a Morning at Kind Yoga Society – Death & Rebirth Read More »
Wildcrafted Wellness: Foraging Herbs and Mushrooms on Vancouver Island by Melissa Horrell There’s a special kind of alchemy that happens when you let the Island lead you — through moss-covered trails, forest light, and the scent of cedar smoke and salt air. On a recent trip to Victoria, I found myself drawn to a little
Wildcrafted Wellness: Foraging Herbs and Mushrooms on Vancouver Island Read More »
A blustery Friday evening in November found me wandering along Commercial Street in Nanaimo, coat collar turned up against the wind. The street was nearly empty — only me, the lamplight, and the soft rattle of fallen leaves dancing across the pavement. I paused before a darkened café window and wondered where everyone had
Stillness and Renewal in Nanaimo: A Story of City and Self Read More »
The morning fog drifts lazily over the forested hills of Vancouver Island, softening the edges of the towering Douglas firs and cedar trees. I step out onto the deck of my home, inhaling the crisp, salty air that drifts in from the ocean below. Here, high above the town of Nanaimo, life moves at
Living with Heart on Vancouver Island: Lessons from Community Work Read More »
The Garden as Teacher Stepping into Abkhazi Garden in Victoria is like entering a sanctuary. The air smells of wet earth and cedar, the path winds through flowering borders and moss-covered stone walls, and sunlight filters through tall maples and firs. I pause, listening to the hum of bees and the soft rustle of
Abkhazi Gardens of Victoria: Mindfulness, Culture, and the Abkhazi Tea House Read More »
Experience Victoria’s soulful brunch culture — where wholesome food, connection, and mindful living come together to nourish your day.
Brunch in Victoria: It’s What the City’s Known For Read More »
For those who heed the call of the sea and the whisper of the cedar wind. There comes a time when the soul, weary of the noise of men and the weight of duty, turns her face toward the coast. So it was with me, when I left the mainland behind — not in haste,
5 Great Reasons to Visit Nanaimo Read More »
There are moments in life that quietly change the course of who we become as leaders. For me, that moment came through my brother’s journey with schizophrenia — and the years that followed. His story shaped the heart of my leadership philosophy more than any book, business course, or professional experience ever could. It taught
Leadership Rooted in Compassion: What My Brother’s Story Taught Me About True Strength Read More »
Brunch in Nanaimo: Where Locals Gather By Melissa Horrell Nanaimo, a city where the morning mist dances over the harbour and the scent of saltwater mingles with freshly brewed coffee, invites you to slow down and savour. Here, brunch isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the flavours of Vancouver Island. Whether
Brunch in Nanaimo: Where Locals Gather Read More »
Reconnect and recharge in Nanaimo — a serene coastal retreat perfect for mothers, friends, or couples seeking balance, joy, and shared wellness.
Wellness Escape in Nanaimo: Couples Retreat – Mother-Daughter | Friends Read More »
Embrace kindness as a daily practice — a gentle force that heals, uplifts, and connects us to a more mindful life
Embracing Kindness as a Daily Way of Life Read More »
Discover Victoria’s most vibrant, peaceful neighbourhoods — each offering its own balance of relaxation, inspiration, and mindful living.
Victoria’s Best Neighbourhoods to Stay (and Play) Read More »
Walk through Nanaimo’s haunted history and uncover how its ghostly past reveals stories of healing, connection, and timeless human spirit.
Spirit of the Harbour: A Haunted Walk Through Nanaimo’s Past Read More »
Discover the mindful joy behind Nanaimo’s iconic dessert — a sweet reminder that balance and indulgence can beautifully coexist.
Beyond the Bar: The Story Behind the Nanaimo Bar Read More »
There’s a rhythm to life on Vancouver Island that slows time and heightens the senses. The scent of cedar on a morning walk, the gentle lapping of water against the shore, and the distant call of eagles overhead remind you that nature is both sanctuary and teacher. From my Airbnb retreat in Nanaimo, you can
Exploring Nanaimo from Your Island Retreat: Sea, Forest, and Soul Read More »
Discovering Ammonite Falls If you’re looking for a breathtaking outdoor escape this autumn, Ammonite Falls in Vancouver Island’s Mount Benson Regional Park is an absolute gem. Located just outside of Nanaimo, this spot is perfect for anyone who wants to explore Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. Fall is a prime time to visit Ammonite Falls. The
Ammonite Falls: A Stunning Fall Hike Read More »
If you’re a bird twitcher, this one is for you! Here’s a detailed exploration of the Pacific Flyway of Vancouver Island and the migrant birds that grace its skies: — The Pacific Flyway of Vancouver Island: A Path of Avian Migration Vancouver Island, nestled in the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, serves as a
20 Species to See on the Pacific Flyway Read More »
“Why are you moving to Vancouver Island? There’s nothing there!” “Ah! well we’ve already bought the house. I want to ‘reconnect and reinvigorate my senses’ in a destination of incredible natural beauty, with meaningful experiences, pie-baking hospitality, and epicurean wellness.” “It’s great for retirees.” Says my friend who was born on the island, and left
Backyard Black Bear Read More »
“Would you go if you were me?” I asked the flight attendant at the Delhi airport, holding a one-way ticket to Kashmir. India was the first stop of my three-month soul-searching trip through Asia — a journey born from burnout, from the ache of a life that looked perfect on paper but felt hollow
I Bought a Ticket to a Warzone Read More »
There’s a quiet truth that reveals itself when you live close to nature — that the Earth doesn’t belong to us; we belong to her. Each tide that rises along the Nanaimo coast, each cedar that sways in the wind, each raven call echoing through the forest reminds us of this sacred reciprocity. Sustainability,
Sustainability and Stewardship: Living in Harmony with the Earth Read More »
Interviewing Melissa ~ Aman Gill Show 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYm-7hgGshA Living on a beautiful island, surrounded by ocean views and forest silence, can feel like a sanctuary—but even in the most serene places, mental illness and disability are present. No community is untouched. In my work as a community social worker, I meet people every day who
When Shadows Take Over: Coping with the Loss of a Loved One to Schizophrenia and Suicide Read More »
