I’ve just returned from a dream trip to Italy with my husband—two full weeks of beauty, rest, and re-connection. It came at a much-needed time, closely following the loss of our beloved dog, Murphy, who had been with us for 14 years.
I knew I needed time away. Italy was healing—life-affirming—and though it wasn’t without its bumps (blisters, sore shoulders, and a few navigational hiccups), it offered space to breathe, to slow down, and to begin the tender process of healing.
There’s something sacred about stepping off the path we think we have to be on. In unfamiliar places, carrying more than we thought we could, missing what once grounded us—we’re reminded of what really matters.
Joy found us in the laughter, long walks, good food, quiet mornings, and simply being present with one another.
Coming home, grief greeted me gently again. Murphy’s bed still rests quietly in the corner. I haven’t rushed to clear it, and I won’t. This, too, is part of the journey—honouring what was while making space for what’s next.
And life is certainly moving. My youngest son competing in a Karate tournament as he prepares to test for his adult black belt; my granddaughter danced her heart out at her recital; and now, my eldest son is preparing to graduate from university with his business degree. Wow. What a month!
There’s so much joy—and yet, I feel the urge to slow it all down. To absorb. To reflect. To truly feel it all.
And then, a gift arrived. A belated Mother’s Day present from my eldest son: a guided journal titled “Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story.” It’s filled with prompts inviting me to share my memories, my life lessons, my loves. It touched me deeply.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
Now I have previously received a gift of a Storyworth package from my children (and also from a friend), where I can record memories and stories of my life…but guess what? I never completed it.
Perhaps this is the universe telling me to take action.
What have you put off or avoided that would make your life richer and more meaningful?
With his graduation days away, I’ve been thinking: What are the messages I want to leave him with? What do I want to say about love, perseverance, kindness, family, identity, and purpose—not just to him, but to all my children?
This journal reminded me of the power of storytelling. The importance of legacy—not in a grandiose way, but in the simple, quiet ways we live our truth, love our people, and offer who we are to the world.
We all have something unique to share. We all have wisdom to pass on.
Points to Ponder
Where am I being called to slow down so I can truly absorb and appreciate my life?
What dream or desire have I put on the shelf that might deserve another look this month?
What is one step I can take to reconnect with the part of me that feels most alive and aligned?
What part of your unique self have you been hiding that’s ready to be seen, honored, and shared?
Let this be your invitation to write your next chapter—not with pressure, but with purpose.
An Invitation
This month, I’m opening space for deeper connection and exploration. I’ll be offering:
A few free 30-minute clarity calls for anyone ready to take the next gentle step forward
A June mini-workshop on “Everyday Tools to Ease Overwhelm”
A longer workshop in the works titled “Find Confidence in What Sets You Apart”
Through conversations with clients a number of different ideas have emerged for workshops including:
Rediscovering your voice in life transitions
Letting go with grace (grief, change, identity)
Crafting a legacy through living your values
Storytelling for healing and connection
If any of that speaks to you, just hit reply to let me know. I’d love to hear your view as this will help determine what has the most interest and value for you and will help shape what comes next.
With much love and presence, Marianne
View of Monterrosa, Italy at Sunset
📬 Staying Connected
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