Three years ago, I was forced to make the difficult decision to close the magazine for two months. As Covid-19 cases escalated and government restrictions increased to meet the pandemic tsunami, it was a terrifying time as businesses contemplated their futures without customers, and citizens withdrew to the safety of their homes.
We had no idea how things would turn out. We learned to live in the unknown, taking one day at a time, hoping for a speedy end to the virus that was tearing the world and families apart, and causing the death of people we knew and loved.
It feels a little surreal to realize that three years have gone by. With an abundance of changes and the support of government subsidies and partnering industries, I found a way to keep publishing and keep paying the bills. INSPIRED Magazine survived and continues to find its way into the homes of thousands of people across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland of BC, and beyond.
I’m grateful for the loyalty and support of our advertisers, readers and staff. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Things aren’t completely back to the way they were and it’s possible they never will be.
It requires the courage to seek a different path, allowing what doesn’t work anymore to be abandoned with gratitude for its service, while we look ahead with anticipation for new opportunities and options.
Regret is seldom a helpful emotion. It keeps us looking in the rearview mirror.
Instead, our vision should be focused on what lies ahead.
Like when driving a car, it’s okay to occasionally check the side and rear mirrors for blind spots, because that information can occasionally be helpful to prevent an accident, but it’s never a good idea to ignore our view of the road in front of us.
Many of us are reluctant to step on the gas and speed into the future, and that caution is justified after what we’ve just been through. If we’ve learned anything these past three years, it is to slow down and savour the small moments, to treasure precious relationships, and to engage in self-care and loving ourselves.
So, as we head into the spring, I’m going to take some time to consider which things in my life bring me the most joy and satisfaction. I’m going to be looking for experiences and processes that bring calm, ease, flow and well-being into my life.
In this month’s magazine, we feature travel within Canada. Our writers take us to some little-known places within the borders of our country that pack a big wallop. One of the upsides of the pandemic was that more of us took the time to explore places closer to home, and to our delight, discovered many wonderful destinations that are no more than a short car or plane ride away.
So, here’s to celebrating a future of new and exciting adventures, of cultivating meaningful relationships with people, places and things, always mindful that we are our own best guide and friend.
Happy April!
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