I work a lot. Like, a lot a lot.

Between learning the ropes of a business and preparing to one day take over the reins of my family’s multi-generational company, my days are long, full, and often—let’s be honest—a little chaotic. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the momentum of it all. Life has a way of life-ing, and before you know it, the sun’s down and you’ve forgotten to take even a breath for yourself.

But I’m trying to be more intentional. To pause. To slow down. To simply notice the beauty that exists in the in-between moments.

One of the greatest gifts of living where we live is that you’re never more than a few minutes from something calming—something beautiful. Whether it’s a trail, a quiet shoreline, a lookout point, or just a patch of trees whispering in the wind. It’s all here. And it’s free.

For me, that sacred pause looks like an after-work walk with my dog, Rufus. He needs it, and truthfully, so do I. Sometimes it’s twenty minutes, sometimes it’s an hour—but there’s something magical about those walks. The simplicity of it is what gets me. The wind on your face. The crunch of gravel or leaves underfoot. The smell of late summer flowers and pine. It’s grounding. It’s healing. It’s presence, in its purest form.

I’m far from mastering it, but that quiet walk? It resets me. Clears my mind. Brings me back to myself. And watching Rufus bound along with his big goofy grin? That’s the cherry on top.

So it makes me wonder… why don’t we get outside more? Why don’t we soak up what’s right in front of us?

It’s easy to default to complaining—it takes no effort at all to find flaws in your surroundings. But when I stop and really think about it? Our city is beautiful. Like actually beautiful.

We live nestled beside the largest freshwater lake in the entire world. (Lake Superior—how cool is that?) We’re hugged by forests, rock faces, rivers, and trails. The Sleeping Giant watches over us. Nature is our backyard. That’s not something to take lightly.

My mom always used to say, “Go touch a tree.” Sounds silly—but it works. There’s something deeply grounding in physically connecting with the earth. So if you’ve been stuck in your own chaos lately, consider this your gentle reminder: go outside. Breathe deep. Touch a tree. Smell the damn roses.

And if you need a little inspiration to get started, here are a few of my favourite local trails to explore:

1. Boulevard Lake – A perfect loop with water views and lots of happy dogs.

• Centennial Park – Forest vibes with plenty of space to roam.

• Mills Block – Short and sweet, great for a quick recharge.

• The Cascades – Rocks, water, and the sound of rushing falls—nature’s white noise.

• Trowbridge Falls – A true gem, especially in early fall.

• The Bluffs Loop – a great mixture of lush forest and paved trails, with a few good hills to climb.

• The Tree Farm – always an easy way to touch lots of trees

So go on, get out there. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. I promise—it’s worth it.