What The East Coast Taught Me About Life

So, I just got back from a trip out to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Have I ever wanted to visit the East Coast of Canada? Not really. But one of my closest friends moved out there a couple of years ago, and it was definitely time for a visit. 

I arrived downtown Halifax on a Saturday and was going to ‘explore’ until she was off work and ready to take us even further into the country on Canada Day. I was somewhat excited to meander around Halifax and see what was out there; until I realized all that's out there are a bunch of ships, slow moving (albeit very kind people), and a lot of food. It was also unfortunately rainy, dull, and cold. 

My nervous system was NOT happy. I'm the type of person that wakes up with a lot of energy, and I wanted adventure. I turned to my friend in an almost panic and I was like, ‘what the F**K are we going to do here for a week!?’. She laughed and just encouraged me to make the best of it.. 

The thing about small town living is that everything becomes a little slower; a little calmer; and a little more mindful. Everyone knows each other's names and personal business; and people stop to say to hi to you like they've known you for years. 

You know where that doesn't happen? Montreal..

There's a grind and a hustle to every city I've lived in. A flavour of push harder; make more money; get a better mortgage; get more fit; and save for retirement. The kind of rat race that doesn't leave much room for getting to know your neighbours; the store clerk; or that woman's name at the bakery. Many of us are in a rush, ordering Uber eats, getting our groceries delivered, and working round the clock to just ‘make it somehow’. 

After three days in Halifax, I knew I was doomed to an even more boring week ahead in the country. I had a little pep talk with myself and had to succumb to the cruel reality that my friends were hosting me off grid for the week, and that I was going to have to be on my best behaviour; keep my mouth shut; and be grateful for being stuck in woods with no contact with the outside world (dramatic much?). 

Well, as per usual, I was wrong about what I predicted. Within a day or two, I was in sweats; with no makeup on; sipping delicious espresso doing Sudoku puzzles with what felt like a little family. I hardly checked my phone, I wasn't in a rush to go anywhere, and I started to appreciate things that I don't even pay attention to in the city. 

Will I ever move to Nova Scotia? F**k no. But will I be back to visit, reset, and remember there is more to life than hustling? Definitely. 

This newsletter is dedicated to my new waitress friend, Sue who made our day with her electric spirit. John, the weird antique guy who made us laugh and wouldn't let me negotiate for the trucker hat I wanted. And the new little family I connected with who taught me that planning dinner over breakfast is somewhat normal (I guess); and that it's okay to move slow, not leave the house somedays, and just appreciate what's in front us. 

I have come back to Montreal a little different; and with a few new life lessons. Humans thrive of connection. Not work connection; not hustle connection; not planning connection. True Connection. And maybe I was more starved for it than I thought..

Is adventure great? For sure. Is building a business and setting goals exciting? Definitely. But I was soberly reminded that the small, quiet, ‘in-between’ stuff matters too. 

We laughed, we cried, we started a little (illegal) fire in Peggy's Cove and released some things we had all written down into the ocean. And by the time I was ready to come home, I felt deeply connected to the people I had met; the food I had ate; and held fond memories of some of the most beautiful landscapes I had ever seen. 

Just for today, let's all be a little more mindful. Let's actively listen to whoever is in front of us. Let's slow down every bite of the food we get to eat. And let's practice not rushing through the day in order to experience some type of relief from crashing out the couch, binge eating, or drinking when night falls. 

Here's to my nervous system feeling calmer, my mind feeling at more at ease, and the Sudoko's I still do with my coffee every morning. 

With love, care, and empowerment, 

Jess.