15 Mar Sometimes it Snows in April
HELLO FRIENDS!
Spring is so close. I can feel it. But I am also cautious.
As one of my favourites tells us in one of my favourite songs:
“Sometimes it snows in April.”
Prince doesn’t lie.
It has been a rough winter in my neck of the woods, Barrie, Ontario, Canada. I am sure wherever you are, you are feeling the end of the season.
I love the seasons and I don’t even mind shoveling, but this winter it was all TOO MUCH. For my body, mind and soul.
I injured my knee shoveling during the Family Day Weekend SNOWMAGGDEN which added to my journey of non-stop shoveling. Thank goodness for physiotherapy. Even though I have been doing my physio exercises every day, and weekly visits to the physiotherapist for ultrasound therapy, deeper exercises, and wrapping; my knee still struggled to fully heal as the snow didn’t stop and I still had to shovel. So I am so looking forward to a break in the snow, to help heal in all the ways!
When I got injured it threw me off mentally. I have worked so hard for my body to stay strong. It has taken me a lifetime to realize my body was not the enemy, that in fact, she was the hero. I am so proud of my body, so PROUD. So, I had an immense amount of guilt when I was injured as it impacted my workout routine. Because I still needed to shovel, I had to adapt my workout routine to help heal my knee.
I wasn’t allowed to do certain things, like my beloved line dancing class, which was SO HARD as I haven’t missed a class since I started it in April 2024. But my physiotherapist put it best – it is okay to rest.
Realistically I know that. Heck, I even preach that. But I struggle to DO that. Then I came across this quote:
"Your body isn't betraying you; it's asking for help. Listen."
That landed. Hard. I realized I was unintentionally doing what I always used to do, blaming my body for failing me when in fact, I was the one failing my body by pushing it when it needed to rest. That helped me change direction quickly.
I still struggle with breaking my workout routine as it is very precious to me, and it helps me not only physically but mentally.
I worry what it will mean for my health but I also know my body is asking me for help. It has been through SO MUCH, and I know better than to ignore it. So I will do what I can do for her. She deserves it.
I also know I tend to catastrophize (thank you therapy!) and taking a break won’t undo all the good I have done. In fact “rests and active rests” are encouraged in a regular workout routine.
We will get through and more than that, we will continue to thrive as a team, a healthy, strong, and happy partnership.
When I work with my body instead of against I know good things will come. Just like therapy, it is work. And if there is one thing I am it is a hard worker. I am putting in the work and my knee is getting there. With the sun shining and the warmer temperatures hopefully I can give shoveling a rest for a bit (although Prince is never wrong so I am sure I will have another snowfall or two to deal with before the end of the season) but I feel like I am on the other side.
With that in mind, I have something exciting happening this Spring that I am so excited to share with you.
I am partnering with the amazing Beth Foster, who is fully certified through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and a member of the Ontario College of Teachers with a Master in Education.
Beth’s guided Forest Bathing walks not only introduced me to the power of Forest Bathing but solidified Forest Bathing as one of my most favourite things to do. When I approached her with this idea to collaborate I was THRILLED she accepted because I knew it would elevate this event.
As a recently certified Journal Therapy Coach, I know the impact journaling can have on your well-being. If you join us in this event we are going to help you reconnect with nature, and yourself.
Beth will awaken your senses with a guided forest bath walk through the forest.
I will then guide you through a reflective journaling experience to help deepen your experience.
Our goal is that this experience will leave you feeling refreshed, grounded, and inspired.
Spots are limited so secure your spot today!
The Spring Edition of my Life Enthusiast Newsletter is coming out soon, so make sure you are signed up to receive it!I will go a little deeper into what it is to be a Journal Therapy Coach in that issue.
To help you shake off this intense winter and embrace the sunshine of spring, I will leave you with a few reflective journal prompts:
“Spring is a good time to check in on the intentions you have set for 2025. How are you doing? Would you like to change or add in any?”
“What is one habit you want to leave behind as the season changes?”
“What are your goals for the Spring season?”
“What does Spring symbolize to you?”
Become part of my community and follow me on my Instagram @JAYEMBarrie for my POSTS, and REELS, or check out my website www.jayem.ca to stay informed on what I am doing and to sign up for my newsletter and/or updates. I am also on Substack and you can also find me on LinkedIn.
Share your questions or comments either in the comment box of my Instagram posts or in a DM.
Please note: I am not an expert or professional in the field of cancer. I am simply someone who has gone through it and living with it, doing my best to offer you my experience and advice in hopes that it helps.
Love, Me 
