This piece concludes my year-long series The Meandering Reflective (TMR). Sometimes finishing a project or achieving a goal can leave us with a sense of "what next?" We reached the top of the metaphorical mountain, so where is there to go? We can enjoy the view, but we wonder if there isn't another journey we want to embark on.

While I do feel a sense of accomplishment in completing this series, I also feel that it has given me insight into the direction I want to go with future written reflections on my website. My earliest posts in this series were very structured. Gradually, I found inspiration to step out from that framework and be more creative. I know that my rekindled inspiration will remain.

I also feel more focused on how I would like to develop other areas of my website - my poetry, recipes, and short fiction sections. For example, I recently posted a new bread recipe, and I hope to find more inspiration for additional recipes in the future. I also have been finding more inspiration for creative endeavours beyond my website and am optimistic about their future as well.

Thank you for reading along through this reflection series. 
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Chelsea Sosiak, Owl Tree Whimsy

In the closing months of 2023, I began preparing to make some positive personal changes. Though I knew logically that these changes were indeed helpful, I felt somewhat hesitant as well. These changes were very likely to be rather significant. My hesitancy stemmed from this certainty of newness. While the new reality I would be entering into was safe, it was different.

I took time to reflect on the roots of my hesitancy in order to help myself feel safe following through with the changes. Reflecting helped me feel more optimistic about and open to the new reality. I felt not only more confident that changes would occur, but I grew excited about the prospect. I had allowed myself permission to make significant personal change.

Being aware of and working through feelings of hesitancy or fear isn't always simple. It can take time and gradual work to build safety and certainty within ourselves. But if we want to make positive changes, working to overcome things which hold us back is necessary.

Once I had given myself permission, the changes began to gradually occur. This process has involved hard work and perseverance. I am proud of choosing to make these changes and following through with them. I have learned more about myself and my capacity for renewal. Looking back, the difference has been significant, but the change went at a comfortable pace. A sustainable pace helped the changes become permanent by giving time and space to adjust to the new reality. 

In May, Kevin and I marked our first year in our new home. This anniversary provided us with an opportunity to reflect on how our life and condo have evolved. We have made some updates, bought a few new pieces of furniture, and adapted to the flow of a new dwelling. We also have made connections in our new neighbourhood. Overall, our feelings of calm here have only increased. 

This year also marks the 150th anniversary of our city, Winnipeg. In my almost eight years as a resident, the city has expanded and changed. Historic books, photographs, and other records further illuminate Winnipeg's many developments. Since my first visit here in 2011, my perspective on the city has adjusted according to what I have learned and experienced. And I look forward to growing in my understanding of Winnipeg as the years go on.

Much like the La Salle, Seine, Red, and Assiniboine rivers that hydrate and refresh Winnipeg's land, learning and reflection offer a chance for personal renewal. Keeping an open mind helps us notice subtle shifts in our life and surroundings. Rather than impose preconceptions, we can try to see things for what they are. We can find people and places that are truly welcoming and safe. We can find nature spots that genuinely renew us. We can find hobbies and interests that awaken something deep within us. And there need be no hurry as we explore our world.