Tag: personal-growth

🕰️ The Time to Journal Is Now: Begin to Document Your Life

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future—One Journal Entry at a Time

There’s a quiet power in putting pen to paper—or fingertips to keys—and capturing the moments that shape us. Not just the milestones, but the in-betweens: the early morning thoughts, the fleeting emotions, the conversations that linger. These are the threads of our lives, and journaling is how we weave them into something lasting.

✍️ Why Now?

We live in a world that moves fast. Days blur into weeks, and before we know it, seasons have passed. But your story deserves more than a passing glance. It deserves to be remembered, reflected on, and shared. Whether you’re navigating a career shift, rediscovering your roots, or simply trying to make sense of the day-to-day—now is the time to start documenting.

Journaling isn’t just for writers. It’s for thinkers, dreamers, doers. It’s for anyone who wants to live with intention and remember the journey.

📚 What You Capture Matters

  • Your thoughts: Raw, unfiltered, and honest. They’re the blueprint of your inner world.
  • Your experiences: From the mundane to the extraordinary, they shape your perspective.
  • Your growth: Journals become a mirror, showing you how far you’ve come.
  • Your legacy: One day, these pages may speak for you—telling your story to those who come after.

🌿 A Personal Note

As someone who’s spent years in the skies and now finds grounding in storytelling, I’ve come to see journaling as a form of flight. It lifts the weight of unspoken thoughts and gives them space to breathe. It’s a way to honor the past, make sense of the present, and shape the future.

Lately, I’ve been researching the Tsimshian Nation and learning the stories carried along the Skeena River. The history is beautiful—layered with meaning, resilience, and spirit. Listening to video recordings of these stories being told in our language is deeply inspiring. It reminds me that journaling isn’t just personal—it’s cultural. It’s a way to preserve voices, honor ancestors, and keep traditions alive.

And speaking of new chapters—I’m about to begin a new role in aviation, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity. The onboarding process is underway, and I’m looking forward to the adventure ahead. It’s a fresh horizon, filled with possibility and purpose. A chance to grow, connect, and continue writing my story with intention.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to start—this is it. The time to journal is now. Begin to document your life, one word at a time.

Your story matters. Let it unfold.

— Alex

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What It Means to Be Connected


Why Belonging, Support, and Shared Purpose Matter More Than Ever

In a world that often pulls us in different directions, the power of connection has never been more important. Whether you’re in a tight-knit village like Metlakatla, a family business, a church group, or a professional team, the strength of any group lies in its ability to connect on a human level. But what does it really mean to be connected?

Belonging: The Heart of Connection

At the core of every thriving community is a sense of belonging. It’s more than just being present—it’s being seen, heard, and valued. When people feel accepted and understood, they naturally show up more fully. It’s the invisible thread that makes someone say, “These are my people.”

Shared Identity: Our Common Ground

Communities with strong connections often share more than just physical space. They share stories, values, and a collective history. Whether it’s a cultural tradition, a shared vision for the future, or simply growing up in the same place, shared identity is what gives a group its soul.

Mutual Support: Leaning on Each Other

True connection means knowing you can count on others—and they can count on you. It’s the neighbor who shows up when your generator goes out. The friend who listens without judgment. The coworker who steps in when you’re overwhelmed. Mutual support transforms groups into families.

Meaningful Relationships: Depth Over Surface

Surface-level connection isn’t enough. We thrive when we build meaningful relationships—when we know people’s stories, their struggles, their dreams. Authentic connection requires vulnerability, trust, and a commitment to showing up for one another in real ways.

Shared Experiences: The Glue of Community

From potlucks to fishing trips, community cleanups to youth basketball leagues—shared experiences create memories that bind us together. These moments deepen our bonds and remind us that we’re in this life together.

Active Participation: You Get Out What You Put In

Connection is a two-way street. It doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when people actively engage. Show up. Contribute. Help set up the chairs, lead the project, share your voice. Your presence matters more than you realize.

When Connection is Missing: What Can Be Done?

Disconnected communities don’t just feel lonely—they become ineffective. But we can bridge the gap:

  • Start with Communication: Honest, respectful conversations lay the groundwork for trust.
  • Create Opportunities to Gather: Don’t underestimate the power of a meal, a story circle, or a volunteer project to bring people together.
  • Encourage Collaboration: Shared work builds shared purpose.
  • Practice Empathy: Listen deeply. Be willing to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
  • Celebrate Diversity: Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. Our differences are strengths, not weaknesses.
  • Support Inclusive Leadership: Leaders who prioritize people over power are the ones who build lasting communities.
  • Address the Hard Stuff: Conflict, fear, or mistrust can block connection. Face it head-on, with grace and honesty.
  • Keep Showing Up: Relationships take time. Don’t give up when things get tough. Be patient. Be consistent.

Final Thoughts: Building Connection is the Work of a Lifetime

To be connected is to be human. It’s how we thrive. It’s how we heal. It’s how we build communities that last.

If you’re part of a group that feels disconnected right now—don’t wait. Start with one conversation, one shared meal, one small act of care. That’s how we begin again.

Let’s talk:
How do you build connection in your own community? What’s worked—and what hasn’t? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share this with someone who could use a reminder that connection is possible, even now.

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A Year of Fulfilled Promises: Embracing 2025

Embracing Dreams and Fulfillment in the New Year

As the final days of 2024 draw to a close, the town of Metlakatla pauses to reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year. It has been a year of growth, learning, and unexpected joys. Now, with hearts full of gratitude, the community looks forward to 2025 with renewed hope and an attitude of expectation.

Chapter 1: Reflecting on Blessings

Throughout 2024, Metlakatla experienced moments of both triumph and trial. Families grew closer, friendships were strengthened, and new opportunities arose. The town’s people celebrated milestones and supported one another through hardships. As they reflect on these moments, they recognize the blessings that have shaped them, giving thanks for the journey so far.

Chapter 2: A Year of Expectation

As the clock counts down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, there is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. The community gathers to welcome 2025, a year that many believe will be one of fulfilled promises. These promises, whispered in their hearts many years ago, have been nurtured through patience and perseverance. Now, they feel that the time has come for these dreams to come to fruition.

Chapter 3: Awakening Dreams

With the arrival of 2025, the people of Metlakatla embrace the new year with a sense of purpose. It is time to dream again. Each person carries within them a vision, a hope that has been waiting to be realized. They understand that this is not just about personal achievements, but about coming together as a community to create something greater than themselves.

Chapter 4: Walking into Promise

As they step into the new year, the people of Metlakatla are determined to walk into the promises given. They recognize that these dreams require action, collaboration, and faith. With heads held high, they set out to build, create, and inspire. They understand that their collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter future.

Chapter 5: The Dawn of Fulfillment

In the months that follow, the town begins to see the fruits of their labor. Long-held dreams begin to take shape, bringing with them a sense of fulfillment and joy. New projects are launched, old goals are revisited, and the community thrives. The air is filled with the spirit of renewal and hope, as each person plays a part in making 2025 a year to remember.

Epilogue: A Legacy of Hope

As 2025 unfolds, Metlakatla becomes a testament to the power of hope and perseverance. The town’s people have shown that by dreaming again and working together, they can turn promises into reality. This year will go down in history as one of the greatest for Metlakatla, a year when dreams were not only revived but also realized.

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Reflecting on the Movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Like millions of others, I’ve watched the classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life numerous times and I see why many would say it’s the best film ever.

It offers a sense of redemption and hope and love and the magic of Christmas. If we allow ourselves to remain at the surface level, we can walk away feeling uplifted.

Never one to take things only at face value, I’ve been digging deeper and asking a lot of questions, and I’ve questioned some of the “lessons” of the film.

What I’ve concluded is that there’s a very different message or lesson embedded in the film, at least for me. It’s clear in my mind, because we’ve just finished watching it.

Here’s what I’ve drawn from it:

It’s a meaningful life. Clearly, George Bailey’s life has meaning. He’s been a powerful force in the lives of everyone around him. His decisions and actions blessed countless others, and no doubt had a ripple effect beyond even what was revealed to him by Angel Second Class, Clarence.

It’s a significant life. No doubt George’s actions and decisions made a significant difference in the lives of others. He saved his brother, Harry, from drowning; Harry went on to save the lives of countless others in the war.

He followed in his father’s footsteps, keeping the Building and Loan alive after his father’s death. In so doing, he gave his uncle, Billy, purpose and work for a lifetime, and kept him on track in spite of his faulty memory.

He kept his love, Mary, from being a spinster librarian (actually – she would have chosen that path; she wasn’t naturally doomed to it).

He kept Mr. Gower, the pharmacist, from poisoning a little boy when he filled the prescription capsules with poison, rather than the appropriate medicine because he was lost in pain (and drink) from hearing of the death of his son.

He kept Bedford Falls from falling into the greedy, mean-spirited grasp of Mr. Potter, who would turn it into a wasteland of the dirtier, grittier, less-than-wholesome side of life and business.

He created a path for so many Bedford Falls residents to realize the dream of homeownership by offering reasonable financing and building options, otherwise unavailable to them. By extension, he gave them responsibility, pride, community, hope…

His union with Mary restored the life to a once-regal, broken down old home, and filled it with the laughter of four beautiful children.

And clearly, as the end of the movie so movingly demonstrates, all those whose lives he touched were willing and ready to come to his aid in his moment of need.

What gets to me though, is that George lived the life everyone else thought he should live. He played the roles everyone else assigned to him. In every instance, he took on the responsibility of others and subverted his own desires for adventure and architecture and building amazing structures.

He did the “right” things.

I have to ask: Was it really the “right” thing? Was it really the life he was intended to lead? Is the underlying lesson here that we should suck it up and go along and do what everyone else expects us to do? Does that lead to a full and satisfying life?

His actions allowed everyone else to life the lives of their dreams, while he stayed behind and held down the proverbial fort.

It reminds me of a series of television ads I saw a few years ago created by some financial services company. It showed a couple in their 60’s (you see this through the graying hair and age in their faces) who can “finally live the life you dreamed of” because they successfully reached “retirement age.” They could quit doing the life-sucking work they’d been sentenced to, and because they (presumably) planned and invested correctly, they could now go on adventures, explore the world, and take the time and space to be more creative in their lives.

But there’s no guarantee any of us will reach that age and that state of financial security. And I question why it needs to be that way? Why do we insist having “the safe job” and making the “right salary” is the path to happiness? If it fills your bank account while draining your soul, what’s the true value?

Was it, in fact, a good exchange?

You see, every moment you choose to do any thing, you are exchanging your precious and perishable life energy for whatever that thing is. You will not get any of those moments back. And I’m not convinced the meaning of life is to do all the things the way those who have gone before have done them or think we should do them.

I think we were created to be creative. I believe we were given unique skills, talents, ideas and desires to bring our creativity to life. I don’t believe the purpose of life is to endure and survive until we die!

So, yes… George Bailey undoubtedly lived a full, meaningful, powerful, and significant life. I can’t help but wonder what more he might have accomplished had he chosen differently and wrote his own ending. What greater impact he may have had had he spread his wings, traveled the world, and shared his gifts within a larger sphere. And who else might have stepped forward in Bedford Falls to be forces for good, so to speak, in his absence.

It will likely remain an unanswered question; just a potential storyline in the corners of my mind.

So, I leave you with these questions about you and your life:

  • What voice is speaking to you within the depths of your soul?
  • What whispers are you hearing (ignoring?) that call you to something more interesting, something more creative?
  • What do you long to explore, create, bring to life, and share with the world (even if it’s only in your little corner)?
  • Which path will you choose to follow?

And I wonder… do we really want the people who have made a meaningful difference in our lives to have to wait until the end of theirs – or til crisis rears its ugly head – to let them know what they mean to us? Is there someone who would benefit from hearing, in simple language, just what they mean to you or how what seemed like a small act of kindness changed the course of your day or your life?

One of my mentors said, “How do you know if someone needs to be encouraged?… If they are breathing!” It’s true… we could all use more kind words, more acknowledgement of the value we bring. I challenge you to start a new practice and let the people around you know what they mean to you more often and how much you appreciate their efforts on your behalf.

We are on the brink of a new year… and the truth is, in any given moment, we can make a new choice about who we will be, what we will choose to do, and what we might have to offer.

I hope you choose thoughtfully. I hope you choose honestly. I hope you choose with courage and bravery.

You see… whatever it is that you were created to bring to the world is truly singular and unique to you. No one else in all of time has the power to do that one thing but you. And if you choose to remain on autopilot, if you choose to follow the path defined for you by someone else, if you choose to not show up and share it… It will NOT be. We will not have it.

And that would be a disservice. We will all be lesser for it.

Blessings to you all this holiday season. Whatever your spiritual or religious beliefs and practices may be, I send you light and love, peace and joy, health and wealth, and hopes for deeper connection, more meaning and richness… for prosperity and healing in the New Year!

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A Warrior’s Journey: Forgiveness and Healing

The Path to Healing: A Native American Soldier’s Story of Forgiveness

In a small, resilient community, there lived a Native American soldier named Ahanu, whose name means “He Laughs.” Despite the challenges he had faced, Ahanu carried himself with a light-hearted spirit and an unwavering commitment to his people. He had witnessed and experienced the profound harms inflicted upon First Nations People—attitudes of superiority, emotional and spiritual violence, and the destructive forces of racism and discrimination.

Ahanu’s journey was marked by these struggles, yet his path was also a testament to the strength and resilience of his heritage. Growing up, he heard countless stories from his elders about the ways of their ancestors, who lived in harmony with the land and each other before the settlers arrived. These stories were a source of pride and a reminder of the community’s enduring spirit.

As a soldier, Ahanu served his country with honor, but the battlefield was not only external. He grappled with the internal battles of anger, pain, and the desire for retribution. The weight of historical injustices and personal wounds threatened to consume him, making it difficult to find peace.

During a particularly challenging time in his service, Ahanu found himself in a remote location, far from the comforts of home and family. It was there, in the solitude of the wilderness, that he began to reflect deeply on his journey. The silence of the natural world provided a stark contrast to the turmoil within his soul.

One evening, as Ahanu sat by a small fire, he remembered the teachings of his ancestors. He recalled the wisdom of his elders, who spoke of the Creator’s will for their lives—one that did not align with the violence and hatred they had endured. The elders spoke of the importance of returning to their roots, of healing through forgiveness and reconnecting with their true selves.

In that moment, Ahanu made a decision. He chose to embark on a path of forgiveness, not as a means of forgetting the past but as a way to heal and move forward. He understood that forgiveness was not an act of weakness but a powerful declaration of strength and resilience.

Ahanu began to practice forgiveness in his daily life, starting with himself. He forgave himself for the anger and bitterness he had harbored. He then extended this forgiveness to those who had wronged him, both directly and indirectly. It was a difficult process, but with each step, he felt a weight lifting from his shoulders.

Upon returning to his community, Ahanu shared his journey with others. He spoke of the healing power of forgiveness, of reclaiming their heritage and returning to the ways of their ancestors. He emphasized the importance of living in accordance with the Creator’s will, promoting peace and understanding instead of perpetuating cycles of harm.

Ahanu’s message resonated deeply within the community. Inspired by his example, many began their own journeys of forgiveness and healing. The collective pain of the past was acknowledged, but it no longer defined their present or future. Instead, they chose to honor their ancestors by fostering an environment of compassion, respect, and unity.

Through Ahanu’s journey, the community rediscovered the profound truth that healing comes from within. By embracing forgiveness and reconnecting with their roots, they found a renewed sense of purpose and peace. Ahanu’s legacy was one of hope and resilience, a testament to the power of forgiveness and the enduring strength of the First Nations People.

I hope this story captures the essence of forgiveness and healing from an Indigenous perspective, highlighting the journey of a Native American soldier.

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Attitude and Altitude: Elevating Your Life

Elevating Success: The Power of a Positive Mindset

In the bustling town of Silver Springs, there lived a young woman named Emily, whose dreams were as vast as the sky above. Despite her remarkable skills and abilities, she often found herself struggling to reach her full potential. It wasn’t until she heard the powerful saying, “Your attitude determines your altitude,” that she began to understand the true secret to success.

The late motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “It’s your attitude, not your aptitude that will determine your altitude.” These words resonated deeply with Emily, prompting her to reevaluate her mindset and how it impacted her journey. She realized that while skills and knowledge were important, it was her attitude that ultimately dictated how high she could soar.

Surround Yourself with Positive People: Emily began her transformation by surrounding herself with positive influences. She sought out friends and mentors who radiated optimism and encouragement. These individuals became her support system, lifting her up when she faced challenges and celebrating her victories. Their positive energy was contagious, and Emily found herself adopting a more hopeful outlook on life.

Check Your Own Positivity Barometer: Next, Emily learned to monitor her own positivity barometer. She became more aware of her thoughts and emotions, making a conscious effort to focus on the good rather than the bad. Whenever negative thoughts crept in, she would pause, take a deep breath, and shift her perspective. By regularly checking her attitude, Emily was able to maintain a positive mindset even in difficult situations.

Deal with Obstacles as Challenges: Emily also changed the way she viewed obstacles. Instead of seeing them as insurmountable barriers, she began to approach them as challenges to overcome. Each setback became an opportunity for growth and learning. This shift in mindset gave her the resilience to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough the road ahead seemed.

Shift Your Mindset to a “Yes I Can” Attitude: The most significant change came when Emily adopted a “Yes I Can” attitude. She stopped doubting her abilities and started believing in her potential. Every morning, she would affirm her goals and capabilities, reminding herself that she was capable of achieving greatness. This newfound confidence propelled her to take risks and seize opportunities that she had previously shied away from.

As Emily embraced these principles, she noticed a remarkable change in her life. Her career began to flourish, her relationships grew stronger, and her overall sense of well-being improved. She realized that her attitude was the true key to unlocking her potential and reaching new heights.

The story of Emily’s journey teaches us that our attitude truly determines our altitude. By cultivating a positive mindset, surrounding ourselves with uplifting influences, viewing challenges as opportunities, and believing in our abilities, we can achieve incredible things. It’s not just our skills and abilities that define our success, but the way we approach life with hope, resilience, and a “Yes I Can” attitude.

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Courage in the Heart of Metlakatla

Facing Fear Together and Finding Strength Within

Returning to Metlakatla after years away, you felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The familiar sights and sounds of your hometown brought a sense of comfort, but something was different. As you walked through the streets, you noticed a palpable sense of fear among the people. Faces that once greeted you with smiles now wore expressions of worry and uncertainty.

Curious and concerned, you stopped by the community center, where a small group had gathered. You learned that a recent event had shaken the town, leaving many feeling vulnerable and afraid. The fear seemed to loom large, casting a shadow over the community.

But as you listened to their stories, you realized that this fear, though powerful, was not insurmountable. You stood up and shared your thoughts, speaking from the heart. “Fear is a natural response to the unknown,” you began, “but it doesn’t have to define us. We have the strength within us to face it, to walk through it, and to find the courage that lies in our hearts.”

You proposed that the community come together to support one another, to share their fears and find collective strength. “When we face our fears together, they become smaller,” you said. “What seems large and overwhelming can be diminished by the courage we find within ourselves and each other.”

Inspired by your words, the community began to open up. They shared their fears, their hopes, and their dreams. Slowly, the atmosphere began to change. The fear that once seemed so large began to shrink in the face of collective courage and solidarity.

Through this journey, the people of Metlakatla discovered that their courage was far greater than their fears. They learned that by facing their fears head-on, they could overcome them and emerge stronger, both individually and as a community. The thing they were afraid of, once so daunting, now seemed small in comparison to the courage they had found within themselves.

And so, Metlakatla became a place not just of familiar sights and sounds, but of newfound strength and resilience. The community learned that together, they could face anything, and that the courage within their hearts was more powerful than any fear.

As the days turned into weeks, the people of Metlakatla continued to support one another, facing their fears with a newfound sense of courage. The community grew stronger, not just in spirit, but in their bonds with each other. They realized that fear, once so overwhelming, was no match for the collective strength they had discovered.

In the end, Metlakatla was not just a town that had faced its fears, but a beacon of hope and resilience. The courage within their hearts had illuminated the path forward, proving that together, they could overcome any challenge. And so, the story of Metlakatla became a testament to the power of unity and the incredible strength that lies within each of us.

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Begin YOUR Journal Journey Part 1

Not everyone is willing to try writing as a primary or supplementary approach to problem-solving. Those who are—even when they are skeptical at first—almost always find writing to be a powerful and surprisingly accessible means to insight, healing, growth and change.

There are many reasons to journal other than emotional healing. Here are five benefits to expressing yourself on paper.

1. Writing by hand can make learning easier.

Neuroscientists are strongly opposed to the decline in teaching penmanship, or cursive writing, in public schools, “When we write, a unique neural circuit is automatically activated,” said Stanislas Dehaene, a psychologist at the Collège de France in Paris. “There is a core recognition of the gesture in the written word, a sort of recognition by mental simulation in your brain. And it seems that this circuit is contributing in unique ways we didn’t realize. Learning is made easier.”

2. Writing by hand can improve memory.

A research study comparing college students who took notes on laptops and those who took notes by hand found that students remembered lectures better with handwritten notes. It seems digital note-takers tend to transcribe a lecture rather than assimilate it. Manual note-taking requires discernment about ranking information according to its relative importance, allowing the hand-writers to remember core learning more readily.

3. Writing in a journal, by hand, helps you achieve the maximum benefit of journaling.

My anecdotal research as a journal therapist suggests that clients who write by hand are much more likely to have positive attachment to their journals and sustain the practice longer than those who write digitally. The handwritten journal, which is portable and accessible, is what therapists call a “constant presence.” It’s deemed by clients to be a more intimate, personal and relatable experience than writing on a phone app or computer; thus, the results tend to last longer and embed more deeply.

4. Writing by hand can have similar benefits to meditation.

In an article called “The Simple Joy of Writing by Hand,” Barbara Bash writes, “It is something about the physical act—the holding of the hand and pen—that is meditative, bringing me into the present.”

5. Writing by hand can help enhance creative expression.

According to British novelist Jon McGregor, “Pen and paper is always [at] hand. Writing on the page stays on the page, with its scribbles and rewrites and long arrows suggesting a sentence or paragraph be moved and can be looked over and reconsidered. Writing on the screen is far more ephemeral. A sentence deleted can’t be reconsidered.” For decades, my own journals have been incubators for creative projects. Each time I start a new book, workshop or business expansion I use my journal to work out questions, obstacles, details, procedural notes and deadline management. I also benefit from the safe container for my own self-doubts, uncertainties, frustrations and other feelings that are part of the creative process.

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