Finding Peace
This was originally sent as my February 2026 newsletter. Want monthly-ish reflections delivered to your inbox? Sign up here.
2026 is proving interesting already! I am always struck by how February proves that what looked possible over the holidays doesn't always come true. I'm scoring about 50% with my intentions for this year. What I am trying to hold onto as the year unfolds is the word at the center of my vision for 2026 - peace. How do I hold onto my inner peace when there is so much in the world to disrupt it? How do I become an agent of my own inner peace, instead of an agent of my own disruption?
As the last month unfolded, I was again reminded of the mindfulness attitudes described by Jon Kabat-Zinn in his book, Full Catastrophe Living. When I return to these, I am offered a kinder way to be with myself and the world, one that has the potential to open up possibilities for me to engage more fully.
Three attitudes that help me right now are accepting things as they are without judgment, letting go of wanting to change them, and trusting that this is exactly what I need for my learning and growth.
When I come from this perspective, current challenges become doorways — invitations to discover more about what I want, what I value, and what I'm here to learn. And somehow, the frustration of wanting to change what I can't control begins to soften.
I created a workbook to support my exploration, and I wanted to share it here. It's an invitation to notice which attitudes might serve you best right now, no matter what you're navigating.
What are you uncovering as the year unfolds? I'd love to hear about your experience and what happens as you explore the workbook - send me an email at cecile@cruxcoaching.ca.
And if sitting with these questions makes you curious about what coaching could offer, I'd love to explore working together.
Book an exploratory conversation
Interesting finds
I'm not one to share political opinions in public spaces, but I feel compelled to share Mark Carney's recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney's clear-eyed, pragmatic vision of the emerging world and of Canada's role in it brought a strange sense of calm to my system. It feels like there still are (at least one) grown-up(s) in the halls of power.
What I'm thinking about…
I am currently reading Having it All by Corinne Low. I love how economists think, and Low is no exception. The material ranges widely, covering topics like the division of labour in relationships, defining our utility function and figuring out what we really want in work. I am thoroughly enjoying Low's lighthearted, informed, and refreshingly candid view of how we might approach our work choices differently.
One paragraph that felt reminiscent of my struggle to make decisions around leaving medicine was this one: "Sticking with things that aren't working is a choice we're making, one that so often robs us of the happiness, joy and fulfillment we could have if we were willing to take a risk of leaving the comfort of the familiar."
Where is the familiar pulling you into sticking with things that aren't working?
Worth a read…
One of my goals for 2026 is to read more… And I will qualify that by saying more ACTUAL books in print, rather than my audiobook habit… Here's what's been on my mind recently.
How to Change by Katy Milkman: I really enjoy Milkman's writing style, and her wry take on the human condition when sat alongside the expected behaviours of homo economicus… I am already trying some of the change ideas she offers.
Snap by Susin Nielsen: Susin Nielsen is the creator and showrunner of the Global TV series Family Law, and an award-winning YA author. This is her first novel for adult audiences, a story about three people who snap - and end up in an anger management class together. The writing is heartwarming, snappy and funny, and I loved going through Kitsilano, Stanley Park and other familiar Vancouver spots.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: One of a very small number of writers I reread - this book talks about every part of the writing process. I love Lamott's humour - it's always a surprise when I find myself laughing out loud at a story, which I do time after time in this one.
Something new…
I've been toying with the idea of a book club for a while now. This year, I am giving myself permission to try things, to see what happens, so I am starting one. (That sentence reminds me of being 5 and having a "club" that met in my best friend's treehouse!)
Our first book will be Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World by Anne-Laure Le Cunff.
You can learn more about the book club on this page.
(Re)Imagining Possibility
I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Kelowna General Hospital Wellness Matters event, hosted by the amazing Dr. Deema Jassi and the KGH Medical Staff Association team.
It was a fascinating day filled with growth, learning and connection. You can watch a recording of the session here.
I would love to hear your thoughts on what I shared - what aligns with your experience, what would you add, or what impacted you as you listened?
Coming up…
This spring, I am doing something that feels both exciting and a little scary — I will be in Europe from May 9 to June 11, attending the ICF conference in Paris and giving myself time on my own to explore, connect, and be inspired. I am expecting to return full of new ideas and energy, and I look forward to sharing what I discover with you.
As always, I am so grateful you are here. Please feel free to email me with any thoughts at cecile@cruxcoaching.ca.
