Hi Family,

August has been a month of deep reflection and growth for me and our family, touching every part of life. Here’s a look back at what I’ve learned and how our family has played a role in this journey.

Spiritual Reflections: Embracing Forgiveness

This month, we are on a journey of embracing our family core values of kindness, forgiveness, compassion, family, and growth. I realized that unforgiveness has become a norm in our society, and we need to continually examine our hearts to prevent it from taking root. Holding onto offence has been a struggle for me in the past. When we only look at a snapshot of our lives, we can be deceived into thinking we have it all together or that we fall too short of the mark. However, when we ask questions such as, “Who are we?” and “Why are we here?” (the big picture questions) we may find ourselves in a cycle of stagnation where unforgiveness could be holding us back. Forgiveness is also a gift we give to ourselves. This spiritual shift has opened my heart to more love, peace, joy, and freedom.

Lesson Learned: Forgiveness is an act of love that opens the door to spiritual freedom and abundance. It allows us to live a life aligned with our higher purpose.

Physical Reflections: Prioritizing Family Time

This summer, I decided to step back from work to focus on spending quality time with my  family. The decision was rooted in my desire for true freedom—freedom from the daily grind and the opportunity to create lasting memories with my kids. We spent our days exploring nature, going on adventures, and simply enjoying each other’s company. This time together has reminded me that physical growth isn’t just about staying active; it’s about being intentional with our time and energy. We also enjoyed exercising together, which added fun to our routine.

Lesson Learned: Physical growth is more than just about exercise or diet; it’s about making choices that honors your body.

Mental Reflections: Shifting Perspectives

August has been a time of mental renewal. Although changing our hair, clothes, or even our environment can be necessary at times, I’ve learned that growth often comes from changing how we think rather than changing anything external. I know for sure that distractions and disappointments cannot stop us from reaching our true potential in life, we can navigate them using our core values. However, growth isn’t automatic; we need to take responsibility and be intentional. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, I see them as opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset shift has benefited me personally and professionally.

I also studied for my citizenship test. I had planned to take a course on the Constitution and American citizenship at Hillsdale College, but it turned out I had my own tutors at home—my son and husband helped me ace the test for my U.S. citizenship. Sometimes we go looking else where while we overlook the talent sitting next to us.

Lesson Learned: Mental growth happens when we embrace change, learn from our mistakes, and adapt our thinking to align with our values.

Emotional Reflections: The Power of Letting Go

As a sensitive person, holding on to offences used to weigh me down. But I’ve come to understand that emotional growth requires letting go of what no longer serves us. Understanding how we feel, learning to process these feelings, and asking for what we want can greatly improve our emotional well-being. However, we cannot allow our emotions (or pride) to lead us. This summer, I also forgave myself and others, which allowed me to enjoy the present moment and experience deeper emotional fulfillment.

Lesson Learned: Emotional growth is an ongoing journey that includes understanding and processing our feelings and emotions, and knowing what to ask for without allowing our emotions to lead us. Learn to release the past and find joy in the present.

Relational Reflections: Strengthening Bonds

Relationships are at the core of a fulfilled life, and this month has been about nurturing those connections. I’ve focused on being present with my family, listening more, and showing appreciation for the little things. The time we spent together has deepened our relationships, especially as I’ve learned to approach conflicts with more grace and understanding. There is much growth to be made here, but we are aware of it. Self-awareness is key in navigating relationships; we cannot change others, but we can change ourselves through learning and growing. We’ve also reconnected with old friends and made new ones.

Lesson Learned: Deeper relational growth happens when we better understand ourselves. Often, this is only possible when we are in relationships, especially those that challenge us.

Financial Reflections: Redefining Success

In my twenties, I believed that money was the key to fulfilling my dreams. But this year, I’ve redefined what financial success means to me. It’s not just about income or accumulation; it’s about aligning my finances with my values and finding true freedom to live with simplicity and to be generous with what I have.

Lesson Learned: Financial growth isn’t just about accumulating money; it’s about creating a life of purpose and freedom, where money serves our vision and mission.

Recreational Reflections: Finding Joy in Play

We love to play! With my children, I’ve learned that recreation more than just about activities—it’s about finding joy in the moment and creating memories that last. We’ve embraced spontaneity, whether it was pool time in their grandmother’s backyard to trips to the park or surprise visit to Times Square. We had lots of celebrations this month—practically every week of August, we had a get-together. In the past I would forfeit celebrations until my dreams are complete. I have learned that celebrations, whether they are mine or others are important for balance in our lives. In my book, Fulfill the Dream, I call these escapes given by God, so we do not idolize the dream.

Lesson Learned: Recreation is about creating joy and balance in life. Celebrating ourselves or others is good for our overall wellbeing.

A Month of Reflection and Renewal

August has been a month of growth in many areas, and my family has been at the heart of it all. From spiritual insights to physical activity, from mental shifts to relational connections, and from recreational joy to simple togetherness—each aspect has brought us closer and made us stronger.

Birthdays and Acknowledgements

This month we celebrated Sandra, Pastor Greene, Lia, Liset, and Hilary! Happy birthday to you all who have helped us in one way or another to get here.

Sandra and her husband Ed are dear friends of the family.

Pastor Greene has been a tremendous help throughout the writing of the first book and starting this blog.

Lia is a dear friend of mine whom I met at church in Canada. She gave me a big celebration party for my PhD graduation!

Liset was one of my lab mates during my PhD. Liset celebrates everything!

Hilary and I started my first job on the same day. She left the company before I did and we reconnected in Canada. She helped me get my first apartment in Canada even before I got there!

Thank you guys!

Further appreciations

We thank all the people who invited us to parties, including Jim and Sharon, our new neighbours Kenneth and Tia, and our church family who hosted celebrations at the beginning and end of the month. Thanks to Nicky and her family, with whom we enjoyed time in Times Square. Thanks to Andrew for Pizza. Special thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for taking care of the children while I went for my test. Thanks to Malany who had dinner ready for us whenever we asked, and last but not least. Thanks to Trevor, who played such an instrumental part behind the scenes in every activity this month.

And but not least we thank God for making all this possible. Jesus is Lord.

Thank you all.

Stay Tuned for More Reflections

As we move into a new season of our lives, I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and sharing more insights along the way. Stay tuned for changes as we grow!

Love,

Sanchia.

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