The River’s Whisper: Finding the Small Good Things in Okotoks

Finding What Works For You

Hey Okotoks people, or anyone else, I’ve got a story for you today—a little tale about how life’s complications can lead us to the small good things that help us heal and grow. I’m sharing this because I know we all face tough days, but sometimes, the simplest moments can make us feel better and act better toward ourselves and others. Let’s dive in.

Last week, I was feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. Between the dailly stress, a family argument, and the general personal chaos of life in Okotoks—spring can be a whirlwind, right?—I felt like I was unraveling. I needed a break, so I decided to walk along the Sheep River pathway, a spot I’ve always loved for its quiet beauty.

As I walked, the river’s gentle flow seemed to whisper to me, urging me to slow down. I sat on a bench near the water, watching the current ripple over the rocks, when I noticed a woman approaching with a dog that looked straight out of a storybook. It was a white shepherd, with a thick coat and golden eyes that reminded me of a wolf—or maybe even the dire wolf pups I’ve been following in the news, brought back after 10,000 years. I couldn’t help but smile, thinking of my own white shepherd, Udik, who always knew how to lift my spirits.

The woman, noticing my gaze, stopped and introduced herself as Clara. “This is Luna,” she said, patting the dog’s head. “She’s my therapy dog. Want to pet her?”

I nodded, and as I ran my hand through Luna’s soft fur, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. Clara sat beside me, and we got to talking. She shared that she’d been through a rough year—her husband had passed away, and she was still finding her footing. “Luna’s been my rock,” she said. “But I’ve also learned to look for the small good things every day. Like the way the river sparkles in the sun, or the sound of kids laughing at the park. Those little moments keep me going.”

Her words hit me hard. I’d been so caught up in my own stress that I’d forgotten to notice the good around me. Clara pointed to a community board nearby, pinned with flyers for local events. “There’s a gathering at 204 Community Way this Wednesday,” she said, referencing an event I’d heard about on OkotoksOnline.com—April 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. “It’s a chance to meet people, share stories, maybe even help out. I’m going with Luna. You should come.” (<--This is a mostly fiction Tale, but certainly could be made real.)

I left the river feeling lighter, Luna’s golden eyes and Clara’s wisdom lingering in my mind. That night, I started looking for my own small good things: the warmth of my morning coffee, the smile from a neighbor, the way the foothills glowed at sunset. Each one felt like a tiny stitch in the fabric of my healing heart.

Life can be complicated my friends, but here’s what I’ve learned: the small good things are all around us, waiting to help us heal. Here are a few pointers to try in your own life:

1. Pause and Notice: Take a walk by the Sheep River or in your favorite spot. Look for the little joys—the river’s sparkle, a bird’s song, a dog’s wagging tail. Let them remind you there’s still good in the world.
2. Connect with Nature: Spend time outside, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Nature has a way of soothing us, like it did for me with Luna’s wolf-like presence. If you’ve got a pet, bring them along—they’re great at showing us how to live in the moment.
3. Join a Community Event: Check out local gatherings, like the one at 204 Community Way (details on OkotoksOnline.com). Meeting people, sharing stories, and helping out can lift your spirits and remind you you’re not alone.
4. Start Small, Build Up: Healing doesn’t happen overnight. Pick one small good thing each day to focus on—it could be a kind word, a beautiful view, or a warm drink. Over time, those moments add up, helping you feel better and act with more kindness toward others.

I’m still a work in progress, but I’m feeling better and acting better—more patient with my family, more present with my friends. The river’s whisper, Luna’s golden eyes, and Clara’s advice showed me that even in life’s messiness, the small good things can lead us to healing.

What small good things have you noticed lately? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. And if you see Clara and Luna by the river, say hi for me—they might just help you find your own healing moments.

Until next time,
Mag