Explore Your Surroundings, Get Out There!

Get Out There and Explore: Open Your Eyes to the World Around You

Life can get busy, and it’s easy to fall into a routine—same places, same sights, same old, same old. But every now and then, it’s worth stepping out of that bubble and exploring what’s out there. Whether it’s a quirky shop, a quiet nature trail, or a bustling recreation centre, there’s something magical about opening your eyes and really taking in the world around you.

I was reminded of this recently while looking at a photo from a visit to All Through the House in Okotoks—a spot filled with vintage treasures, from old Coca-Cola signs to colourful “Drinks” lettering hanging above a collection of antiques. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but slow down and look closer. There’s a rusted metal scale on a stool, a wooden crate labeled “Canadian Apples,” and walls covered in nostalgic posters. It’s a feast for the eyes, and it got me thinking: there’s so much to see if we just take the time to look.

That’s what exploring is all about—whether you’re wandering through a shop like that one, hiking a forest trail in Alberta, or checking out a local recreation center. It’s about being present and noticing the details. On a nature walk, you might spot a bird flitting through the trees or feel the crunch of leaves underfoot. At a Rec centre, you might discover a new class to try or hear the laughter of kids at a community pool. Each place has its own story, its own little details waiting for you to discover them.

Think about the last time you went somewhere new. Maybe it was a hike, like the one I saw in a video from Alberta the other day—a lone hiker with a blue backpack, walking through a misty forest, just taking it all in. Or maybe it was a shop like the one in Okotoks, where you could spend hours looking at old tin signs and vintage lamps. What did you notice? What made you smile? That’s the beauty of exploring—it’s not just about the destination, but about the act of seeing, really seeing, what’s in front of you.

So, get out there. Take a drive to a nearby town and poke around a local shop. Lace up your hiking boots and hit a trail, whether it’s a rugged wilderness path or a gentle park loop. Sign up for a class at your rec center—maybe pottery or yoga—and meet some new faces. Wherever you go, keep your eyes open. Look for the little things: the way the light hits an old wooden crate, the sound of birds in the trees, the smell of fresh air or the hum of a busy community space.

The world is full of wonders, big and small, and they’re all waiting for you to find them. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore—today’s the perfect day to start.

The Back Roads to Spruce Meadows: A Journey for the Soul

There’s something undeniably magical about taking the back roads from Okotoks, Alberta, to Spruce Meadows in Calgary. The image of that long, winding road stretching toward the horizon, flanked by golden fields and bare trees, with the snow-capped Rockies looming in the distance, captures a feeling that’s hard to put into words. It’s a quiet escape, a chance to leave behind the hustle of the major highways and embrace a slower, more soulful way to travel. For those of us who’ve been making this commute for years, these back roads aren’t just a route—they’re a ritual, a way to reconnect with the land and ourselves.

The Appeal of the Back Roads

The journey begins just outside Okotoks, where the pavement narrows and the landscape opens up. The road in the photo stretches straight ahead, a ribbon of asphalt cutting through rolling fields that glow amber in the late-season light. On either side, clusters of leafless trees stand like silent sentinels, their branches reaching for a sky so blue it feels like a promise. In the distance, the Rockies rise, their peaks dusted with snow, a reminder of nature’s quiet majesty. This is the kind of view that makes you want to roll down the window, breathe in the crisp air, and let the stillness wash over you.

For years, my family and I have chosen this route over the busy Deerfoot Trail or Highway 2, especially when the weather is good. There’s no traffic to contend with, no rush of semi-trucks barreling past—just the hum of the tires on the pavement and the occasional glimpse of a farmhouse or a utility pole breaking the horizon. But as time has passed, I’ve noticed these back roads getting busier. More cars dot the stretch, a sign of Alberta’s growth, as more people discover the charm of this quieter path. Still, it remains a sanctuary, a place where you can drive with the windows down and feel the world slow down.

Stopping to Savor the View

One of the joys of this route is the opportunity to stop and take it all in. There are a few spots along the way—unmarked pullouts or wide shoulders—where you can park, step out, and let the landscape feed your soul. The photo captures one such moment, where the road seems to invite you to pause, to pull over and snap a picture of the mountains framed by the endless sky. Why not? In a world that’s always rushing, these moments of stillness are a gift. Standing there, with the wind rustling through the dry grass and the faint scent of pine in the air, you can feel the weight of the day lift. It’s a chance to savor the beauty of Alberta’s foothills, to let the view remind you of what truly matters.

Let Your Voice Be the Edge of My World

The Profound Impact of Listening Intently to Loved Ones

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can be easy to get caught up in our own thoughts and responsibilities, inadvertently overlooking the significance of effective communication with our loved ones. However, when we make a conscious effort to hang on every word spoken by those we hold dear, we open ourselves up to a world of richer connections, deeper understanding, and lasting bonds.

Listening - a Vital Skill in Nurturing Relationships:
Listening is often undervalued in relationships, but its importance cannot be overstated. It acts as a gateway to understanding and empathy, enabling meaningful connections and fostering a sense of love, belonging, and shared experiences. By actively engaging in the art of listening, we signal to our loved ones that their words matter, their thoughts are heard, and their emotions are valued.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Space:
When we listen wholeheartedly, we create a space where our loved ones feel safe, supported, and acknowledged. This welcoming environment enables them to freely express their thoughts, fears, dreams, and aspirations. By meeting their emotional needs through attentive listening, we foster an atmosphere where they can share their deepest vulnerabilities, allowing us to reciprocate with compassion and understanding.