Heartfelt Reflections

  Heartfelt Reflections Is Still Here Sometimes the quiet seasons speak the loudest. It’s been a few months since I last posted, but I want to assure you — Heartfelt Reflections is still here. I’ve been reflecting, rebuilding, and listening more than I’ve been speaking. And honestly? That’s okay. This space was never meant to be about quantity or quick content. It was meant to hold truth , healing , and transformation — real-life moments that matter. In the last few months, God has been doing some deep inner work in me. I’ve been refining my vision, reordering my steps, and preparing for what’s next. There’s a quiet strength rising again, and with it, fresh words are coming. So if you’ve landed here today — whether by accident, or maybe divinely timed — know this: You are not alone. You are not forgotten. And your season of reflection matters, too. Thank you for staying connected. I’ll be sharing more soon — pieces of my journey, encouragement for yours, and a few surprise...

  Speaking My Truth: Understanding & Acknowledging Abuse For a long time, I didn’t realize emotional abuse was real. I thought if there were no bruises, it didn’t count. Some days, I wished there were, just so people would believe me when I asked for help. But abuse isn’t just physical—it can be the slow erosion of self-worth, the constant second-guessing of your own reality, and the fear of speaking up because it might lead to more conflict. I lived in constant fear. I used to think if I tried harder, loved more, or fixed myself, things would change. But no amount of effort on my part could undo a cycle that wasn’t mine to break alone. Emotional abuse can be subtle. It can look like walking on eggshells, feeling small, being dismissed, or being made to feel like everything is your fault. I spent years doubting myself, wondering if I was overreacting, if I was the problem. But I now know that love should never leave you questioning your own reality. A healthy relationship does ...

 In a world that often glorifies hustle and constant productivity, it's easy to forget one essential truth: true strength is built not just in the action, but in the moments of rest. As women, mothers, and nurturers, we often feel the weight of needing to be everything to everyone. The pressure to keep going, to push through exhaustion, and to constantly show up can feel like a badge of honor. But what if strength isn’t just about how much we can carry, but how well we allow ourselves to lay it down? Rest is not weakness—it’s wisdom. Rest is where our minds and bodies heal. It’s where clarity blooms and our spirits reconnect with purpose. Just as muscles need recovery to grow stronger, our hearts and minds need stillness to rejuvenate. When we rest, we are giving ourselves permission to simply be—not to produce, not to serve, not to prove—just to exist in the beauty of our own presence. Strength is found in knowing when to push and when to pause. Imagine a bow and arrow. The arrow’...

For many of us, exercise feels like another task on an endless to-do list. I know it was for me, I always enjoyed walking and did a lot of it. I had to reframe how I saw it? What if exercise wasn’t about checking a box but about taking care of ourselves, step by step? Start With Your “Why” Instead of thinking about exercise as something you have to do, think about why you want to move your body: To feel healthier and more energized? To keep up with your kids or grandkids? To build endurance and strength for daily life? Mine was for my mental health, to get out of the house, at the beginning of my separation. Then it became I wanted to carry my laundry basket up the stairs in one swoop. I want to be able to carry all my groceries and not need to rest. Those eventually led to me wanting to carry 50lbs a short distance. When you connect exercise to a deeper purpose, it becomes more than just an obligation—it becomes an act of self-love. Many people struggle with giving themselves sel...

 Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Lynn Simard, and I am so thrilled to share this space with you. As an independent mom to three incredible children, Sarah, Isaac, and Joseph, my life is a beautiful tapestry of challenges, love, and continuous transformation. We’re blessed to live in Ontario, where nature provides the perfect setting for our daily adventures and reflections. Being outdoors with my kids, exploring new places, and creating cherished memories with our extended family are among my greatest passions. Our deep family roots and connections offer a robust support system, nurturing us through every twist and turn of life. We travel Ontario, embracing the beauty and diversity that our country offers. Living authentically and continuously evolving in every aspect of life is not just a personal mantra but a mission I strive to instill in my children. Together, we are on a path of self-discovery, aiming to unlock our fullest potential.  For as long as I can remembe...

As 2024 comes to a close, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to carry baggage that no longer serves us. But December offers an opportunity to let go, make peace, and step into the new year with clarity and intention. Pause and Reflect Before jumping into plans for 2025, take a moment to reflect on the past year. Ask yourself: - What went well? - What didn’t? - What lessons did I learn? - What can I let go of that no longer serves me? Reflection isn’t always about dwelling on mistakes but acknowledging growth. Even the hard moments can shape us into stronger versions of ourselves. For me, one of the most significant lessons came from my journey to pursue higher education. With the help and encouragement from close family and friends, I decided to take the necessary steps to get information on going to college. For years, I held the heavy belief that I wasn't smart enough to go back to school. I let thoughts swirl in my mind: “I do...