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Growing Through Life: Lessons for a Fulfilling Journey

There’s no question that life is an unpredictable ride. I’m sure there isn’t anybody you can think of who hasn’t had to navigate through something challenging. Hindsight is where we can take lessons from the tough stuff we experience. It’s important that we learn from what we undergo in life because these events can transform into teachings to guide as we move forward. Whether it’s learning or unlearning a few things, let’s explore some ideas that will hopefully be helpful when it comes to living our best life in 2025.

You are important and you matter. 

 This is lesson number one for me because I think it’s something we can easily forget. Especially as we age, we can mistakenly believe that we’re not important, that we’re irrelevant and we don’t matter. But it couldn’t be farther from the truth. If we have breath, we are important and we matter, regardless of our age. Sure, our priorities change as we get older and that’s a good thing. It’s a time in our life when we’re investing in what’s important to us and no longer focused solely on other people’s needs and their feedback to feel good. While prioritizing ourselves might feel like we’re being selfish, there’s a companion lesson here: when we take good care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of others.

“The biggest lesson is to keep going and almost never look back.”
– hockey goaltender, Maxime Lagacé

Don’t Live in the Past.

The only thing we know for sure is the present. How many times have we heard that? It is true that the past no longer exists and what we’re thinking about are our memories of the past or rather our version of the past. Sometimes we embellish our memories and either feel bad about the way we remember events or glorify the past and long for what was. All we can do is learn from whatever happened and apply those lessons to our life today. If you have a regret about something from your past, know that it’s just a reminder that you’re human. It’s better to let it go than to resist feelings of regret because what we resist persists and we’re all capable of learning and growing. Sometimes talking through regrets with a friend or trusted advisor can put things in proper perspective. Let’s not let memories of the past impede our enjoyment of the life we have in front of us and our future possibilities.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that hurt people hurt people, and kindness is just as contagious. So, if you can focus your efforts on engineering kindness, it will prevail.”  
– founder of Bumble, Whitney Wolfe Herd

Be Kind.

Sometimes the simplest life lessons are the toughest to apply. Because we’re human, we’re wired for safety, and fear plays a major role when it comes to us feeling protected from danger. We’re not always sure of others’ intentions and because fear is so powerful, we can mistake kindness for weakness. It’s even true of ourselves. We’ve been conditioned, I say, conned into believing that strength is being tough when the truth is that our real strength is in our ability to be vulnerable. Learning to be kind toward ourselves takes us back to lesson number one: it’s the recognition that we are important, and we matter. Keep in mind that how you speak to yourself about yourself and how you speak to others about yourself is important because what you put out there is what will be returned to you. Keep kindness top of mind when you’re doing business with others too; it’ll make a difference for everyone and trust me, kindness is a gift that keeps on giving. When we’re kind to others, we feel good thanks to kindness hormones like oxytocin, it helps with blood pressure and ultimately our kindness influences others to be kind as well.

“When you share your story and become vulnerable, the ripple effect and the people that you can help along the way is a life lesson.” 
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau

Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

This is another way of saying that we should focus our resources and attention on what’s important in life today. There will always be situations that don’t go to plan, people who don’t measure up to our expectations, or having our words and actions disappoint others. The key here is to remember that what other people do and say reflects something in them and has nothing to do with us. We give power to the wrong thing, when we’re focused on how other people disappoint us. While we can’t control life events and other people’s actions, we can control our response to life events and other people’s actions. Worrying about what other people might do or what might happen is like praying for what we don’t want. It’s far more productive to focus on what we do want and take small steps in that direction. This way we take power away from worry and create more space for peace.

“He has not learned the first lesson of life who does not every day surmount a fear.” 
– Poet and writer, John Dryden

Make Play Part of your Day.

Nobody teaches children how to play. Every day they wake up ready to engage in as much fun as possible, using their beautiful imaginations to create magical experiences. We know that play is beneficial for their cognitive function as well as their physical, emotional and social well-being. We encourage kids to play for those reasons and we overlook the fact that maintaining a playful mindset is helpful in the same way for adults. Whether it’s sports, board and card games, puzzles, acting, dancing or singing, we’re reducing stress, nurturing connection, emotional well-being and keeping our beautiful brain challenged and alert. You can double the fun by pairing up older people with younger people. Intergenerational play is fun for everyone.

“The biggest lesson I learned this year is not to force anything, conversations, friendships, relationships, attention, love. Anything forced is just not worth fighting for, whatever flows flows, what crashes crashes.” 
-entrepreneur, Amanda Rose

Don’t Force Anything

This may be one of the hardest won lessons of the bunch. We humans love our control. We like it when life goes the way we want it to. We like it when people like us and when they do what we think they should do. We’re frustrated when people don’t do what we expect them to or heed the advice we offer. This human experience has its joys, and control does not fuel that feeling. All it does is produce anxiety. It’s good to keep in mind that every person has their journey in life and lessons to go along with it. We’re not in charge of anybody else’s experience and simply accepting this important truth will give us more energy and peace as we navigate our own life adventure. Another aspect of this to keep in mind is that not everyone will like us regardless of our talents or our generosity. As challenging as it is, it’s more important to be true to ourselves than to seek approval from others.

“Life changes for the better when we realize that we don’t have to know everything, and we don’t have to pretend that we do.”
– author and business leader, Simon Sinek

These life lessons are a reminder that we’re not alone; we’re all in this together and with some encouragement, we can shift our perspective to improve our circumstances. Our open mind and our willingness to learn give us the power to enrich our lives and shape our experience for the better. Here’s to our best year in 2025

Are you a Canadian resident with U.S. property?

Thinking of purchasing property in the U.S.?

Here’s a topic that often comes up in estate planning and financial services. Owning property in the U.S. is something we discuss at a high level with our clients, particularly when planning their estate. We always refer them to a U.S. accountant for further guidance and detailed advice.

There are many intricacies involved in owning property in the U.S., so it’s a best practice to consult a U.S. accountant—whether you’re considering the purchase or reviewing the details after acquiring property.

Are you a Canadian resident with U.S. property?
Author:  Valerie Markidis
Wealth Planning Consultant with Cl Assante Private Client’s Wealth Planning Group

With the weather cooling and winter on the horizon, snowbirds are poised to fly south-but if you’re looking to purchase a property in the U.S. or returning to one you already own, you may face estate planning complexities.

On death, Canadian residents’ estates may owe income taxes in Canada, since there’s a deemed disposition of all assets owned personally. The resulting capital gains on property, including U.S. property, will be taxed at the appropriate inclusion rate based on the Canadian value of those capital gains.

The estate may also owe income taxes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, though a tax credit may reduce the impact of double taxation.

In addition to U.S. and Canadian income tax, there is also U.S. estate tax to consider. U.S.
estate tax is calculated differently based on whether or not the deceased is a U.S. citizen; for this discussion, we will assume the person who died was not a U.S. citizen.

U.S. estate tax may apply if, at death, the deceased:

  1. Owned U.S. situs assets (including U.S. real estate) with a value greater than US$60,000, and
  2. Had a total value of worldwide assets greater than the U.S. exemption for the year of death

The current per-individual U.S. exemption rate is quite high, at US$13,610,000 in 2024 and rising to US$13,990,000 in 2025. However, it is scheduled to reduce to approximately
US$7,000,000 in 2026 unless there are legislative changes.

Professional advice is essential
If you’re planning to purchase a property in the U.S., consult with legal and tax professionals specializing in cross-border estate planning to ensure the proper ownership structure. For instance, you may decide to own the property jointly with your spouse or other individuals, with rights of survivorship, or you may choose to own the property indirectly, such as through a trust or partnership. Each type of ownership has its own implications, and the right one for you depends on your specific situation.

In addition, if you expect to own a U.S. property on your death and will be exposed to U.S.
estate tax, proper estate planning is important. Strategies that may be beneficial include: 

  • Using life insurance 
  • Gifting assets during your lifetime 
  • Using a non-recourse mortgage to reduce the value of the U.S property 
  • Donating the property to charity on death

To simplify handling your estate after your death, it may be wise to have a separate will for your U.S. property. While your Canadian will can cover your U.S. assets, this often creates administrative challenges, leading to delays and additional costs in settling your estate.

Summary
If you own or plan to own a U.S. property, seek legal and tax advice from an advisor specializing in cross-border estate planning to ensure your wishes on death are realized in the most tax-effective manner.

Chef Robert’s Holiday Pavlova

Welcome to the kitchen with Chef Robert at the Wellings. Today, we’re making a holiday classic that’s as stunning as it is delicious – New Zealand Pavlova. It’s a holiday tradition worth sharing.

In this video, you’ll learn how to make a light, airy, and crispy Pavlova topped with fresh kiwi, strawberries, and plenty of whipped cream. Chef Robert walks you through every step — from whipping up the perfect meringue to the crucial technique of propping the oven door open for that perfectly crispy crust.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Egg whites
  • Sugar (about 2 cups)
  • Cornstarch
  • Lemon juice (a couple of teaspoons)
  • Toppings: fresh kiwi, strawberries, whipped cream, and a little more sugar for sweetness.

This Pavlova is a show-stopping centrepiece for your holiday table, and it’s easier than you think! So grab your apron, get ready to impress your family and friends, and taste the magic for yourself.

Happy Holidays from Chef Robert and the Wellings Community.

Watch the video here.

The Story of Saint Nicholas and his Gifts to the World

Who hasn’t wanted to meet the real Santa Claus? It turns out that you don’t have to travel to the North Pole to make his acquaintance; in fact, you’ve probably encountered him many times without recognizing him. The persona we know as Santa Claus is the spirit of goodness, kindness and generosity. We’ll get back to Santa soon but first let’s get to know where the man in the red suit got started.

“They err who thinks Santa Claus comes down through the chimney; he really enters through the heart.”  – Paul M. Ell

The origin story of what we know as Santa Claus goes back thousands of years to a monk by the name of Saint Nicholas. Born in 280 AD in what is now Turkey, he was revered for his extraordinary faith and compassion. The legend goes that he gave away his inherited wealth and made it his mission to help others.

One of the most famous stories is about a father with three daughters. The man couldn’t afford a dowry for them and without it his daughters couldn’t be married. In the dark of night Saint Nicholas tossed coins in through an open window in the man’s house (some say it was down a chimney) and ran away before he was discovered, ensuring that the man had the resources for his oldest daughter’s dowry. He did this for each of the daughters and was caught by the father the third time. Nicholas begged the man not to reveal his secret, which led to the folklore that whenever anyone received a mysterious gift, it was said to be from Saint Nicholas.

As his popularity increased, Saint Nicholas became known as the protector of sailors and children. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6th, which is said to be an auspicious day to make large purchases or to get married. Over time, Saint Nicholas became the most popular saint in Europe and across the continent, his legacy of kindness inspired all kinds of traditions.

In France, children would leave their shoes out at night for Saint Nicholas, hoping to find them filled with chocolate and gifts in the morning. This tradition was accompanied by parades and celebrations, featuring plenty of sweets for the little ones. The practice of gift-giving began to take root in Germany and the Netherlands in the 17th century in the name of Saint Nicholas. The Dutch called him Sinterklaas, which over time evolved into the English Santa Claus. In England, Saint Nicholas was celebrated with a midwinter festival, where he was associated with adult pleasures: eating, drinking and making merry. Today, in England, Father Christmas is mainly synonymous with Santa Claus. 

“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.” – Clement Clarke Moore

Over the centuries, as our world has changed, the core values of Saint Nicholas: joy, generosity and compassion have been embodied by the figure of Santa Claus, evolving from a revered Christian saint to a beloved worldly icon. The familiar red Santa suit evolved from the red and white robes Saint Nicholas wore as Bishop of Myra in the 4th Century. It was the American cartoonist Thomas Nast who created the jolly elf in the red suit we know today as Santa Claus.

“Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy.” 
American Publisher Edwin Osgoode Grover

The Santa Claus North Americans are familiar with reflects an interplay of religious tradition and folklore. Santa has a workshop at the North Pole and delivers gifts to children all over the world in one night, via reindeer and sleigh. While it’s a long way from the roots of his story, the spirit of Saint Nicholas is alive and well in the hearts of those who give without expectation of receiving. Thanks to global marketing and smart business the spirit of Santa Claus transcends cultural and religious borders today. Santa Claus enriches our experience of Christmas and reminds us that kindness, compassion and generosity are the greatest gifts of all. Whatever you celebrate this December, I invite you to emulate the spirit of Saint Nicholas. Let’s have more compassion for one another, be generous with one another and help one another whenever and however we can. It’s up to us to keep the spark of Saint Nick burning brightly in the world. Happy Holidays friends.

5 Simple Tips to Make Life Better for Seniors (And Have Fun While Doing It!)

Life doesn’t come with a manual, but it sure does come with a lot of opportunities to make every day brighter, healthier, and more enjoyable—especially for our incredible seniors! Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone looking to help a loved one, these five tips are perfect for making life a bit easier and a lot more joyful. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

1. Keep Moving (and Make It Fun!)

Forget the high-intensity stuff. For seniors, staying active can be as simple as a morning walk to greet the sunrise, gentle chair yoga, or even water aerobics (splish, splash, anyone?). Not only does moving help keep the body in tip-top shape, but it’s also a great excuse to hang out with friends or join a fun community class. And remember: a little goes a long way!

Quick tip: Put on your favorite tunes and dance around the living room for 10 minutes. It’s a guaranteed smile booster!

2. Stay Curious and Keep Learning

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but whoever said that hasn’t met today’s seniors! Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, joining a workshop, or taking an online course (yes, you can learn to use Zoom), keeping the mind engaged is essential. Maybe it’s time to revisit that childhood dream of painting or finally learn the basics of Spanish.

Fun idea: Join a local library’s book club or try your hand at puzzles and crosswords to keep those neurons firing!

3. Sprinkle Your Day with Mindfulness and Gratitude

Life’s little moments can be pretty wonderful when you stop to notice them. Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean hours of meditation—it can be as simple as sitting by the window, taking a deep breath, and watching the birds flutter around. Want to go one step further? Keep a gratitude journal. Jot down three things that made you smile today. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee or a call from a grandchild.

Pro tip: Need some mental relaxation? Try deep breathing exercises. Inhale for four counts, hold for four and exhale for four. Easy peasy and oh-so-refreshing!

4. Create a Routine That Works (and Add a Splash of Fun!)

Ever heard that saying, “Routine is the secret to success”? Turns out, it’s also the secret to making life a whole lot smoother! Having a daily schedule helps keep things organized and reduces stress. But don’t forget to add something fun to look forward to—a mid-morning tea break, a daily call with a friend, or a puzzle session after lunch. And don’t worry, keeping a planner or using reminder apps can help if dates and times start to blur.

Handy tip: Break tasks down into smaller steps and tackle them one at a time. That way, everything feels more manageable and way less overwhelming.

5. Connect, Connect, Connect!

Life is just better with good company. Staying socially active is key to a happy and healthy life. Make it a point to connect with family and friends, whether it’s through a good old-fashioned phone call or a virtual hangout. And don’t forget about local senior centers and community groups—they’re packed with friendly folks who are always up for a chat or a new adventure.

Fun challenge: Try volunteering for a local cause or participating in community events. It’s an instant mood lifter and a great way to meet new friends!

Ready to Embrace Each Day?

Making life better doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. It’s all about those small, enjoyable steps that keep the body healthy, the mind sharp, and the heart full. So, what’s your favorite way to add a little extra happiness to your day? Share it with a friend or family member and start spreading the joy. After all, life is for living, so let’s make the most of it—one smile at a time!

Einstein has to speak at an important science conference.

Einstein has to speak at an important science conference.

On the way there, Einstein tells his driver, who looks a bit like him

“I’m sick of all these conferences. It is always said the same things over and over! e=MC blah blah blah, I need a break.”

The driver agrees: 

“You’re right. As your driver, I attended all of your lectures. In theory, I can give your speech in your place.

“That’s a great idea!” says Einstein. 

“Let’s switch places then!”

So they switched clothes, and as soon as they arrived, the driver dressed as Einstein went on stage and started giving the usual speech, while the real Einstein, dressed as the car driver, relaxed in the back of the auditorium.

But in the crowd, one scientist wants to impress everyone and thinks of a tricky question to stump Einstein. 

So the scientist stands up and interrupts the conference.

“Excuse me! Professor Einstein – Given the success of quantum mechanics in describing subatomic particles, how would you reconcile the apparent incompatibility between general relativity, which describes gravity on a large scale, and quantum field theory?”

The whole room goes silent, holding their breath, waiting for the response

The driver looks at him, dead in the eye, and says: “Sir, your question is so easy to answer that I will let my driver reply.”

Popular Canadian Tax Credits and Deductions (2024)

While tax season isn’t until the end of the year, there are some benefits to planning ahead so you have a clearer idea if you will receive a bill or a refund. One of the best ways to plan ahead is to be aware of the tax deductions and credits you may qualify for.

We’ve rounded up some popular options for 2024 to help investors try to maximize their tax savings.

Tax deductions vs. tax credits

So what’s the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit, anyway? Both can help lower the amount of tax you might have to pay, but they go about it differently.

Deductions work to lower your taxable income, so less of your earnings are subject to tax in the first place, potentially dropping you into a lower tax bracket.

Tax credits, by comparison, reduce the amount of tax you pay, potentially lowering your tax bill. There are two types of tax credits: refundable and non-refundable. Refundable credits are paid out even if you don’t owe any income tax. Non refundable tax credits, however, can only be used to offset income tax you owe. While non-refundable tax credits can reduce your tax bill to zero, they won’t qualify you for a tax refund.

Popular tax deductions in Canada

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contributions

RRSP contributions are arguably the best-known tax deduction. They are so popular that a whole event has been built around the filing deadline. But it’s important to remember there’s a limit on how much you can contribute each year. For 2024, the contribution limit is $31,560, or 18% of your income earned the previous year, whichever is less. That said, unused contribution room carries over, so you may be able to contribute more if you haven’t maxed out your available contribution room from the previous year. Although you can make contributions at any time, the deadline to be able to apply those tax credits to your previous year’s earnings is typically 60 days after the end of the calendar year.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Launched in 2023, the FHSA is a registered account that allows first-time homebuyers to save money that can be put toward building or buying a house. The contribution room grows by $8,000 per year, with a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000. Remember, you don’t start earning contribution room until a FHSA account is opened. These contributions work a little like RRSPs, by lowering your taxable income, and unused contribution room also carries over to the next year. Still, there is one notable difference: unlike the RRSP contribution deadline, the filing deadline for FHSA contributions is the end of the calendar
year.

Investment expenses

Did you borrow money to buy investments inside a taxable account (meaning outside an RRSP or TFSA)? If so, the interest you paid on those loans can be deducted from your taxable income – as long as it’s used to try to earn investment income such as dividends or interest. There’s a caveat: if the only earnings your investment can produce are capital gains, you cannot claim the interest you paid. Also keep in mind that there are special rules in Quebec.

Home office expenses

If you work from home, there are certain expenses you can deduct, such as your home internet and a portion of your utilities. In 2023, Ottawa eliminated the simplified method of calculating expenses in favour of the detailed method, which requires you to list specific expenses and amounts. Your employer will have to fill out a form, too.

Notable tax credits

There are dozens of potential tax credits that can help you reduce your taxes, like those related to moving expenses or child care. Here are just a few of the more common ones to highlight their potential.

First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC)

If you bought your first home in 2024, you could receive up to $1,500 through this non-refundable credit.

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC)

If you renovated your home to build a secondary unit to house someone over the age of 65 or an individual between 18 and 64 with a disability who is eligible for the disability tax credit, you could receive this refundable tax credit. Those who qualify can claim up to 15% on certain costs of up to $50,000.

Digital News Subscription Tax Credit

If you’re a big consumer of news, this one’s for you. Anyone who pays for a subscription to a qualifying news organization after 2019 and before 2025 can claim this non-refundable tax credit of up to $500.

Canada Training Credit

If you’re between 26 and 65 and spent money on training fees this year, you may qualify for this refundable tax credit. To claim this credit, your working income must be more than $10,100, and your individual net income can’t exceed $150,473. The credit accumulates at a rate of $250 per year, up to a lifetime limit of $5,000.

Federal Political Contribution Tax Credit

Did you or your spouse contribute to a registered federal political party or association this year? You could claim up to $650 through this non-refundable credit (except in Ontario).

Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)

If you paid for any medical expenses this year, you may want to hold onto your receipts. You can claim some of them (there are more than 100 that qualify) on your tax return with this non-refundable tax credit. Examples include ambulance service, prescription drugs, cancer treatment and hearing aids.

The Comfort Zone Feels Good but is it Good for Us?

Do you love your comfort zone as much as I do? Especially when I felt pressured in some way, my old habit was to retreat to comfort. It’s human nature. I can remember as a kid not having very much peace or ease in my life, which I’m sure in part explains why I’m a sugar addict. Sugar provided sweetness and an instant fix of comfort for me, when I was a kid but that habit hung around a little too long. I’ve been aware for some time that sugar is a poison in the body, so in the last several decades, I’ve been investigating other ways to comfort myself instead of turning to sugar. I love yoga, meditation and walking in nature; these practices all help to calm my system. I acknowledge that it takes courage to resist the allure of sugar because it’s so easy to access but I’ll continue to push on the edges of my comfort zone to embrace other ways to find sweetness in life because I know I’ll benefit in the long run.

“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”
-Psychologist, Abraham Maslow

Mirriam-Webster dictionary defines comfort as “contented well-being, consolation in a time of trouble, a feeling of relief or encouragement.” Comfort implies a state of ease and satisfaction; it’s something we all want to experience. But staying in our comfort zone can over time create such a predictable life that we can feel bored or left out and long term that’s not a recipe for a happy life. It’s important to understand the difference between challenging the edges of our comfort zone and doing something that makes us feel uncomfortable. Moving out of our comfort zone implies that we accept a challenge and make the choice to grow even when it’s somewhat difficult. Engaging in an activity that makes us feel uncomfortable without a clear intention can have negative consequences and push us farther back into our comfort zone instead of helping to expand it.

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”
-Author Brian Tracy

Have I ever shared with you the experience I had when I started to study colour pencil drawing? My teacher was a physicist turned artist, who copied the masters, and became a master of the art herself. She had many tricks to help her students not feel overwhelmed when starting a drawing but the week after we were assigned to draw a group of apples from a photograph, I had barely one centimeter of the assignment done. I was so afraid to not get it right, I felt paralyzed until I was in my teacher’s company where I felt courageous enough to move the drawing along and eventually finish it. I remember the experience so well because I was pushed so far out of my comfort zone. I was asking myself who I thought I was, I was afraid of being judged by the teacher and what I learned was that as a student we don’t have to know all the answers, we don’t have to get it right the first time; we don’t have to judge ourselves harshly. We just need to be good students and having a lot of compassion for ourselves is an important part of being a good student. That lesson runs through everything I live today in my personal and my professional life. Having a student mindset allows me to be more compassionate toward myself when I don’t get it right; it supports me when I want to try new things, meet new people and have new experiences.                                     

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
-Dale Carnegie

Especially as we get older, the comfort zone becomes more appealing. We’re concerned about stepping out, we’re afraid to look like we don’t know what we’re doing, and we think we should be able to handle everything in our lives, the way we’ve always done. So, staying in familiar surroundings feels safer than doing something we’ve never done before or trying something we’ve never tried before. It’s key to mention here that as we get older and our life circumstances shift: we retire from full-time work, we may move out of our family home, we may not have family close by or feel connected to our family, whatever the circumstances we need to accept whatever is going on. That may be the most courageous act of all: acceptance of life as it is. The curious thing is that once we fully accept life as it is, we create space for ease to take over from the anxiety of wishing life could be any other way.

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
Nelson Mandela

Successful people understand that there’s no such thing as failure. When we don’t get the result, we expect when we try something new, it doesn’t mean we’ve lost. On the contrary, when we’re open to learning, we can see that we’ve gained wisdom, a fresh perspective and perhaps a new skill. We don’t always have to understand why something didn’t work for us, nor do we need to blame ourselves for not getting the result we wanted. We need to congratulate ourselves for taking a risk and embrace compassion for ourselves in the process. Life is anything but predictable and perhaps we shouldn’t be either. Learning to expand our comfort zone equips us to process change and uncertainty with more acceptance and grace; it also helps us to be more resilient in the face of future challenges.

Here are some tips to help you expand your comfort zone:

  • Spend time in the company of courageous people and listen carefully to them so you can learn how to be more courageous.
  • Be honest with yourself. Write in a private journal or talk with a trusted friend. Say exactly what you’re feeling.
  • Challenge what you think you know. Be open to other viewpoints and opinions.
  • Learn a new language or take up a hobby to push on the edges of your comfort zone. This helps with memory and problem-solving skills.
  • Make being creative part of your every day: write, draw, paint, do a puzzle, sing, dance, play music or build a business. These activities help to alleviate the need for perfection and encourage a student mindset.

Talking Dog for Sale

A man sees a sign in front of a house: 

“Talking Dog for Sale – $10.” 

Curious, he knocks on the door, and the owner answers.

“Is it true? You have a talking dog for sale?” the man asks.

“Yep,” the owner replies. 

“He’s out back, go see for yourself.”

So, the man walks into the backyard and sees a dog sitting there. 

“Can you talk?” he asks.

“Sure can,” the dog replies.

The man is stunned. 

“Wow! So, what’s your story?”

“Well,” the dog begins, “I discovered I could talk when I was a pup. I wanted to do something good with my talents, so I joined CSIS, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. They used me for all sorts of top-secret missions. I’d sit in meetings with spies and gather intel—no one ever suspected a dog was eavesdropping. I was their best agent. But after a few years, I got tired of the travel and retired. I moved back here, settled down, and now I volunteer at the local hospital, cheering up sick kids. And that’s pretty much it.”

The man is amazed. 

He walks back to the house and asks the owner, “Why on earth would you sell such an incredible dog for just $10?”

The owner shrugs, “Eh, he is lying. He didn’t do any of that stuff.”

Extraordinary Memory Skills Discovered in a Small-Brained Butterfly

When we think of smart animals, butterflies don’t usually make the list. But deep in the tropics, there’s one butterfly that’s proving us all wrong—the Heliconius. With its beautiful colours and delicate wings, this little insect has a surprisingly sharp memory that’s been fascinating scientists.

While most butterflies are happy sipping nectar, the Heliconius takes it up a notch by also munching on pollen. This unique diet means it needs to remember exactly where its favourite flowers are and plan routes to visit them—a skill that’s rare in the insect world. Recently, researchers published a study in Current Biology exploring what makes this butterfly so special, and the findings are impressive.

A Tiny Brain with Big Capabilities

Even though the Heliconius is tiny, it has a brain structure called “mushroom bodies” that handles learning and memory. This means it can remember where it’s found the best pollen and follow specific routes to get there, almost like it’s sticking to a bus schedule. Imagine a butterfly planning its day out—pretty amazing, right?

Dr. Max Farnworth from the University of Bristol has been studying the Heliconius brain, and he discovered that it grows in a very unique way. Unlike most animals, where brain cells grow evenly, the Heliconius’s brain cells grow at different rates, creating what’s known as a “mosaic” pattern. This helps the butterfly develop specific skills, like long-term visual memory and pattern recognition, which is why it’s so good at navigating.

Butterflies on a Bus Route

One of the coolest things about the Heliconius is how it uses its memory. Instead of randomly flying around, it follows a set path between flowers, like a bus following its route. This behaviour, called “trap-lining,” requires both planning and memory, showing just how clever this little creature is.

“Rather than having a random route of foraging, these butterflies apparently choose fixed routes between floral resources—akin to a bus route,” explained Dr. Stephen Montgomery, a co-author of the study. It’s a behaviour that’s rare in insects, making the Heliconius even more remarkable.

Why Does It Matter?

The Heliconius butterfly is changing how we think about intelligence in animals. Traditionally, scientists have believed that bigger brains mean better cognitive abilities. But this tiny butterfly is showing that it’s not about size—it’s about how the brain is organized. Even with its small brain, the Heliconius can perform complex tasks like planning routes and remembering locations, skills we’d usually associate with much larger animals.

This discovery has opened up new questions about how brains evolve and adapt to specific challenges. Researchers are excited to see what else they can learn from studying the Heliconius, especially about how its unique brain structure helps it survive.

A Reminder of Nature’s Wonders (and Lessons for Us!)

The story of the Heliconius is a reminder that intelligence can come in all shapes and sizes. Even the tiniest creatures can have remarkable abilities, and there’s still so much to discover about the natural world. It also shows us the value of memory, planning, and adaptability—qualities that resonate here at Wellings.

Just like the Heliconius butterfly follows its paths, many in our community chart their unique courses in life, relying on their wisdom, experiences, and a sense of purpose. We celebrate those qualities because, at Wellings, we understand that every individual journey is a testament to resilience and thoughtful planning. So next time you see a butterfly fluttering by, remember—it might just be a tiny genius on a carefully planned route, just like many of us making our way through life with a bit of grace and a lot of determination!

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