Life is full of turning points—moments that shape us in ways we may not fully realize. Often, we revisit these experiences in familiar ways, viewing them through the same lens each time. But what if we could break out of that pattern and shine a fresh light on these memories? Simple writing exercises can help us do just that, revealing the richness of our lives in ways that structured thinking alone can’t reach.

In a recent workshop, I invited participants to reflect on a pivotal moment with a quick flash-writing exercise. One participant shared, "Wow, in that brief time, it took me right back to the space where I had a big decision to make and was tormented. So these questions you have for reflection would be a good guide for me to complete that picture." Another noted, "It took me back to an event - a story - that I've visited quite a few times. It's a narrative that's been kind of repeated but there's more to it. I was able to somewhat deepen my understanding of it. If I had more time, I'm pretty sure I could do that even more."

These moments remind us that reflecting on our stories can unlock new perspectives, helping us shape not only the life we’re living now but also the legacy we leave behind.

Sometimes the most powerful legacy-shaping idea comes in the form of a good question, thoughtfully considered. This blog post lifts up several gems that were originally articulated by John O’Donohue and Rick Rubin. Consider making them a part of your personal ritual practice to tap into that your own aliveness!

I recently sat down for a wonderful conversation with Lisa Gareau, host of The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners. We had a great chat about all things connection, the importance of ceremony and ritual, and how to get to the heart of a person, story or situation. Listen to excerpts here or find the link to the whole interview!

Some moments in life beg to be marked in a meaningful way and my daughter’s 14th birthday was one of them. I didn’t want this milestone to pass us by without thoughtful intention. We chose to mark her coming-of-age by going on an epic mother-daughter road trip, which included going to the historic ‘Joni Jam’ on June 10, 2023 at the Gorge Amphitheater. Who knew a road trip could be like a ceremony?!

Is there a life transition you'd like to mark through meaningful ceremony or ritual, but you don't know where to begin? Read this blog post to find out:

WHY ceremony & ritual are important,

WHAT are the building blocks of ceremony,

HOW & WHEN to create simple, powerful rituals to mark milestones & move through transitions,

WAYS to work with me or do-it-yourself!

During a recent episode of the We Do Wedding podcast, inclusive celebrant Karla Combres talks with co-hosts, Cate Barry and Regina Burrus, about all things ceremony. The conversation begins with weddings before exploring how Karla became a celebrant, what goes into a transformative ceremony, and her passion for creating ceremonies that authentically reflect and connect the people she works with!

This baby blessing ceremony honouring Franki’s transition from infancy to toddlerhood was simple, intimate and deeply intentional. Read to learn about how it connected everyone present — across generations, spiritual beliefs, time and space - in a meaningful way.

Have you been asked to officiate a friend’s ceremony and don’t know where to begin? Do you need help in creating a ceremony or ritual to mark a milestone in your life? Read about how I can guide and support you in creating a ceremony that is full of heart and intention.

For the first time since 2020, graduations are once again in-person. Now more than ever, it’s important that these rites of passage be marked in a meaningful way. In this blog post, I offer practical step-by-step tips on how to plan a simple, intimate graduation gathering that honours both the graduate and their community.

Our stories, when explored fully, are powerful. They are a reflection of the whole-heartedness with which we live: the highs and lows, the triumphs and mistakes, and the ways we show up for ourselves and others.

As your Legacy Guide and Celebrant, I listen deeply to your stories. From there, I help you bring more intention and attention to your daily life and milestone moments in ways that honor your journey—embracing the seemingly disparate pieces and celebrating your perfectly imperfect whole(hearted)ness.

This article reflects on Saskatchewan’s provincial motto: “From many peoples, strength.“ The global instinct to rally in support of Ukraine is reminiscent of the shows of communal and global solidarity we experienced in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. This article explores the importance of remembering our interdependence (both local and global) and how hope and positive action spring from collective efforts.

powerful, living expression of the motto ‘From many peoples, strength’.

This year, my family celebrated the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) with our friend, Francisco, as our guide. The kids are already asking if we can make this an annual tradition!

Four years ago today, I officiated my very first ceremony for my dear friend Patti and her husband Ron. Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of other people mark their milestones . With each ceremony, I cross my own personal threshold. I’m grateful for this opportunity to keep learning and growing! Here’s to many more!

Read about how over a thousand people found healing, hope and meaningful connection through a virtual vigil marking one year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan.

In a recent conversation on The New York Times Events Live at Home series, Priya Parker discusses an article I wrote on marking the original wedding date of a postponed wedding through simple ritual. Priya chats with guest, Elaine Welteroth, about the ways she and her fiancé completely reimagined their nuptials to pull off a wedding that was physically distant while still gathering their loved ones close.

One day last week I was settled in at my desk at the crack of dawn, when I would normally still be deep in slumber. I’d been invited by CBC radio to participate in a series of rolling interviews with morning shows across the country. The interviews centered around grief and mourning during the time of a pandemic. If you’re in the habit of reading the obituaries, you may have noticed that most families are opting to make funeral arrangements ‘at a later date when we can physically gather’. I was on the air to emphasize that just because we can’t physically gather right now in the ways that we normally would, it doesn’t mean we should do nothing right now.

Two years ago today, May 6, 2018, I officiated my first end-of-life ceremony. It was an intimate backyard gathering, marking the two-year anniversary of a death. As with all of the memorial ceremonies that I’ve led since then, I got to know the deceased in her death. These are the lessons I learned from the friend I never had.

To all the people who have had to postpone celebrations due to COVID-19, I offer you my deepest condolences. The big day you’ve looked forward to for months or years is now not as close as originally planned. For 'soonlyweds', you both know that you will still be getting married at some point down the road, so you may try to tell yourselves that it’s not such a big deal. It’s just another date in the calendar, right? Wrong.

This was to be a significant milestone in your journey. You bet this is a big deal. I've written some ideas on how ritual can help couples honour their original wedding dates with meaning, intention and connection, rather than pure dread.

As humans, we crave meaning, connection and community. Done well, ritual and ceremony offer us all of these, while integrating transition and equipping us for the next stage of our life journey.