Celebrating Another Year: Grateful for the Love, Laughter, and People in My Life

Grateful for the Love, Laughter, and People in My Life

There’s something truly magical about birthdays. Beyond the cake, the cards, and the gifts, they offer a precious moment to pause and reflect on the journey so far — and, more importantly, on the people who make it all meaningful.

This year, as I celebrated my birthday, I was once again reminded of just how blessed I am. Surrounded by family and friends who took time out of their busy lives to send messages, call, or spend time with me, I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude and love! ❤️

Each message, each hug, each thoughtful gesture reminded me that life isn’t measured by the number of years we live, but by the love we receive and the love we give back. I am incredibly thankful for the family who has stood by me through every season — the highs and the lows, the quiet days and the celebrations. They are my anchor, my safe place, and my constant source of strength.

To my friends: thank you for being the family I chose. Your laughter, kindness, and unwavering support make every day brighter. You show up for the small moments and the big ones alike, and that is a gift I will never take for granted.

Birthdays remind me that time is the most precious gift we have, and when someone chooses to spend it with you, it’s a true act of love. To everyone who made me feel special this year — whether through a call, a text, a post, or simply by being present — thank you. Your time and friendship mean more than words can say.

I carry your love with me into this new year of life, feeling inspired, supported, and deeply grateful. Here’s to more shared moments, more laughter, and more love.

Thank you all for making my birthday unforgettable — and for being such an important part of my story.

«  Qu’on vive vieux pis on n’en manque jamais! » ~ matante Doris

Celebrating International HR Day: The Heart of Our Organization

Celebrating International HR Day: The Heart of Our Organization

Tomorrow, May 20, International HR Day, we come together to recognize and celebrate the vital role Human Resources plays in shaping strong, resilient, and people-centric organizations. As the Director of HR overseeing the full spectrum of our HR portfolio in my organization, I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved—and even more inspired by what lies ahead.

The People Behind the Progress

At its core, HR is about people. From talent acquisition and development, to employee engagement, DE&I, culture-building, and wellbeing, every function in our portfolio is designed to support our most valuable asset—our people.

HR is no longer confined to administrative duties. It’s a strategic driver of business growth and innovation. In this ever-evolving world of work, we are not only managing change—we are leading it.

A Year of Resilience and Renewal

This past year, like many before it, has challenged us to be agile, empathetic, and forward-thinking. We navigated evolving workforce expectations, hybrid work models, mental health challenges, and rapid digital transformation. Through it all, our HR team remained steadfast in our mission: to create a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Our Pillars of Impact

As we reflect on our journey, I’d like to highlight some of the pillars that continue to guide our HR strategy:

Culture and Belonging: We have continued to invest in inclusive policies, safe spaces, and open dialogue that ensure everyone can bring their authentic self to work.

Leadership Development: Our future-ready leadership programs are equipping managers with the tools to lead with purpose and empathy.

Employee Experience: Through regular feedback loops, engagement surveys, and responsive HR services, we’re continuously improving the employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding.

Wellbeing & Flexibility: Mental health, work-life balance, and flexible work arrangements are no longer “perks”—they’re fundamental. We’re proud of the strides we’ve made in this area.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

None of this would be possible without the passion, creativity, and commitment of our incredible HR team. To every HR professional across our organization—and beyond—I want to say: thank you. You are the quiet architects of culture, the catalysts for change, and the champions of our people.

As we celebrate this International HR Day, let us not only look back on what we’ve achieved but also look forward with renewed purpose. The future of work is human, and HR will continue to lead the way.

Let’s keep building workplaces that are not just productive—but meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring.

Happy International HR Day!

A Journey Begins: Bali, My Father, and a Chance Encounter

A Journey Begins: Bali, My Father, and a Chance Encounter

Today marks the beginning of an adventure I’ve been dreaming about for a long time — my trip to Bali. The kind of trip that lives in your mind long before your feet ever hit the ground. And as fate would have it, this beginning landed on a day close to my heart: my father’s birthday.

Travel days are often a blur of logistics, security lines, and airplane food — but this one felt different. Maybe it was the weight of the day, or maybe it was the lightness that came with it. Either way, I felt him. My dad!

He was the kind of man who never met a stranger. Whether he was standing in line for coffee or sitting on a long-haul flight, he’d strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was curious — insatiably so — and he believed every person carried a story worth hearing. So today, when I found myself sitting next to a university professor who specialized in history and Canadian heritage, I smiled. I knew this was the kind of connection my father would have made with ease. And maybe, in a way, he did.

Our conversation started simply — polite nods, a shared laugh over Moncton’s small airport with lack of food option — but it quickly deepened. We talked about national identity, storytelling, how cultures remember their past and shape their future. We even touched on spirituality, travel, and how both are forms of learning if you’re open to it. It was one of those conversations that feels both expansive and grounding. Enlightening in the truest sense.

As I wished a safe flight to my new friend, I found my seat. And as the plane cut through clouds, I kept thinking: This is exactly what my dad would have done. He would’ve leaned in, asked questions, laughed in that way that disarmed people instantly. I felt him with me — in that seat, in that moment, in that curiosity.

Bali is just beginning for me. The retreat, the beaches, the temples, the smells of incense and adventure — all of that is still ahead. But already, something meaningful has unfolded. Today reminded me that travel isn’t just about where you go, but about what (and who) you carry with you.

Happy birthday, Dad. I felt you today — in the stories, in the stranger, in the sky.

Here’s to what comes next.

Love and Light, 💕🦋

Nat