Last week, a heavy snowfall arrived in parts of Ontario. The snow came down for two days solid in the Grey Highlands where I spend half my time these days. I was working from an office in our old “farmhouse” and watching the snowfall, reflecting on the seasonal change and what it means to me. I was filled with a sense of peace at a time that can usually be chaotic.

Like me, many of you may feel overwhelmed, faced with  year-end projects that must be completed, decisions that have to be made and plans that need to be prepared for the year ahead. At the same time, social and family commitments ramp up, and fatigue can set in before we have even started our holidays!

It’s not surprising that people report higher levels of stress and illness at this time of year.

For me personally, the sudden burst of year-end activity also serves a useful purpose as it motivates me to clean up the laundry list of priorities I’ve been neglecting. And then every year I also reach a point where I realize I can’t possibly get all of the things done that I had intended to do or to see all of the people I wanted to see.

It’s a familiar playbook. I’m sure it’s familiar to many of you as well!

So I was admittedly relieved when the weather alerts of snow squalls started coming and commitments dropped off my weekend calendar.

Remember the joy of having an unexpected snow day when you were a kid?

I had that same excited feeling come over me as I watched the snow fall and anticipated the pleasure of an unplanned week-end.

My partner, Kevin, is more of a winter lover than I am. Thanks to him, I have all the necessary snow gear to make snow days fun. Pulling on snow pants, ski goggles, and snow shoes, we headed for the trails in the forest near our house. I felt like a kid again!

There’s nothing like being the first to forge a path in 25 cm deep snow. It takes a certain focus and absolute presence. It gave me a deep sense of peace, contentment and connection.

When I settled back at my desk the next day, I reflected on how to bring the same mindset into my daily life at work and at home. How can I be more connected to places, people and the world around me?

Even as the hustle and bustle continues, I am trying to pause every day and remember what it was like to be walking in that deep snow with nowhere in particular to go and nothing in particular to do. To focus on BEING and not DOING.

What if you had a snow day? An unexpected “free” day on your calendar with no plans, no meetings, no commitments. Envision what it might be like:

  • What is the most perfect day you can imagine?
  • How does it feel?
  • What do you need to make it happen?
  • How do you want to BE?

If these questions are tough to answer, and your curious to learn more about how coaching might support you to learn and grow, please reach out for a complimentary consultation call.

Introducing a new coach at Krakauer Coaching Inc.

At Krakauer Coaching we strive to offer clients a variety of career and leadership coaching services with a team of diverse, experienced and professionally trained coaches.

In 2025, we are delighted to welcome Ivana Kadic to the team! Ivana has over 20 years of professional experience in career advising, business consulting, and international law. She is enthusiastic about helping clients grow professionally, whether it is succeeding in their current roles or managing career transitions. Prior to training as a coach, Ivana worked at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law as career advisor to graduate students and alumni for 15 years. Living in several countries and working with foreign trained professionals in Canada gave Ivana an understanding of cross-cultural communication, the challenges and opportunities professionals face in new environments, and the nuances that are important for personal and professional success.

If you want to meet Ivana in the new year, contact info@krakauer.ca to set up a complimentary 30-minute introductory call.

Holiday Alert: The coaching team is taking a break from client meetings from December 20 – January 3, 2025.  We will be checking email occasionally during this time or reach out to info@krakauer.ca for more information.

Wishing you a season filled with peace, connection and joy.

Lianne and the KCI team