Author: TracySchruder

What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?

By Tracy Schruder

As I’ve shared before, Qi-Gong holds a special place in my heart as my favourite physical activity. Paired with walking, these practices have become essential to my daily routine and overall wellbeing.

I prioritize Qi-Gong daily, complemented by treadmill walks three times a week. Living in movement has transformed my life, and I’m a firm believer that it’s essential for everyone. Qi-Gong, in particular, is a practice I wholeheartedly recommend. Its gentle, flowing movements, combined with conscious breathing, make it accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Since embracing Qi-Gong, I’ve experienced a profound transmutation in my body and life. The slow, deliberate movements have strengthened my body, while the deep breathing keeps me grounded in the present. The result is a sense of upliftment, presence, and positivity that carries me through even the most challenging days.

If you’re looking for a practice that will transform your life, I encourage you to explore Qi-Gong. Find a routine that resonates with you, and commit to it. Your body – and mind – will thank you.”

What is something others do that sparks your admiration?

By Tracy Schruder

A storm is brewing, chaos reigns, a woman stands among its fury with a calm heart and rational solutions brewing. She is the voice of reason, the higher vibration, the calm eye of the storm. She is ready, she always knows what to do.

She’s connected to her higher self, she’s made one from two. She’s the light that cuts through the fog, guiding all who would follow through the narrow gate. She’s home to every person that’s lost. With simple words, she melts away the frost.

Something in others that sparks my admiration are the present ones who share the warmth and love of presence.

What’s your favorite cartoon?

By Tracy Schruder

Bugs Bunny: the wascally wone who’s had a bigger impact on my life than most people. Let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to be as clever and charming as a cartoon rabbit who outsmarts a hapless hunter every time?

I mean, Elmer Fudd’s quest to turn Bugs into rabbit soup is basically the plot of my life, and I’m here for it.

Growing up watching Warner Brothers cartoons on Saturday mornings was a highlight of my week. I’d be chillin’ with a bowl of cereal, laughing at Bugs’ zany antics, and developing a lifelong love of comedy. Fun fact: did you know Bugs Bunny has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Yeah, he’s a legend.

Speedy Gonzales was my next fave – that mouse is the speed demon of cartoon land! And let’s not forget Wylie Coyote… poor guy’s failures are just too funny. Who else can make a giant anvil look like a great idea?

Bugs’ influence on my worldview is clear: if you can’t outsmart the bad guys, are you even living?

What could you do less of?

By Tracy Schruder

I’ve been sitting with the prompt “What could you do less of?” for what feels like an eternity – five hours, to be exact.

I find it amusing how something like this can make us step back and try to consider if we are somehow doing something bad or unhealthy that we need to do less of. It’s ludicrous how it can make you question your worth, if only briefly – the feeling lingering and the thought got mulled over.

This prompt triggered a thread of doubt, so I meditated, reflected, and took a thorough inventory of my daily routines and habits. And you know what? I’ve come to a fascinating realization: there’s nothing I’d do less of.

I do what I want, when I want. I make choices that feel right for me, every time.

I’m present, I’m curious, and I’m embracing this wild ride called life with an open heart and mind. No judgment, just exploration. It’s about following my curiosity, diving headfirst into new experiences, and soaking up every moment.

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

By Tracy Schruder

It’s hard to know where to start with my list of positive events that have happened in my life over the past year. Like an old, folded-up love letter that went through the wash in my overall bib pocket, my list was full of great potential but difficult to unfold.

I had several goals to accomplish this year, each one a positive step towards a better future.

2025 started out cold and slow. I was feeling the down grey days of winter and dealing with the tail end of menopause. I was overweight and overwhelmed.

My main goal was to finish writing my manuscript, “Journey To A New Self.” I stared determinedly at my box of journals, preparing to jump in once again and finally put the finishing touches on my book.

As I leaf through the pages, I realize just how far I’ve come since starting this project in 2017. That’s when it dawned on me that I could pull myself out of the pit of despair and work the manuscript as I had before to bring myself back to life.

I would put into practical application my own advice, that worked its magic on me, just a couple of short years ago.

Well, I was delighted and impressed. By the time March came around, I was on the mend and had developed a new, fresh routine for myself. Come September, my manuscript was ready for publication. The end of the goal is now approaching completion, and my book will be in stores very soon. So I achieved that! Yay on me!

Other goals, like expanding my Reiki practice and setting up an online education portal for my students, were also achieved. The year may have started out like poo, but it’s ending like a jewel.

Do you ever see wild animals?

By Tracy Schruder

I feel I’m extremely blessed to live in the countryside because of this I see wildlife every day.

I always have my camera gear fully charged and ready to go. I never waste an opportunity to capture the grace and beauty of my natural environment.

I’ve seen raccoons, skunks, fox and coyotes but they have proven to be too sky for my quiet shoes. I’ve never been successful in sneaking up on them.

However, I have an excellent collection of the more slower wildlife in my area.

I love the rabbits , even though they rob my gardens every year. They sometimes become really still as I approach them as if they have unwavering faith in their camouflaged fur. I have seen them with their babies but was too smitten to run for the camera… maybe I get a shot next spring.

I’m deeply grateful to all the bird species in my area. Most times they let me get at least one shot. If I’m lucky, they are doing something neat, like this beautiful Bluejay

I can get pictures of birds at any time of the year. Here’s some more photos of birds that I took over the years.

I also have a beautiful family of red squirrels in my backyard.

Chipmunk

Some interesting frogs.

A couple insects.