OPENMINDED

Growing up and living in Montreal, I had a certain idea of what I enjoyed. I was very much a city person. While Montreal has beautiful parks and green spaces, getting out into nature often meant planning a longer trip outside the city. It wasn't something that naturally became part of my everyday life.

Then I moved to Cornwall, Ontario.

Looking back, I realize that moving didn't just change my address—it changed my perspective.

One of the biggest surprises has been discovering how much I genuinely enjoy nature. My partner and I regularly explore local trails, and I've come to appreciate the peace that comes from being surrounded by trees, wildlife, and fresh air. Living near the St. Lawrence River has been another unexpected gift. Sometimes, simply sitting by the water and watching the waves roll by is enough to quiet my mind after a stressful day.

It turns out there's a scientific reason why so many people feel calmer near water. Researchers have found that spending time around "blue spaces," such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote feelings of relaxation. The rhythmic movement of water, combined with natural sounds, can help lower stress levels and encourage mindfulness, making it easier to disconnect from the pressures of everyday life.

Nature itself has remarkable benefits as well. Numerous studies have shown that spending time outdoors can lower cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, reduce symptoms of anxiety, improve mood, and even enhance concentration and creativity. Some research suggests that as little as 20 to 30 minutes in a natural environment can have measurable positive effects on both mental and physical well-being.

But nature wasn't the only thing that surprised me.

Another unexpected discovery has been my enjoyment of attending races with my partner. Before moving, I never would have imagined spending an afternoon at a racetrack. It simply wasn't something that interested me. Yet after giving it a chance, I found myself appreciating the excitement, the atmosphere, and the shared experience. Sometimes it's not just about the activity itself—it's about the people you're with and being willing to experience something outside your comfort zone.

That realization made me think about how often we limit ourselves.

We tend to define ourselves with statements like, "I'm not an outdoors person," "That's not my kind of event," or "I wouldn't enjoy that." These labels can become invisible barriers that stop us from discovering new passions, friendships, or ways to improve our well-being.

Psychologists often refer to this as a fixed mindset—the belief that our preferences, abilities, or personalities are permanent. In contrast, having a growth mindset means remaining open to new experiences and recognizing that we can continue to learn, change, and evolve throughout our lives. People who embrace new experiences often report greater life satisfaction, increased confidence, and a broader sense of possibility.

I've learned that keeping an open mind doesn't mean saying yes to everything. It simply means being willing to give something a fair chance before deciding it isn't for you.

If I had stayed convinced that I was "just a city girl," I never would have discovered how much peace I find in nature. I wouldn't have realized how soothing it is to sit beside the St. Lawrence River and simply watch the water flow. And I certainly wouldn't have discovered that I actually enjoy spending time at races.

Those experiences have reminded me that some of life's greatest joys arrive in places we never expected to find them.

So, my message to you is simple: keep an open mind.

Try something you've never done before. Visit a local trail. Watch a sunrise by the water. Attend an event you've always dismissed. Say yes to an invitation that feels a little outside your comfort zone.

You don't have to love every new experience, and that's perfectly okay. But you'll never know what resonates with you if you never give yourself the opportunity to find out.

Life has a wonderful way of surprising us—if we're willing to let it.

Sometimes, all it takes is one new experience to change not only what you enjoy, but how you see the world.