As winter still blankets my neighbourhood in Ontario in white, and I prepare for the calendar to mark my 71st year of life, I realise that ageing is not about sitting back and watching time pass; rather, it is a constant fine-tuning. I have been in these northern lands for 17 years, and if I have learned anything, it is that ‘mental hygiene’ is as vital as breathing.
For 2026, in response to the kind invitation from Silver Bloggers, my learning goals are divided into three pillars: mind, soul, and body.
It's never too late to learn. Last year, I proudly achieved Level 8 certification at the Language School for Immigrants. But I'm not satisfied. My goal for the middle of this year is to reach Level 9 in both English and French.
Here in Canada, we call enthusiastic students ‘Keeners,’ and I confess that I am an absolute Keener. I want to master idioms, understand complex news stories, and debate fluently. In French, I want to be able to say that my grammar is ‘C'est tiguidou’ (perfect/great), as my friends of Quebecois heritage say. Keeping my brain processing two foreign languages is my favourite neural workout.
In the artistic realm, the piano remains my faithful companion. But this year, learning has a special nuance: integration. My son Matthew is making wonderful progress with the recorder. My goal is not only to improve my technique, but also to learn to listen to him so we can play together. There is no sweeter symphony on a snowy afternoon than the one we try to create in our living room. It is a lesson in patience and connection.
Finally, my most critical skill to improve is biological: Sleep.
Since last year, I have embarked on a quest to regulate my circadian rhythm. Every morning, I put on my ‘Toque’ (that woolly hat that is indispensable in Canadian culture), I put on my boots and I go out to ‘hunt’ the rising sun. I repeat the ritual to bid farewell to the sun in the evening.
The discipline is strict: lights out at 11 p.m.
The results are tangible. In December, I managed to break the barrier of six continuous hours of restful sleep. My calculations, based on consistency, tell me that by the end of January I will be reaching seven hours, and my big goal is that when summer arrives and the days are endless, my body will rest for a solid eight hours.
And the fact is, even at my 70 years old, I feel lucid, active and at peace. Learning languages, playing music and sleeping well are not hobbies; they are a declaration that I am still relevant, curious and in love with life. Incidentally, today, Wednesday the 14th, marks my 8th year working at Blockchain.
Hi! Everybody, if you've made it this far, THANK YOU! You are welcome to participate; the link with all the information is below. But I also hope to read your comments in the reply box. Thank you for joining us in these waters of HIVE.
Cover of the initiative.
