Embracing The Moment at Thetis Lake

“Grandma!  Look a big ant is eating a small ant!  That’s so sad isn’t it Grandma?”

Taking a deep breath in, I say, “Yes Xavier it is sad”.

I came on this walk knowing it was going to take longer than if I did it myself and my goal was to fully enjoy walking around Thetis Lake with my Grandson, but it is feeling painfully slow!  Fortunately Xavier is oblivious to my inner conflict and I walk back to look at the ants with childlike eyes, pushing my body into the moment away from my thoughts.  Observing the murderous ant I can see how fascinating this world is through his eyes as I look around at my surroundings.

“Look Xavier, it looks like little crystals dancing on the water, isn’t that beautiful?”  The slight ripples of the water are caught by the sun and the blue sky mirrors a perfect day on the lake.  What a glorious day to be enjoying Thetis Lake with all the other outdoor enthusiasts who are savouring this weather.  The sound of young people laughing and jumping off the cliffs plunging into the cold water is heard from across the lake accompanied by dogs barking and children playing.

We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect day to practice indulging in the moment.  I continue on with no worries of how long this journey will take.  We have snacks and water and lots of energy to embrace each new sight.

Having a childlike approach to living is so fun but I struggle with the "me" that strives for the end result quickly!  I want each step I take to perpetually be moving me forward.  But why?  What is wrong with all these detours?  I have walked around this lake many times but I have never fully experienced it the way I am today.  This is way more fun, just slow.

 I again get pulled into my thoughts as I contemplate the meaning of the day, 'I think this lake is a reflection of my life.'

I want to be at my goal.  I want my business to be thriving, living on a boat, more time to write and more time to explore.  I feel like I am almost there but it is so far away.  If I stop and examine my life it is pretty amazing;  I am surrounded by love, I live in an amazing part if the world, I have a job where I can use my creativity and I have a body that is having fun exploring life, presently in this moment with my grandson.  As I take little detours and learn different aspects of: business, emotions, relationships, finances, and health; my life is full of abundance.

These detours to the end goal make my route slower but they also make my journey full.  Each new experience is full of learning enabling the next venture to be embraced even more than the last.

“Do you need help?” I hear a stranger say as he climbs over the fence to help my Grandson.  My thoughts of living in the moment have pulled me out, of the moment, and Xavier was left to find a brave new world on the other side of the fence.

“No, I’m ok” he says to the man as he struggles through the brush.

“This is the funner way, right Grandma?” He says as I walk back to find out what he is up to.

The man laughs as he walks on with his dog.

“Much more like an explorer, you’re right.”

“Let’s go this way Grandma”

I decide to stay with the rascal so no other strangers have to come to his aid and we end up on a perfect bluff overlooking the lake.

“Wow Xavier, you are the best tour guide ever!”

Xavier has been  helping me with my filming for my business and this is the perfect spot to take a few video clips.  He sneaks into the frame at the end but that’s ok because I couldn’t use the clip as I fumbled over my words.

Many people walk past us with their dogs and Xavier asks to pet each one and we do some filming between each encounter with a new  4 legged friend.  We enjoy the journey around the lake taking obscure paths that sometimes lead no where and other times to surprises that delighted the senses.

Why is living in the moment so hard? Why is having a childlike look at the world seem so unnatural?  Shouldn’t this be my norm? Why do I have to pull myself back from racing forward?

I have noticed way more flowers, saw more views, and fully indulged in this beautiful sunny day.  My grandson has tasted and enjoyed miners lettuce that is in abundance on the path. “This is an arbutus, this is Oregon grape, this is a maple tree.” I feel like a real grandma as I pass on my knowledge of our native species of foliage.  When I don’t know the name Xavier makes up a Latin name, which makes me laugh,  as this is what Robin (my late husband) used to do.  I wonder if Robin is whispering in his ear as we walk around.

The next turn on the path gives us a clear view of the beach which is full of people at the end of the walk.  The beach is the end, the goal and the proof of our success and all of a sudden my pace quickens.  I became hyper focused and feel the annoying delays of my 6 year old grandson.  Observing myself, I became witness to a behaviour I tend to repeat in most instances in my life.  This obsessive pattern takes away from the adventure instead of adding value.  I watched myself get annoyed and snarky with Xavier for wanting to look at everything. I don’t get it! Can’t he see the end is right there?  Doesn’t he want to get there as fast as he can?

Taking in a deep breath I shook my head at the ridiculousness of my behaviour.  I can wait, I can enjoy this time.  This time just before the full feeling of success because Xavier still is.  If he can do it, so can I. “Guess what I am Grandma?”  Xavier asks as he walks over an old stone bridegroom hunched over with walking stick in hand. Before I can answer back.  “I’m a Grandma”.  “Oh thanks” I say shaking my head.  "I hope I don’t look like that".

Xavier celebrated the circumnavigation of the lake by plunging into the cold waters.  I do wish I had worn shorts but I enjoyed watching him make instant friends and borrow beach toys from generous sunbathers before rushing to drop him off and catching a ferry home.


This day, this lake, this long walk will be a day I know I will always treasure.  These moments with my adorable grandson will never be forgotten.  I am so happy I gave myself time to fully embrace this day in my life.  Thank-you Xavier you are such a good teacher.



Getting to Thetis Lake is very easy.

Take the Colwood exit off of Hwy #1.

Turn right at the Shell station.

Stay on the road until you get to Thetis Lake Park.

The walk around the lake normally would take about an hour but with Xavier it has taken double that plus more.  It is child and dog friendly, mostly level, easy walk that can be enjoyed with the whole family.