Arlene Hearn - Envision & Evolve

What is the coach's responsibility?
How do we know when someone is 'creative, resourceful and whole'?
And most importantly, what does holding a safe space mean to the coachee?
An active, engaging discussion at the Pact Urban Peace Program gardens this evening.

I recently facilitated a 'Planning for end-of- L.I.F.E' session through Palcare in the beautiful, light-filled learning room at Margaret Bahen Hospice. The guests were curious with a touch of trepidation, as we are very much a culture that tiptoes around aging and dying.

What made the session memorable wasn't the information I shared. It was the openness of the participants. Together, we explored our values, life experiences, fears, hopes, and what truly matters most.

These conversations rarely happen on their own. They often need a gentle invitation because, in our culture, aging and dying remain subjects we tend to tiptoe around. Yet when we create a safe space, remarkable conversations unfold.
We reflected on questions such as:
• How will I live fully after my parents complete their journey?
• How do I help my children say goodbye to me?
• What do I want to leave behind?
• Is there emotional baggage—or even physical clutter—that I'm ready to let go of?
• What gives my life meaning?

End-of- L.I.F.E planning isn't just about wills and funeral planning. It's about understanding what matters most, expressing our wishes, strengthening our relationships, and creating the legacy we hope to leave.

At Envision & Evolve, we help individuals and families navigate aging, serious illness, and end-of-life planning with confidence, clarity, and compassion. By having these conversations before a health crisis occurs, we can replace uncertainty with understanding and leave behind a legacy of love, meaningful memories, and peace of mind.

Thank you Leiah Shea, Better Living Health and Community Services, Elaine M Beemer, Carol Edward for the opportunity to collaborate with Palcare.

Celebrating my ACC achievement with Abi. The ICF Toronto has been the space that I have turned to for mentors, community and friendships. Thanks to Silke Henke for her mentor coaching!

What does an EMPOWERED GOODBYE mean to you?
To me, it is knowing my children are resilient, empathetic humans capable of being valuable members of their community.
It is being at peace with who I am, completing the tasks I have been charged with and letting go of what I could not.
It is the hope that I can show my loved ones how to say the last goodbye with presence, reverence and acceptance.

I recently had the privilege of attending a training session with Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow — the visionaries behind the Waiting Room Revolution.

It was a powerful reminder that how we navigate life, ageing, dying, and death is changing.

What is becoming increasingly clear is this: the key is not found in paperwork alone. It is found in our dialogues.

The words we choose.
The energy we bring.
The silence we are willing to hold.

These shape how we support one another through uncertainty, illness, and the final chapter of life.

There are five simple phrases I am carrying with me — in my work and in my heart:

I hope.
I wonder.
I acknowledge.
I appreciate.
I respect.

These words create space.
They invite honesty.
They honour dignity.

Conversations about ageing and end of life do not need to begin with fear. They can begin with curiosity, compassion, and connection.

As a coach, my role is to partner with my clients and champion their progress. And sometimes, I find myself deeply championed by them in return.

A recent dialogue left me with thoughts too powerful not to share:

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I can make a daily decision to try new things, to learn, and to be better.

I thank God and choose happiness, knowing I live in Canada, a country where I am free and safe.
I remind myself that it’s okay to be fully human — to feel sadness, anger, and to miss my family and community.
I am wise, and I deserve respect, even if I speak with an accent.

This is the quiet, courageous work of growth — choosing intention over resolution, compassion over perfection, and self-worth over fear.

As we step into a new year, may we all remember that progress often begins with one conscious choice at a time.

Choices.

We make them all the time—every day, every hour, every minute.
Some are big, like choosing a university or a career. Others are small, like deciding on a flavor of ice cream. But they all matter because they shape who we are.
When we’re clear on our values and beliefs, it becomes easier to make decisions, even the tough ones. And when we get it “wrong”? That’s okay, too. Mistakes are how we learn, grow, and move forward.
Life is a constant cycle of choices, lessons, and growth—and that’s what makes it beautiful.

The Bwg Diversity Wellness fair brought together a wide variety of providers from a Homeopathic doctor to nutritionists and myself, a Grief coach and Death Doula. Thank you Nusrat Awan for giving us a space to share our wisdom.
Looking forward to deepening the connections and reconnection I made!

Not All “Lumps” Are Created Equal
I enjoy Robert Fulghum's books because I get to laugh out loud and get a small life lesson. His story "Sigmund Wollman's Reality Test" has been a cornerstone in my life.
“Life is lumpy. And a lump in the oatmeal, a lump in the throat, and a lump in a breast are not the same lump. One should learn the difference.”
― Robert Fulghum, Uh-oh: Some Observations from Both Sides of the Refrigerator Door

Life throws us challenges, but not all of them require the same level of response. If we treat every inconvenience like it’s a full-blown crisis, we only add stress to our bodies and minds. Over time, that stress wears us down, making it harder to handle the real challenges when they come.
The key? Take a moment to pause and ask yourself: Is this an oatmeal kind of lump, or something more serious? Respond accordingly and let yourself off the hook when it’s just oatmeal.
Life is tough enough—let’s not make it tougher than it needs to be. ❤️

Photo by Chandler Cruttenden on Unsplash
Photo by Daniela Díaz on Unsplash

What resolutions will you make in 2025 to build your legacy?

At this time of year, we start making New Year resolutions for the year ahead. Resolutions are the small steps to creating our legacy.

What do you want to be remembered for?
What did you stand for?
Whose life did you impact?
What values did you live by and were known for?
How did you bring laughter and joy?
What will you regret at the end of your journey?
What stories and memories will you pass on to those you leave behind?

Do these seem like overwhelming questions? Work with me in 2025 and together we will create your vision and begin the steps to leaving a legacy of a life well lived.