The Edge Newsletter - Fall 2025
- Jane Gaynor
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
We’re right on the cusp of something new!
Can you feel it? Autumn is in the air. It’s a time of transition; we say goodbye to summer, and get ready for the season ahead. A moment to pause, reflect, reset, and choose a path forward. For me, it’s all the more poignant this year, as I work to process and close one chapter of my life, and begin a new one.
This summer marked 10 years since I moved back home to Canada. I am so thankful for the amazing opportunity we had to live in Michigan for three and a half years... the experiences we enjoyed, and the lifelong friendships and memories we created. I love my life, and I’m so grateful to be where I am today. Yet if someone had told me back in 2015 what the future held, I would not have believed them … let alone believed I’d have the strength to face it!
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A LOT has happened in the past decade!
In addition to the stress of moving my family and my business back home to Ontario in 2015, I was also working through a divorce. My ex-husband and I committed to moving each week between the family home and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo rental near by, allowing our boys to stay in the family home every day. I’m very proud of what we did to provide our boys with some stability during this difficult time.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by surgery and further treatment in 2019. Tremendous physical and emotional exhaustion while STILL moving every week! Looking back, I don't know how I did it, but I know it wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing support system of family, friends, and Wellspring. Thank you for your time, love and kindness!
Then came COVID. Although it was a global pandemic, everyone’s experience was unique. Depending on where you lived, who you lived with, and the work you did, your life was very different during this time. I heard about families connecting and bonding through cooking or watching old movies. For me, I was isolated at the condo; I was alone, and my business was slowly dying. I missed my family, my friends, my work… everything that feeds my soul. I survived through ‘Walk n’ Talks’ via phone through the beautiful Oakville Trails. And when the beloved Bruce Trail finally reopened, Jenni and I excitingly got back to hiking - back to fresh air, beautiful views, and solving all the worlds’ problems one step at a time. Lol!
And amidst that backdrop of global and personal turbulence, I watched my boys grow into young adults. Both boys moved away for university, and graduate … I’m so proud! Alexander even courageously moved to London, England for work, giving us an opportunity to travel to some fascinating places as the world reopened after COVID. I continue to marvel at the fine men they are becoming.
While my sons were growing stronger and more independent, my parents' health began to decline dramatically. It was a new season of caregiving, as I helped them navigate multiple health issues. I did my best to love and support them. Unfortunately, it came time to say goodbye. Within nine months, I lost my dad and then my mom. I miss them, yet I am grateful they are no longer suffering. My hope is that they are back together taking care of each other… whatever that may look like. My role quickly shifted from caregiver to funeral planner and now executor of both their wills. In addition to dealing with lawyers, accountants, and bankers, I had the responsibility of clearing and selling our family home of 60 years. There are no words to express the overwhelming loss this past year.
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I’ll be honest, as I write this, I can feel the layers of emotions. There were many moments over the past 10 years that I was beyond exhausted, and ready to give up.
Luckily, that’s not the whole story. The last decade has – almost inexplicably – had moments full of joy… of friendship, growth, connection, and fulfillment. I stand here today stronger and more resilient, with the tools and the support to take on whatever comes next.
I think the lesson for me is that life is more than the sum of its parts… more than the average of one’s highest and lowest points. It’s the daily things: little joys, private victories, and small moments of satisfaction. It’s spending time with the people you care about and who care about you, and doing what you love. Laughing around the dinner table. Taking in the beauty of nature. Learning something new. It’s finding a way to be at peace with yourself and the world.
When I step back to reflect, I also realize I am not alone. Everyone is dealing with tough stuff. As Harrison Ford’s character in ‘Shrinking’ said … ‘Nobody gets through this life unscathed.” Unfortunately, it's true … and it's not a competition. Let’s stop trying to fight for who is more tired, more stressed, or overworked. Instead, let's make the time to listen, connect and support.
This next chapter is not going to be ‘smooth sailing’. History has shown me that anything can happen, anytime. My past chapters have taught me that when something does happen, I have built a tool kit of resources and I will find a way forward ... this season and beyond. My hope is you do too. We've got this!
Pump-Up Playlist: Back to School Edition
Schools are back in session all across the country, from preschool through post-grad. And whether you're hustling the kids out the door, heading to class yourself, or just trying to get back on track with any new routines, a little music might be the thing to help you get started.
So today I'm sharing my updated Pump-Up Playlist... along with the story of the latest song to make the list!
Ever since my university days, I've always wanted to see the Barenaked Ladies in concert. They were one of THE big bands when I was in school, and their songs made up the soundtrack of many happy memories.
The timing and circumstances never quite aligned ... until this past July, when they played in Toronto!
It was such a fun night, made all the better because I got to experience it with my best friend Mary, who was also my university roommate!
Sometimes the best things in life are worth the wait. We loved hearing all the old favourites (the nostalgia!), yet it was one of their newer songs that really resonating with me. The crowd knew it. I did not.
The song "Lovin’ Life", is from their 2023 Album titled 'In Flight'. It is fun and witty, just like the BNL, with lyrics such as 'We take it high, we take it low. We ride that rollercoaster anywhere it goes' and 'On the best of days, there'll be joy and pain'. My favourite line?
‘You gotta love it, if it’s gonna love you back’
All statements that are so true. We are responsible for our mindset and the choices we make. I am grateful to have found this new song (a reminder to enjoy life) on my Pump-Up Playlist. I hope you enjoy it.
What's on YOUR Pump-up Playlist?
Is there a song you think I should add to my list?
I'd love to hear what you're listening to.
Report Cards Are In: Kind words from participants of the Queen’s Executive Leadership Program
I recently received some kind words from a few participants of the Queen's Executive Leadership Program. I love working with these bright, driven leaders as they further develop their leadership skills... which makes their feedback all the more meaningful.
Sending all my thanks to the participants for their hard work and open minds, and wishing a wonderful start to the term to everyone at the Smith School of Business!
Stay Tuned for My 2026 Word of the Year
October is just around the corner, and with it comes the start of my new fiscal year. For me, it's a time for reflection, preparation ... and choosing a new Word of the Year 'WOTY'! So far, I've narrowed it down to two options. I can't wait to share my word in the weeks ahead.
Need a little refresher on the WOTY concept? Check out last year's article, then grab the worksheet below and start brainstorming your 2026 word!
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