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purposeinview Anne |👩🏻‍🦯 Digital Storyteller
Finding purpose to thrive while breaking barriers
Seeing beauty and making it accessible
Living with 🤕

17/06/2025

Through My Lens: Week 24/52 📸

This week was filled with moments that made my heart swell with pride, gratitude, and tenderness.

We celebrated my youngest child graduating from university 🎓. Watching her walk across that stage was a chapter closing, and a new one unfolding.

We celebrated Father’s Day too. The kids came together to gift a pendant etched with the Chinese word for “Dad” (爸爸). It replaces the original one that was given to him as a young child by his parents. This new one carries not just memory, but meaning, love, and healing.

And yet, even in the joy, there’s an undercurrent of sadness I’m still learning to live with. I show up to these moments with a heart that feels deeply—sometimes heavy, sometimes light, always full.

I’m learning that you can hold both. That celebration and sorrow can coexist. And that presence—being here, being still here—is a gift in itself. 🌸✨

These moments—layered with both celebration and quiet grief—are the ones that shape us. If you’ve ever felt the duality of joy and sadness side by side, know you’re not alone. ❤️

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10/06/2025

Through My Lens: Week 23/52 📸

This week, I carried quiet sadness in one hand, and small joys in the other.

There’s a strange duality to living through grief while still showing up. I’ve been recording the audiobook version of “Resilience and Purpose”. Reading the words I once wrote in survival mode and now with deeper understanding. And though each sentence is a reminder of what I’ve endured, they also feel like an offering to someone who may need them.

I cried often this week. But I also harvested strawberries from the garden, filled a vase with peonies that bloomed just in time, and stood in the rooftop garden of the Vancouver Public Library—lavender brushing against my cane, birdsong echoing between city towers, the sun warming my face.

I had my lashes redone after a week of tears. I smiled again. And I reminded myself that joy and pain can live in the same breath.

There’s no “getting over” grief. But there is learning to move with it. And some days, there are rooftop gardens, freshly picked berries, and new beginnings hidden inside the ordinary.

Here’s to the ones who are learning to hold both.

Have you found a small joy in your week?

Whether it’s a bloom from your garden or a pause in your day, I’d love to hear what you’re holding onto right now.

Drop a 🌸 or share your moment below.

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03/06/2025

Through My Lens: Week 22/52 📸

This week was a full spectrum of feelings. It’s been a reminder to me that growth and grief often walk hand in hand.

I appeared on podcasts, prepped for future ones, and celebrated National AccessAbility Week with SALT team at Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. It’s a place I used to pass daily on the bus after I gave up driving. Back then, I watched the building rise from the ground; now, I’m walking through its doors, offering lived experience to help shape a more inclusive world.

I also joined an accessible puppet-making workshop with .ca hosted by Up in the Air Theatre and facilitated by A Head Full of Rocks. I also participated with VocalEye at rEvolver Festival as part of an audio description experiment. These are spaces that truly centre our stories and voices.

But layered beneath the beautiful moments was a weight I can’t ignore. My appointment with the retinal specialist brought hard news. I’ve always tried to be strong. But this one hit deep. Afterward, I found myself retracing old paths—literally—meeting a former coworker and walking the same sidewalks where I once silently struggled with vision loss, masking my pain.

Later that day, I went to the Vancouver Public Library to begin the audiobook recording for “Resilience and Purpose”. That title felt both close and far as the tears came freely during the evening’s theatre show with VocalEye. In the midst of joy and connection, I also felt profoundly lost.

But even when the waves feel heavy, I remind myself to look for beauty. And this week, it bloomed—bright and unapologetic—in my garden. My peonies opened just in time, like a soft whisper from the earth saying,”you’re still growing.”

To anyone navigating joy and pain all at once—I see you. 🌸

Grateful for this community that now walks beside me in ways I never had when this journey began.

Here’s to giving ourselves space to feel it all. Let’s remind each other that we are not alone.

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26/05/2025

Through My Lens: Week 21/52 📸

This week was all about finding balance—literally and figuratively. 🌊

Since getting off the cruise ship, I’ve been feeling like I’m still at sea. I live with Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS), a rare vestibular disorder that makes you feel like you’re moving, even when you’re standing still. For me, it always hits after a cruise and takes about two months to fully settle. That’s actually one reason I book longer trips—I’m better on a cruise ship than land 😅

But this time, I’m trying something new. I’ve started vestibular physiotherapy and while it’s not a cure, I’m hopeful it’ll ease the journey back to steady ground.

To ground myself, I leaned into things that spark joy:
I took a walk through the city with my white cane in hand, letting the wind guide me through a downtown plaza.
I paused at a mural that felt like a message from the universe:“Aspire to inspire others and the universe will take note.”
I continued working on my Paint-By-Numbers canvas painting Mount Fuji with cherry blossoms blooming under my fingers—one brushstroke at a time taking me back to my happy place.
I tried rolled ice cream and sipped a dreamy purple-orange cocktail under the sun.
I attended and was a vendor with my good friend Laura at —selling my pre-loved pieces and my book. So happy to connect and support with other local creatives!

It was a good kind of full. The kind where your heart feels steadier, even if your balance hasn’t caught up yet.

Here’s to slowing down, soaking in the sunshine, and remembering that healing can be soft, creative, and sweet. ❤️

If you’re finding your balance too—whether in body or in spirit—I see you. Wishing you a week filled with color, comfort, and connection ❤️✨

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19/05/2025

Through My Lens: Week 20/52 📸

This week was about soft landings.

After seven weeks of travel, I finally unpacked—not just my suitcase, but my breath. I came home to slower mornings, familiar hugs, and small rituals that helped me feel like me again.

Fresh nails in petal pink. A haircut and root touch-up with Kim .couture and brows and lashes by Swit that reminded me—sometimes power starts in the mirror. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up for yourself.

We celebrated Mother’s Day with my favourite ube flan cake from .ca (yes, it was as delicious as it looks 😍). I soaked in family time, dropped my youngest off at the airport as she set off on her own adventure to Japan, and held space for soul-filling conversations with our crew on Zoom.

And of course… chicken wing Sunday made its triumphant return. 🍗

This week didn’t have glaciers or border crossings. But it had softness, intention, and reconnection. And sometimes, that’s the greatest adventure of all.

May this week remind you of your strength, your softness, and everything in between. Keep showing up—exactly as you are. Sending you all the love for a meaningful, joy-filled week ahead. ✨

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13/05/2025

Through My Lens: Week 19/52 📸

From glacier whispers to golden sunsets… this was the final chapter of our epic visual bucket list journey!

We sailed through the soul of Alaska—where ancient ice meets endless sky in Glacier Bay, and where the mountains of Juneau quietly hold stories of resilience. I met a bear 😉, wandered past towers of king crab, and stood smiling beneath banners that read, “Welcome to Ketchikan.” Each stop felt like a love letter to the senses.

Back onboard, we soaked in the stillness of sea days. We dined with gratitude—candied bacon clipped on a salt block, halibut nestled in a warm Thai coconut curry. We listened to the head chef share the artistry and effort behind feeding thousands at sea.

And then, just like that, we were sailing back into Vancouver—the city I call home. Only this time, not by Seabus… but from the top deck of a ship that had just carried my heart across coastlines, colours, and connection.

This week reminded me: the same waters you travel every day can feel completely new when you allow yourself to see them with wonder.

As I step back onto familiar shores, I’m carrying new eyes with me—grateful, open, and full of awe. 🌊

Wishing you a week filled with small wonders, fresh perspectives, and the courage to see beauty in the ordinary. Whether you’re setting sail or staying anchored, may your journey feel just as meaningful! ✨

A very special thank-you to Judith Russell for being the guiding anchor behind the cruise portion of this unforgettable journey! 🌊✨

From the cherry blossom-lined ports of Japan to the icy hush of Glacier Bay and the sun-soaked streets of Ketchikan, every moment of this Holland America adventure—from crossing the Pacific to arriving home in Vancouver—was made smoother, more meaningful, and absolutely seamless because of your care and expertise.

Judith, you didn’t just help me book a cruise—you helped bring a chapter of my visual bucket list to life. Thank you for your patience, your heart, and for ensuring every detail was handled with such thoughtfulness. I’m so grateful to have had you on this journey with me. ❤️⛴️

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05/05/2025

Through My Lens: Week 18/52 📸

We said goodbye to Japan this week—with full hearts, full bellies, and one final scoop of gelato under the golden Yokohama sun 🇯🇵

From wandering the waterfront at sunset to stumbling upon Frühlings Fest (and befriending the kindest local couple over beers and laughter), these last moments were everything I hoped they’d be—soft, spontaneous, and full of connection.

Then, the sea called us back.

Crossing the International Date Line felt like stepping through a portal—one where time folded in on itself and adventure stretched wide open. These sea days have been slower and sweeter. There’s been cake (so much cake), a joyful waitstaff parade, lazy afternoons by the pool, and quiet creativity in a calligraphy class I never expected to take but now completely adore.

I even brought home a brush lettering kit from Japan—and something tells me this is just the beginning of a new artful chapter.

As I cross oceans and time zones, I’m reminded that every journey—whether across the world or within ourselves—begins with a single step. This week, let’s move with purpose. Seek connection. Celebrate stillness. What story will you choose to write in the days ahead? ✨

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28/04/2025

Through My Lens: Week 17/52 📸

This week, I continued weaving my way along Japan’s breathtaking coastlines and small historic towns. Every moment felt like stepping into a living painting — cherry blossoms raining softly from ancient trees, rivers framed by pink petals, and mountain lakes shimmering under ever-changing skies. 🌸

I polished my very own lacquer chopsticks, feeling the hidden beauty reveal itself under my fingertips, and sat quietly on tatami mats, learning the simple, sacred rhythm of a traditional matcha tea ceremony. 🍵

One of the most humbling moments came in Miyako — a coastal town forever changed by the 2011 tsunami. Over 600 lives lost, 6,000 buildings destroyed. We came to pay our respects, to support, to remember. Their spirit of resilience filled the air. 🌊

We cruised along the Sanriku Fukko National Park coast, where towering cliffs kissed the misty sky, and black-tailed gulls danced beside our boat. For a moment, time stood still. Magic everywhere — even in the grey. ✨

Sometimes, the beauty of this world feels almost too much for one heart to hold.

Wishing you a beautiful week ahead, filled with moments that take your breath away and small joys that remind you how much wonder still exists around us. ❤️

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21/04/2025

Through My Lens: Week 16/52 📸

This week felt like a love letter to Japan—written in cherry blossoms, temple bells, and melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef.

We boarded a cruise from Yokohama after soaking in the neon warmth of Chinatown, and just when I thought my heart couldn’t hold more wonder, Mt. Fuji revealed herself. Her snow-capped peak stood silent and breathtaking from Shimizu Port—one of those rare moments when you feel the earth pause.

I sipped my first egg coffee, velvety and warm like a hug. I tasted “ice crin” by the Niyodo River—often called Japan’s most beautiful river. And, it lived up to the name.

I made washi paper by hand, made a wish while fishing for omamori, and tied my fortune to a string at a Shinto shrine, releasing what I didn’t need and making space for hope.

Through every moment, my white cane led the way, not just to places but to meaning.

Here’s to continuing this journey, one heartfelt step—and frame—at a time.

Wishing you a week filled with things worth pausing for.

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14/04/2025

Through My Lens: Week 15/52 📸

How do you sum up a week that’s brought to life some of the most vivid dreams I’ve carried in my heart? ✨

From wandering beneath clouds of cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to sipping the Sakura Latte pink Roastery Reserve in Tokyo where the word TOKYO spelled itself out in flavour and story, this week felt like I was walking through a painting—one I never thought I’d get to step inside.

I crossed Shibuya, felt the hum of Tokyo Tower between skyscrapers, and walked slowly, deliberately, through the torii gates of Hanazono Shrine—each step a quiet crossing between the known and the sacred. It reminded me that transitions, even internal ones, deserve reverence.

And then there was the joy— racing through the streets in a Pikachu onesie (with my burger-costumed husband, of course!) and being wrapped in the vibrant, quirky energy that only Tokyo can offer.

But what moved me most? The way accessibility showed up everywhere—quietly, thoughtfully. Yellow tactile tiles guiding my steps, voice announcements keeping pace, menus placed where I could reach and read them. The ease of tapping my Suica card without even opening my phone made independence feel effortless.

Japan, you’ve gifted me wonder, inclusion, and joy. And, I’ll carry these moments with me—long after I’ve left your shores.

As I continue on this journey of checking off my visual bucket list, I hope your week ahead is filled with beauty you can feel, connection you didn’t expect, and reminders that joy is always worth seeking. ❤️

Wherever you are, may you find your own little pockets of magic. ✨

Creator

07/04/2025

Through My Lens: Week 14/52 📸
Sound on for a sensory journey 🔊

Aloha from Oahu! 🌴🌺

This week, I stepped onto the island for a long-awaited vacation—one that’s been on my visual bucket list for years.

From the moment my feet sank into the warm sand and the ocean mist kissed my face, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. We visited a temple where I had the honour of performing the ceremonial bow, and held birdseed in my hand as tiny wings fluttered close to greet me.

And yes—I definitely had malasadas! Warm, fluffy, and full of joy in every bite. On our , we wandered into the heart of the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, surrounded by lush greenery that felt like being wrapped inside a living rainforest.

, I got to explore a working pineapple farm and taste pineapple Dole Whip (a dream come true), followed by the most delicious grilled corn I’ve ever had.

Evening strolls along the Waikiki Strip gave me a chance to take in the rhythm of the city—music, laughter, the scent of the sea—and every night, food trucks rolled up to our hotel, serving up local flavours that brought the island straight to our plates.

This week was a beautiful reminder to savour the present, collect moments over things, and feel life fully—whether it’s through textures, tastes, or treasured memories.

Wishing you all a week full of discovery, nourishment, and heart-filled adventures. Mahalo for being here. ❤️

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31/03/2025

Through My Lens: Week 13/52 📸
🔉 Sound On for the tap of hail, spring rain, and the quiet hum of self-reflection.

This week, something exciting aired: my segment, where I shared how visibility and vulnerability create ripple effects beyond what we can see. We also discussed my Instagram stories series “Canadian Finds” that highlights small businesses from coast to coast.

Nature didn’t hold back either. On my daily walk, I was surprised by a hailstorm. But instead of retreating, I paused—letting the rhythm of the hail, the smell of rain, and the hush of the evergreens bring me back to center.

I also made time for me: fresh lashes, shaped brows, and choosing the perfect nail colour—rituals that help me feel ready before I board a plane again. A quiet sushi date nourished me, and I spotted the first blush of cherry blossoms opening their petals—soft reminders of new beginnings.

Brush by brush, my Mount Fuji canvas continues to come to life—a mirror of where I’ve been and a whisper of where I’m headed.

Here’s to spring beginnings, meaningful conversations, and moments of stillness before the next chapter begins. May your week be full of beauty in unexpected places.🌸✨

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