As Thanksgiving weekend approaches here in Canada, it is natural that gratitude is on most Canadian's minds. I for one, am no exception. I have a lot to be grateful for this past year. One aspect, in particular is my mental wellness and life balance. One year ago, a spark that was within me began to grow. One year ago, I was at Toronto at the Google offices taking part in the Google Certified Innovator Academy ( #googleEI). The entire experience was phenomenal, but what this Academy did for me was made me realize that as much as I loved my day job, there was something else in me that I needed to nourish. Fast forward about 6 months, and I found myself turning 39. Heading into the final year of my thirties and doing some major reflecting. I realized that the hectic pace I was keeping as a teacher was not good for me. I thought about my school year, and how this year I had likely taken the most sick days I have ever taken. I questioned if the pace of my work was wor