Exploring Every Day

From Jill:

I live in a state of flux—not because I seek instability, but because change is the only language I understand. My life is not built on monuments or conclusions, but on process, journeys, and the raw forward motion of becoming. Exploration and discovery are my native terrain. I’m not drawn to destinations; I’m drawn to the unfolding, so the act of becoming never stops. I put one foot in front of the other, not always knowing where it leads, but knowing that stillness feels like decay.

Each step forward is a refusal—conscious or not—to stand still long enough to untangle the past. Maybe I don’t want to look back. Perhaps I’m afraid I won’t like what I find if I do. Or maybe I’ve convinced myself that most memories carry a weight I no longer need. I’ve become adept at leaving pieces of myself behind, shedding them like skins on the roadside, hoping they dissolve in the distance I create. I recognize that those remnants shaped who I am, but they don’t need to be carried.

But the truth is, the past doesn’t disappear. It shapes everything I do moving forward, as long as I relieve myself of the burden of regret.

To live like this is to live in tension: forward-driven, constantly evolving. The past is not unresolved; it laid the foundation for my search for whatever comes next. It’s a kind of freedom and a life of perpetual becoming. A chance, every day, to change. To discover. To start again.

That is my truth.
Life begins now.
And now.
And now.
And whenever you want to start again.

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Jill’s Book Recommendation -

I was reading Suleika Jaouad’s The Book of Alchemy and came across a reflection that challenged a familiar cultural ideal. She expresses a deep discomfort with the popular phrase “carpe diem,” which is Latin for “seize the day.” At first glance, that might seem surprising, especially coming from someone who is living with a terminal illness. We often associate that phrase with the urgency of making every moment count, especially when time feels short. But for Jaouad, that relentless push to maximize every minute can be an overwhelming, exhausting demand rather than an empowering call to action.

Living under the weight of mortality doesn’t always lead to scuba diving or bucket lists. Sometimes, the most radical act of self-care and survival is simply to lie on the couch wrapped in blankets, letting the silence and stillness do their quiet work. Some days, not doing can be more healing than doing. And in her eyes, pressuring ourselves to constantly "seize" every opportunity can diminish the gentler, quieter forms of living that are no less meaningful.

Instead of focusing on living like it's your last day, Jaouad proposes a different lens: live as if this were your first day. There’s a freshness and curiosity in that idea, and a chance to approach the world with wonder instead of urgency. Rather than a countdown, it becomes a beginning. This mindset invites us to experience the world with softness, patience, and openness. It makes space for small joys, quiet observations, and deep listening, not because the clock is ticking, but because life itself, even in its most ordinary moments, is inherently worthy of our attention.

With Jaouad’s encouragement, I am committed to living every day as if it were my first.

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Powering Down - Our Quebec City Trip

From Robert:

Jill and I decided to power down for a few days and visit Quebec City. We travelled very comfortably by VIA Rail train from Ottawa to QC. Staying at a quaint Auberge style accommodation, we could walk down to the historic district as well as a cool little local neighborhood. Walk. Yes, walking is the way to go in QC - Up and down steep cobbled streets, narrow staircases, and ancient pathways. Up and down. Down and up. I bet there are a record number of knee replacements done here.

“It’s just a little hilly, honey, no worries…” said Jill, forever the optimist.

Our goal was to unplug from the outside world for a bit, and just “Be Here Now.” We planned to make this a “Gastro-Adventure,” exploring many dining options offered in this world class Foodie paradise.

Above: The most interesting restaurant washroom in Canada at La’ Buche in Quebec City - a “Sugar Bush” style breakfast that is guaranteed to fill your belly with traditional French-Canadian goodness.

And yes, everything you’ve heard about Quebec City being the most European city in North America is true. It is easy to convince yourself you are no longer in Canada but have been teleported to France. My French language skills were formed by decades of following professional cyclists racing the Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix, so suffice it to say once we get beyond the velodrome and maillot jaune I am lost. Thankfully Jill has rudimentary French competency, so she could explain the menus to me. We were never disappointed at any restaurant or cafe meal. I highly recommend a visit to Quebec City. It is a fraction of the price of Paris and thousands of kilometers closer!

Our cool little Auberge in Quebec City. The town is full of quaint lodging options.

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THE LOST INTRUDER - Chapter 9 Audio narrated by Jill Heinerth

You can get this and other books by Tech Diver and Naval Aviator Peter Hunt here.

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Artificial Intelligence -

With all the AI writing assistants in our technical world today, we have been encouraged to let our readers know that all of our newsletter content is created in our tightly squeezed little brains.

We have no qualms about using AI when appropriate, but not here. There is even an AI project we worked on associated with Jill’s bio-pic “Diving Into The Darkness” which will be released streaming on Apple TV June 6th. Order it here.

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Thanks for spending some time with us. We hope you have a nice week, and until we meet here again: Go out there and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.