“We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.” ~Jimmy Neil Smith

Dear ,

Stories are powerful things. Humans have always used stories to remember, to educate, to entertain and to shape the world around them. Stories give us a way to organize the world, while still leaving space for interpretation and evolution. Stories can inspire and encourage or they can threaten and cause fear.

The stories we choose to tell and the stories we choose to listen to matter. Sometimes we're not even aware of the stories we're prioritizing, they're so ingrained. Stories about what we need to do or be in order to succeed. Stories about how the world works. Stories about our own worth. Stories about the role we have to play in order to be safe or needed or liked. Stories about what's normal and allowed and what isn't.

How we listen to a story matters, too. Stories aren't meant to be heard through a lens of objective truth. They're full of metaphor, simile and the personal experience of the storyteller. It takes skill to listen for the emotional foundation of a story and not just the plot points. It's important to ask who the storyteller is and what their purpose is in telling this particular story.

For better or worse we have the power to challenge old stories and tell new ones. What stories are you listening to these days? What stories are you telling? What stories would you like to tell?

Prompts for Reflection this April

Do you have a favourite story from childhood? What did you love about that story? Is there a story you hated? What did you dislike about it?

What kind of stories do you gravitate toward? What kind of stories would you like to hear more often? Who might be telling the kind of stories you need right now?

Is there a story you've walked away from as an adult? Why did that story no longer ring true? What new story have you embraced?

What's Happening at My Inner Harbour in April?

We have some great opportunities to explore our own stories and the stories that shape our world this month.

Deepening Through Poetry: Experience the rich wisdom of modern poets in a one hour reflective practice facilitated by Debra Thorne. 1-2pm, April 7, April 21, April 28. Register at myinnerharbour.ca/events.

Death and Creativity: a Soul Talk. From painting to poetry, how can creative expression become a ritual of remembrance? In what ways does art allow us to befriend impermanence, and to live more fully while we can? Held by Maia Mercure. Register at betweenrealms.ca

A Space to Be You: Supportive Sharing Circles for Empaths and Sensitive Souls. Nothing to fix. Nothing to prove. April 16, 2026, 6:30-8:30. Free for members, $15 drop-in.

April Journalling Club: Join Jessica for a guided journalling experience. Step out of the daily flow of tasks and pause to reflect. April 22, 7-8pm. Free for members, $15 drop-in. Register at myinnerharbour.ca/events.

I also want to let you know about one of our May events already since it's coming up right at the beginning of that month and fits in well with our storytelling theme! On Saturday, May 2nd from 1:00-5:00pm, join Bella Doyle and me to create your own Alchemy Deck. Free for members, use your 10 Visit Pass, or $10 for drop-in guests.

Turn words & images into gold. Join Bella Doyle & Jessica Schafer in creating a pocket-size deck of wisdom and comfort. Your Alchemy Deck will help you validate what you’re experiencing, explore who you’re becoming and name what you need on your journey.

Your deck is intended to travel with you through daily life, providing encouragement and affirmation when you need it. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of the things we already know.

SEE ALL OUR EVENTS HERE

My Inner Harbour Housekeeping

Easter Monday

We are Closed Easter Monday, April 6th.

Vacation Time

I will be taking some vacation time the week of April 13th. Bella Doyle and Debra Thorne, two of our community facilitators, will be covering my morning shifts that week. Savanna may also be heading out on a trip at the end of April (dates still to be confirmed), so we would be adjusting our morning hours temporarily while she's away. I will keep you posted.

Welcome to our first artists & Studio Space still available!

A big welcome to Barbara Bickel and Michael Fisher! Barbara and Michael are the first two artists moving into our upstairs space and we're excited to have them. The rest of the Children's Area will remain accessible to families and kids for the time being. If you're a local artist looking for studio space, we have one more office available. Please get in touch if you're interested!

April Blessing

May the stories spring is telling bring you hope and joy.

May April hold a sense of possibility and wonder.

May you have the courage to seek wisdom and find clarity in this new season.

May the stories you're telling yourself be full of kindness and compassion.

April at My Inner Harbour