Discovering Simple Pleasures with Marie-Claude Savard

By her own admission, Marie-Claude has never been part of professional sports, nor even practiced competitive sports. And when you get to know her closely, you understand that her enthusiasm doesn't need to be fueled by external motivation. She has always been active, but for the simple pleasure that movement brings her. In fact, if you encounter her on a ski slope, you're likely to be more impressed by her enthusiasm than by her technique. She's one of those who derives pleasure from the benefits of sport well beyond performance.

As a new mother, she's rediscovering the simple pleasure of being outdoors without having to plan an expedition to make it an event. Often as adults we want to do extraordinary things, but everything is right next door. To have fun, we just need to open the door and play. Living with a child has allowed her to get back on the right path, that of simplicity. Since Charlotte has been in her life, she goes outside more often than ever before. She's rediscovering the parks and green spaces of the city. Accompanying her daughter in her first experiences has allowed her to create new connections with her environment, to better understand the neighborhood and the world in which she lives.

Marie-Claude was born in the 70s, well before parents became an entertainment committee for children. At that time, parents would open the door and simply tell us: Go play outside! And our imagination did the rest. When there was nothing to do we invented games or did nothing organized. Marie-Claude thinks we need to stop anticipating children's needs and allow them to get a little lost. It's okay to do nothing too, that's part of life. Outside, in the unexpected, we feel things more, we're more in being than in doing. The most beautiful memories she has from her childhood come from those moments when she was looking for things to do. When nothing is planned, everything is possible.

If Marie-Claude had just one small piece of advice to give to those who think playing outside is a waste of time, it's to have the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Yes, that's it: knowing how to give yourself a good kick in the butt to let go of your screen, put on your coat and go outside. You never regret going out to move. There's nothing more rewarding for the body than rest after action. And that's when your body appreciates comfort the most, when you're aware of the effort it takes to put it into action.

Thank you Marie-Claude for this inspiring message. Now that the secret of your smile is revealed, I'm setting off in pursuit of mine!