# Week 3 July 2026 Mindful Moments Digest


The third week of July 2026 was a celebration of community, connection, and the art of making everyday moments special. From the sensory delights of local markets to the importance of finding your people, each mindful moment offered wisdom on living with intention and joy.

This week we explored themes of cultural inclusivity through markets, the power of finding your community, the practice of making ordinary moments extraordinary, embracing challenges for personal growth, and the simple pleasure of brunch with friends. We also shared practical tips on embracing local experiences, creating special moments at home, accepting life's challenges, and building relationships over shared meals.

Below is the complete collection of all 5 mindful moments from Week 3 of July 2026:

## July 13: Markets

In many communities you can find a local market. Sometimes they are only there for a weekend, sometimes a season and if your community is lucky enough it might be there all year. One thing I love about markets everywhere I have been is their cultural inclusivity. All people in booths selling their goods. Food, drinks, crafts and much more can be found at these markets. Always a treat for the senses, smelling the lingering aromas of the varying meals being prepared. Tasting the homemade food, like fresh local berries when in season. Touching the beautiful fabrics of clothes or blankets that were hand-stitched or woven. Seeing all the beautiful colours from each of the booths and watching people mingle. Hearing the music of a local troubadour belting out familiar tunes. Markets are alive, they are local trademarks of a community. Communities come together sharing their gifts and talents. Wherever you are take some time in your schedule to visit a local market. It makes good 'sense'.

Yours stimulated by the senses, Ms. Mindful Traveller

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260713-market2" alt="Local market scene" width="1200" caption="Market atmosphere" >}}

## July 16: Find Your People

Find your people in this world. The ones that make you feel confident and loved. The ones that show up. Community is the key to a great life. Finding your people is purpose. When we are surrounded by the right ones we are free to be ourselves. That my friends is the greatest feeling in the world. Different stages bring new people in and out of your life, embrace the change. How do we find these people you may ask? Well I find if you start doing more of what you love to do, you tend to find more people that also enjoy those things and they become your people. Travellers often find friends that also travel. Sports enthusiasts find others that enjoy sport and so on. You get it! Go out open yourself up to the new friends that are there to be made. Some may be your people for the long haul some may only be in your circle for a short time. That is perfectly fine enjoy the relationships as they are. This world was not meant to be travelled alone. Enjoy each beautiful friendship and be mindful of the people in your life, they are your reflection.

Yours in friendship, Ms. Mindful Traveller

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260716-walking" alt="Friends walking together" width="1200" caption="Finding your people" >}}

## July 17: Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

Every day is a day to celebrate! Take out the good stuff, treat yourself. Taking time to make things a little fancier, it's the gift you give yourself. Take time to make your plate beautiful, somehow the food tastes better. Put your drink in a fancy glass. Take out the good linens. Dress yourself with care, wear the good shoes, iron the linen pants, match up your jewellery to your outfit. Pack a picnic <a href="https://amzn.to/44wuhxh" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">APOLLO WALKER Picnic Backpack (Brown for 4 with Wine Glasses)</a>, bring a blanket, pop open a bottle of special lemonade <a href="https://amzn.to/4fqWFG3" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Efferve Sparkling Cranberry Lime, 750 milliliters</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/4gK769V" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">(COM)</a>. Be extra every day! The extra is what makes life extraordinary, and who doesn't want a life filled with extraordinary moments. Don't wait for vacation, home can be your vacation with just a little extra!

Yours in extraordinary moments, Ms. Mindful Traveller

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260717-drink-glass" alt="Drink in a fancy glass" width="1200" caption="Put your drink in a fancy glass" >}}

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260717-clothes" alt="Dressed with care" width="1200" caption="Dress yourself with care" >}}

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260717-charcuterie-on-the-beach-overlooking-sea" alt="Charcuterie on the beach overlooking the sea" width="1200" caption="Pack a picnic" >}}

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260717-dinner-overlooking-river" alt="Dinner overlooking river" width="1200" caption="Home can be your vacation" >}}

## July 18: Take the Challenge

Today is a beautiful day to move our bodies. Mr. Mindful Traveller and I are playing in a pickleball tournament. A few years ago if you would have asked me if that was going to happen, I would have laughed and answered highly unlikely. We have come a long way from the people we used to be. We try not to back away from challenges not only on the court but in life too. Challenges are defined as anything you see that tests you, or that makes you grow. I challenge you to find opportunities to travel. Opportunities will come, you either accept them or you shrug them off. These opportunities don't always look the same. Maybe you make a trip out of visiting someone's aging parent, so you take a road trip with a friend. Life is short don't miss out. Maybe, you get invited to join friends on vacation. Maybe, work has a conference you can attend. Accept the challenge and your life will be filled with more rewarding experiences, who knows you might end up across the court from us at a pickleball tournament.

Yours setting and conquering challenges, Ms. Mindful Traveller

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260718-quebec-comedy-fest" alt="Quebec Comedy Festival scene" width="1200" caption="Quebec Comedy Festival" >}}

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260718-travel" alt="Travel opportunities and challenges" width="1200" caption="Accept the challenge" >}}

## July 19: Brunch

I am a big fan of brunch dates! It's a great meal to have with friends that starts the day off on the right track. Sundays are somehow more laid back and the perfect time for a brunch date. Usually it's a more affordable meal to have out with friends. We enjoy hosting a brunch or going out to great restaurants. They each provide great opportunities for building relationships and trying new foods. Eating with friends is always pleasurable. In each country we have visited, there is always a great spot and a local culinary specialty to try on the brunch menu. Some of the foods are savoury and some are sweet, making it a party of the senses. Take some time and invite some friends to brunch, it's sure to fill your belly and your heart.

Gratefully yours, Ms. Mindful Traveller

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260719-brunch-2" alt="Brunch spread with friends" width="1200" caption="Brunch with friends" >}}

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260719-brunch-3" alt="Delicious brunch dishes" width="1200" caption="A party of the senses" >}}

{{< cloudinary src="mt/20260719-brunch-pancake-house-pv" alt="Pancake house in Puerto Vallarta" width="1200" caption="Local culinary specialties" >}}