A Heart Full of Gratitude: Reflections on My First Art of Noticing Workshop

Sunrise - John Pearce Provincial Park, September 2026

The word gratitude appeared in a few different places for me last week. It showed up in a friend's post, in an article I was reading, and on the sign hanging on my office door. And as I sat down on Sunday evening to write this post, it was right there at the forefront of my mind.

Perhaps it was a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate what had just unfolded.

Hosting my first Art of Noticing: Mindfulness & Photography workshop is an experience that is difficult to put into words. Of course, there were some jitters! There were a few hiccups in the lead-up (a little piece of advice: I do not recommend the TRU Red Stapler from Staples!), and between preparing for the workshop, photo sessions, and everything else that this past month has brought, it has been a whirlwind.

But yesterday, I watched it all come together.

I watched people connect with one another. I watched them pause, slow down, and begin looking for the little things that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. I saw curiosity, quiet moments, and people becoming more aware of what was happening around them.

And my heart was singing.

This is what it's all about for me.

Sometimes, I lose sight of that. It's easy to get caught up in photography contests, the desire to capture that perfect wildlife shot, or the excitement of getting out into the field in search of a particular subject. I love all of those things, and they are certainly part of my photography journey. But yesterday reminded me that photography can be about so much more than the final image.

It can be about giving ourselves permission to slow down.

It can be about noticing the light filtering through the trees, the delicate details of a flower, the movement of a butterfly, or something small beneath our feet. It can be about stepping away from the endless to-do lists and expectations that fill our days and allowing ourselves to simply be where we are.

It can also be about connection. Connection with nature, with other people, and with ourselves.

Watching the participants experience these moments was pure bliss. And perhaps the most meaningful part of the day was hearing that every participant noticed an improvement in how they felt after the workshop.

Honestly, that is the best part.

As a registered social worker, I know how important it is to find ways to support our well-being in the middle of busy, sometimes overwhelming lives. As a photographer, I have experienced firsthand how time outdoors and looking through a camera can help me slow down, become grounded, and reconnect with the present moment.

Yesterday, I got to bring those two parts of myself together and share that experience with others.

And it reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.

A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way

Today, I am grateful for many things, but especially for the people who have encouraged me, supported me, and helped me bring this idea to life.

Thank you to Follow Me North. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in my first photography workshop, for your editing workshop, and especially for Lost and Found in Photography last spring. That workshop helped kick-start this project and encouraged me to explore where photography could lead beyond simply taking pictures. Sometimes, we don't realize the impact an experience will have until we look back and see how it helped set something in motion.

Thank you to Helen Grose. Your quiet, calm, and patient approach in the field is a wonderful reminder to slow down and let nature come to me, rather than always searching for the next photograph. And yesterday, we couldn't believe how many butterflies were around us in October! Moments like that are a lovely reminder that when we slow down and pay attention, nature often has a few surprises waiting for us.

Thank you to everyone who joined the workshop. Thank you for showing up with open minds, a willingness to try something new, and a readiness to explore the world around you. Thank you for sharing your observations and being part of creating a space where there were no right or wrong answers, no expectations of perfect photographs, and no pressure to be anything other than yourselves. You helped make the morning what it was, and I hope you left with a little more calm, connection, and curiosity than when you arrived.

Thank you to Hannah for helping during the workshop, and to Kayla for all your help with the preparation leading up to it. Having your support behind the scenes meant so much.

And to everyone who has listened to me talk about this idea, encouraged me, shared a post, or simply offered a few kind words along the way: thank you. These things might seem small, but they have helped me keep moving forward, especially on the days when the to-do list felt a little too long and I wondered whether I could pull it all together.

Carrying Gratitude Forward

As I reflect on yesterday, I'm reminded that gratitude doesn't always have to be about the big, extraordinary things in our lives. Sometimes, it is about noticing the small things that make a difference: a kind word, a helping hand, a moment of connection, or the feeling of watching something you've worked hard for finally come together.

In many ways, gratitude and mindfulness go hand in hand. Both invite us to pause long enough to notice what is already here, rather than always focusing on what comes next.

We don't need a perfect day, a beautiful location, or an expensive camera to practise either one. Sometimes, all we need is a few minutes outside, a willingness to pay attention, and the curiosity to see something familiar in a new way.

That is the message I hope to carry forward through The Art of Noticing and my work with Steph Hounsell Creative Wellness.

I want to continue creating opportunities for people to slow down, connect with nature, explore their creativity, and discover how these simple moments can support their well-being. If yesterday was any indication, there is something truly special in bringing people together to do just that.

I am beyond grateful for this experience, for everyone who helped make it possible, and for the reminder that sometimes the most meaningful part of photography isn't the photograph at all.

It's how we feel while we're taking it.

And I look forward to many more opportunities to notice, connect, and share these moments with others.

With love and gratitude,

Steph

Steph Hounsell Creative Wellness

What if I Fly?

Northern Gannet, Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland

“What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” — Erin Hanson

This is a quote I read a few years ago, and it has stuck with me ever since. I try to remind myself of it whenever anxiety rears its ugly head.

For some time now, I’ve known that I wanted to find a way to bring together my love of nature and photography with my love of helping people. I just wasn’t sure exactly how to do it.

I would tell myself that I needed to take more courses. I needed to learn more about running a small business. I needed more tools, more knowledge, more experience… and the list went on.

The truth is, I’m a lifelong learner. As a social worker, continuing to learn and grow is an important part of my career. But I’ve also realized that there comes a point when you have to stop preparing and start taking the leap.

So, how does this tie into taking the leap?

I took it.

Even though there are still many things to iron out, and I have plenty to learn about running a small business, I know that I want to share what I’ve learned.

I want to invite others into this wonderful world of the outdoors. I want to share how peaceful life can be when we learn to slow down, notice what’s around us, breathe in the fresh air, and simply be present in the moment.

Maybe it won’t be perfect. Maybe I’ll make mistakes along the way. And maybe there will always be something else I could learn before taking the next step.

But if I wait until I know everything, I may never begin.

So, if there’s something you’ve been waiting to do, even though it might not be perfect, perhaps this is your sign to take the leap.

I recently listened to one of Mel Robbins’ podcasts, as I often do. This particular episode featured Benny Blanco, and they talked about self-doubt. It really resonated with me, and I thought I’d share it in case you need a little encouragement to take your own leap. (Search Mel Robbins Benny Blanco and it should come up).

I could think of many reasons not to hit publish on my site last month.

But I could think of one very important reason to do it:

What if I fly?

Have a mindful Monday. 🌿

The Power of Listening

Short Eared Owl, Southwestern Ontario

Owls are incredibly attentive to their surroundings. While their large eyes often capture our attention, their hearing is equally remarkable. They can use sound to help locate what is happening around them, even when they cannot see it. Photographing Short Eared Owls is one of my favourite species. If you give them space and just watch they are incredible hunters and have a strong awareness of their surroundings.

They listen.

They pause.

They pay attention.

And perhaps there is something we can learn from them.

When was the last time you really listened?

Not just listened to someone speaking, but truly listened—to the world around you, to your body, to your thoughts, and to what you might need in that moment.

Life can be incredibly busy. We move from one responsibility to the next, thinking about what needs to be done rather than noticing what is happening right now.

Sometimes we become so accustomed to the noise and demands of everyday life that we stop noticing the quieter messages our bodies and minds are sending us.

We push through the tiredness because there is still work to finish.

We ignore the tension in our shoulders because there are other things that need our attention.

We tell ourselves we're fine when, deep down, we know we aren't feeling our best.

First, we notice. Then, we listen.

Mindfulness begins with noticing.

Perhaps you notice that your shoulders are tense. Maybe you realize you've been holding your breath, you're more irritable than usual, or you're simply exhausted.

Noticing doesn't mean we have to immediately fix anything.

It simply means we become curious.

What is my body trying to tell me?

Our bodies are constantly communicating with us. Learning to pay attention to those signals can help us recognize when we may need to slow down, rest, move, connect with someone, or seek appropriate support.

Mindfulness isn't about assuming that every symptom has a simple explanation, and listening to our bodies doesn't mean we can prevent every illness or health concern.

Rather, it gives us an opportunity to become more aware of ourselves and respond with greater care instead of simply pushing through.

Listen to your thoughts.

Listening isn't only about what we hear around us. It also means becoming aware of what is happening inside us.

Our minds can be noisy places.

I'm not doing enough.

I should be able to handle this.

I don't have time to rest.

Everyone else seems to have it together.

Instead of immediately judging these thoughts—or believing everything they tell us—we can simply notice them.

"I'm having the thought that I'm not doing enough."

That small shift can create some space between ourselves and the thought.

We don't have to judge every thought we have. We can notice it, become curious about it, and decide whether it is helpful or whether we can let it pass.

Listen to the world around you.

The next time you're outside, pause for a moment.

What can you hear?

Perhaps it is the wind moving through the trees, a bird calling from somewhere nearby, water moving along the shoreline, or leaves rustling beneath your feet.

Maybe, if you're lucky, you'll hear the distant call of an owl.

You don't need to identify every sound.

Simply listen.

When we intentionally pay attention to the sounds around us, we give our minds an opportunity to step away from the constant stream of thoughts and return to the present moment.

What do you need?

Perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is:

What do I need right now?

Not what should I be doing.

Not what does everyone else need from me.

What do I need?

Maybe the answer is rest.

Maybe it's movement, time outside, connection with a friend, a quiet cup of coffee, a walk with the dog, or time with a camera.

And sometimes, what we need is support from someone who can help us work through what we're experiencing.

We may not always be able to change our circumstances, but awareness gives us information. And sometimes that awareness is the first step toward making a different choice.

A simple practice

The next time you're outside, try this:

Pause.
Take a few slow breaths.

Notice.
What can you see? What can you hear? What can you feel?

Listen.
What is your body telling you? What thoughts or emotions are present?

Respond.
Ask yourself what you need in this moment—and, if possible, give yourself permission to honour that need.

Like an owl, we don't always have to rush.

We can observe.

We can listen.

We can wait.

We can notice what is happening around us before we respond.

In a world that constantly encourages us to move faster, accomplish more, and keep going, there is value in slowing down enough to hear the quieter messages.

Notice. Listen. Pause. Respond.

You might be surprised by what you discover when you take the time to truly listen.

Coming Soon: The Art of Noticing

What if mindfulness didn't have to mean sitting still with your eyes closed?

What if it could begin with simply stepping outside, slowing down, and noticing what is already around you?

Later this week, I'll be sharing more about The Art of Noticing, a photography and mindfulness workshop designed to help us slow down, reconnect with the present moment, and discover the benefits of paying attention to the world around us.

Through photography and mindful observation, we'll explore how something as simple as looking more closely can change the way we experience a familiar place—and perhaps even the way we experience ourselves.

Stay tuned for the workshop announcement later this week.

I would love to have you join me in slowing down, looking closer, and discovering what we might otherwise miss. 🌿📷

The Little Things…

Female Ruby Throated Hummingbird, Elgin County

First off - I just want to thank you for coming by! I am continually learning how to improve this site and have been able to add a comment section to each post so I would LOVE for you to test it out! Now for today’s post😊

Often, I think we look for the big things in life—the grand gestures, the big changes, the moments that feel significant enough to make a difference.

But what if it’s actually the little, everyday things that have the greatest impact?

With my photography, it’s the daily practice—or almost daily, at least until the time change happens! It’s taking a few moments to get outside, look around, and notice what is happening in the world around me. Sometimes I have my camera with me, and sometimes I simply take the time to be there.

With my well-being, it’s taking the dogs for a walk. It’s getting outside with my camera. Sometimes it’s both. It’s knowing what helps me recharge my battery in small, meaningful ways.

It’s the cup of coffee in the morning. The sound of birds. A quiet moment outside. A conversation that makes me laugh. Watching a hummingbird appear almost out of nowhere and realizing that, if I had been rushing through the moment, I might have missed it completely.

None of these things are particularly grand.

And yet, they matter.

I think we sometimes put so much pressure on ourselves to make big changes that we overlook the small things that are already supporting us. We don't always need a complete reset or a major life change. Sometimes we simply need to slow down enough to notice what is already there.

Mindfulness can begin with something as simple as noticing.

Noticing how you feel.
Noticing what you hear.
Noticing what catches your attention.
Noticing what brings you a little bit of joy.
Noticing what helps you feel more like yourself.

And perhaps, when we begin noticing those little things, we start to realize that they aren't so little after all.

If you're someone who could use a little help slowing down, noticing, and reconnecting with the world around you, stay tuned for my upcoming workshop, The Art of Noticing.

I'll be sharing more details soon. If you'd like to receive the information before it is shared publicly, consider subscribing to my email list by filling out the form on the homepage. Spots will be limited.

In the meantime, I invite you to try something simple:

Today, notice one small thing you might normally overlook.

You don't need to photograph it.
You don't need to share it.
Just pause for a moment and notice.

You might be surprised by what you discover. 🌿

The Art of Noticing🌿🐸

Tree Frog, Manitoulin Island

Hello, and thank you for stopping by. ❤️

Today, I’m talking about the art of noticing.

Mindfulness begins with noticing. Photography begins with noticing. And sometimes, taking care of ourselves begins when we slow down enough to notice how we’re actually doing.

It doesn’t have to be after a traumatic experience or significant loss. Sometimes, it’s as simple as noticing that you’re tired. That you’re running on empty. That you’ve been moving through your days on autopilot.

In the fast-paced world we live in, taking a moment to pause and check in with ourselves can help us recognize when we need a little self-care. And self-care looks different for everyone. For me, it’s often a walk in the forest, a walk down the road, or simply stepping outside with my camera.

This little tree frog was discovered by Hannah while we were vacationing on Manitoulin Island. Of course, as soon as she spotted him, we both grabbed our cameras! 🐸📷

The more time I spend outdoors with my camera, the more I realize how much it gives me. When I’m focused on a subject, noticing the light, the details, the sounds and everything happening around me, I become completely present. For those moments, everything else seems to fade away and time almost stands still.

What is something in your life that makes you feel that way?

And if you don’t have that something yet, what might it be?

The next time you’re outside, resist the urge to simply get somewhere. Instead, slow down and ask yourself:

What do I notice when I slow down?

You might be surprised by what you see—not only around you, but within yourself.

Wishing you all a Mindful Monday. ❤️🌿

Welcome to My New Site!

Northern Gannet and Chick, St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, NL

Well… I could say that after a lot of blood, sweat and tears, I’m finally ready to share my news with you. But if I’m being honest, it was probably more like a lot of time in front of a computer, a very sore back, and more than a little carpal tunnel! 😂

Either way, I’m incredibly proud to finally share it with you:

Steph Hounsell Creative Wellness is here! 🌿📷

For some time now, I’ve known that I wanted to find a way to weave together my social work experience with my love of nature, photography and the outdoors. And so, here we go!

I’m excited to begin this new chapter and I can’t wait to bring you along on the journey.

So, what does this mean?

For starters, my Mindful Monday posts will now live here, on the Steph Hounsell Creative Wellness website, through this blog. I will be working on integrating some older posts (you will notice a previous post is on here - part of the weekend testing 😁)

I’m still in the beginning stages, and there are definitely a few little bugs to work out on the new website. But as with most journeys, there are always a few bumps along the way. Rather than waiting for everything to be perfect—because let’s face it, does that ever really happen?—I decided it was time to take the leap and share it with you now.

My first workshop is scheduled for October 24th, so save the date! More details will be coming soon.

One-on-one sessions will also be available in the very near future, and I’ll be making an announcement about those soon.

Now, about this photograph… 🐦

Northern Gannet and Chick, St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland & Labrador

I knew I wanted a special image to accompany this announcement, and this photograph is meaningful to me in so many ways.

For starters, as some of you already know, this is a place where I truly felt some healing begin for someone very special in my life.

It was also an unbelievable experience to witness this incredible place and the thousands of birds that call it home.

But most importantly, when I look at this image, I see growth.

Growth in healing within our family.
Growth in this little chick.
And personal growth as I take this leap and step into something new.

I honestly don't know exactly where this path will take me. But I am hopeful that through Creative Wellness, I can help others find moments of connection, mindfulness, peace and wellness in nature.

So, thank you for clicking the link, checking out the new website, and being part of this next chapter with me. ❤️

If you know someone who might benefit from this kind of experience, please feel free to share this post. I’d love to reach as many people as possible.

I’m excited, I’m hopeful, and I’m looking forward to meeting you on the trail.

Wishing you a mindful Monday, and thank you for being here. 🌿

-Steph

Mindful Monday

Common Loon, Algonquin Provincial Park

Well, we didn’t see any moose, bears, otters or loonlets—but what we did have was fantastic weather (aside from one rainy morning that actually made for some beautiful shots!).

On this particular foggy morning, I woke up and quickly headed over to Hannah’s tent to wake her. These are my absolute favourite mornings on the water. We didn’t paddle far from our site when this loon appeared.

The lake was completely glass, and the sun was just beginning to peek through the fog.

So, although my moose never appeared, we were gifted some pretty spectacular moments.

Algonquin always has something to give—you just have to be open to seeing it.

And maybe that’s today’s reminder: Sometimes we don’t receive the things we ask for, but when we can pause, look around, and find something to be grateful for anyway…that’s winning.

Wishing you a mindful Monday.