The Sanity-Saving Power of Planning Joy

Girl Talk

Here’s how my girlfriends and I keep it together: we never leave one trip, brunch, or birthday without another thing in the calendar. Always. Even if it’s months away. Even if it’s small. Especially because the world feels like it’s spinning faster every day. We hold on to joy with both hands—one reaching back to the memories we’ve made, the other stretched forward to whatever’s next. That next dinner, that next retreat, that next chance to exhale and just be. It’s how we stay sane. It’s how we stay connected. We always have something to look forward to…..and that’s everything.

always have something to look forward to with your friends

Why Always Having Something to Look Forward To Works

We weren’t always this intentional. But after a few chaotic years, we realized we needed anchors. Not just big annual getaways or milestone birthdays, but little moments to anticipate—a weekend hike, a seasonal picnic, a randomly themed event, even a wine-fuelled planning night for a future trip. Turns out, anticipation is a form of therapy. It lifts you out of the day-to-day grind and gives your brain something hopeful to chew on.

Plan themed parties with friends and always have something to look forward to in you calendar

Our Rule: Never Leave Without a Plan

It started as a joke: “Okay, when’s the next thing?” But now it’s gospel. We don’t end a gathering without putting the next one on the calendar. Not a vague “sometime in the fall” plan, but an actual date, time, location—locked in. It’s like leaving yourself a trail of breadcrumbs, reminders that the good stuff isn’t behind you, it’s ahead, too.

A group of friends together in the summer on the beach

The Psychology of Anticipation

There’s science behind this, by the way. Studies show that looking forward to something activates the reward centre in your brain—releasing dopamine, improving mood, and reducing stress. Some researchers say the anticipation can be just as powerful as the event itself. (So yeah, planning that fall retreat? Already good for you.)

Group of women whitewater rafting on a Girl Trip — adventure to look forward to

How Girl Trips Help Us Hold On

Girl Trips was born from this very practice. The need to plan joy into our lives. To have a circle of women who don’t just show up when it’s convenient, but who plan for connection. Whether it’s a full-blown retreat, a girls’ weekend in the woods, or a cozy winter dinner party—what matters most is that it’s in the calendar. It gives us something to look forward to together.

Ideas to Add to Your Calendar Today

  • A weekend road trip to somewhere none of you have been
  • A themed dinner party (bonus points for dress codes or potlucks)
  • Booking a seasonal Girl Trip retreat (hint, hint)
  • Monthly wine + vision board night
  • A Sunday morning walking club
  • Join a Pickleball league, all the cool kids are doing it

Doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be there.

Women on a Girl Trip relaxing on a boat — always have something to look forward to

It’s Not Just a Trip, It’s a Lifeline

In this world of burnout and bad news, joy has to be intentional. My girlfriends and I plan for it. We put it in our calendars like it’s a dentist appointment—non-negotiable. And you know what? It works. We hold hands across time, past and future, joy to joy. If you’re reading this and thinking, “I need that,” then maybe your first step is the same as ours: book something now. Give yourself something to look forward to.

Girl Trips Retreat on the Rideau

What Is Shiggles? A Word for Living a Little Freer

Girl Talk

There’s a word I use a lot: shiggles. It’s a mash-up of shits and giggles, and honestly, it’s the perfect way to explain many of the choices I’ve made in my life. Shiggles, for lack of a formal dictionary definition, is when you decide to ditch your to-do list and go hiking instead. It’s jumping in the car to see your girlfriends because—why not? It’s leaping out of a perfectly good airplane just to say you did. It’s not reckless (although in my youth, it accounted for some questionable decisions), but rather the pursuit of joyful chaos. A way to keep monotony from taking root.

Shiggles are what happens when you stop taking life so seriously.

What is Shiggles? A definition and way of life

While I have zero interest in being anyone’s life guru, I do think this particular philosophy is one more of us should adopt—because some of the best things in life happen when you just go with it. When we chase curiousity, instead of stifle it.

Things I’ve done for the shiggles:

A woman who has jumped out of a plane following a shiggles philsophy


I want more people to trust the pull toward fun, toward connection, toward something a little unhinged but entirely yours. Sometimes it’s no thoughts, all vibes. Sometimes it’s I’m doing this for the plot. Sometimes it’s signing up for a trip with women you’ve never met on the Rideau Canal (insert shameless self-promotion here). But most of the time, doing something for the shiggles is simply acknowledging that life is entirely too short to take so seriously.

I mean, look around. Things are kind of a mess. And while I’m not saying we should ignore serious issues (I’m not that far gone), I am saying it’s essential—for our mental health and for the collective well-being of humanity—that we take breaks from the doomscroll and do something fun. Something that makes us laugh, leaves us awestruck, or connects us to someone we didn’t know a few hours earlier.

A woman in a bathtub drinking wine and doing it for the shiggles

What I love most though about shiggle-fuelled decisions is that they come with no expectations. There’s no big payoff you’re chasing. No pressure to make it “worth it.” It’s just a shrug, a smile, and a “let’s see where this takes me.” That’s where the real magic tends to show up.

Doing it for the shiggles has taken me on road trips I’ll never forget, to new friendships that changed my life, and to belly laughs that still echo when I think about them. Shiggles don’t require a plan. They just require you to say yes when your soul nudges you to do something a little ridiculous, a little brave, and a lot of fun.

A woman in a Barbie box making fun of her situation

So if you ever find yourself overthinking, frozen in indecision, or stuck in the same old routine… maybe ask yourself: What would I do right now if I was just doing it for the shiggles?

Then go do that. (And maybe this)

Why I’m Choosing Canadian Destinations (and I Hope You Will Too)

Girl Talk

There was a time when I would have happily hopped across the border for a getaway. But lately? Between the rising tension toward Canadians (what did we ever do to you, America?), the weak exchange rate, and the growing list of reasons to stick closer to home, I’m leaning in hard to Canadian travel for women.

A woman on rocks overlooking Gypsum Mine in Cape Breton Island talking about Canadian Travel for Women

And honestly, I’m not mad about it.

I mean, why would I be? Canada is incredible. We’ve got landscapes that look ripped from a postcard with enough space to explore without crowds. We’ve got hundreds of tucked-away towns, scenic stretches of road, crystal-clear lakes, cozy cafés, and enough starry skies to make you forget your phone even exists. Bottom line? You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve truly gotten away.

Ingonish Beach Cape Breton Island

Why Canadian Travel for Women Matters

Women make up the majority of the tourism workforce and the bulk of travel decision-makers. So when we choose to explore Canada, we’re not just saving on airfare, we’re fuelling our own economy. Girl Trips is committed to booking tours and experiences run by women wherever possible, buying local goods, and bringing in yoga instructors, artists, chefs, and guides who live right here. Supporting women and Canadians in tourism doesn’t always have to look like a TED Talk or a LinkedIn post, sometimes it looks like a girls’ weekend in Muskoka.

Peggy's Cove with a woman wearing a lobster sweater, promoting Canadian travel for women

One of My Favourite Place? The Rideau River

Our first getaway, the Retreat on the Rideau (happening September 19–22, 2025) is the perfect example of why Canadian travel is so special. Picture this: four boats, a flotilla of fantastic women, cruising the historic and iconic Rideau Canal from Smiths Falls to Westport. There’s yoga on deck, delicious meals (including dining al fresco and a vineyard dinner), and just enough small-town charm to remind you why you never have to leave our amazing country.

Captain of a Le Boat on the Rideau Canal

This trip is equal parts adventure and exhale, and the best part? No airport security lines required.

Bottom line? Canada has everything we need—beauty, connection, and women doing cool sh*t across every province and territory. So if you’ve been dreaming of a meaningful escape, start by looking right here at home.

5 Things You’ll Learn When You Captain a Le Boat

Girl Talk

Think driving a boat is something best left to the “experts”? Nah. At Girl Trips, I want you to know that captains aren’t born, they’re made. Usually right after someone says, “Wait, am I really allowed to drive this thing?” Not only can you Captain a Le Boat, but you get some pretty cool benefits when you do.

Captain a Le Boat for a boost of confidence. Woman driving a Le Boat Horizon 5

Here’s what happens when you take the wheel of a Le Boat:

1. You’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.
You might feel a flutter of panic the first time you steer a 40-foot boat toward a lock station. But once you do it (and trust me, you will), you’ll walk away knowing you can handle a lot more than you thought, both on the water and in life. Also baby bumpers. Just sayin’

Le Boat cruiser docked

2. Leadership doesn’t mean doing it alone.
Being captain isn’t about barking orders from the top deck. It’s about knowing when to ask for help, when to pass the rope, and when to throw a line or haul in the bowline. The best leaders are the ones who work with their crew, not above them.

Captain a Le Boat with friends

3. Docking brings out everyone’s inner team player.
Pulling into a mooring spot is less high drama, more slow-motion teamwork. One person grabs the line, someone hops off to secure it, another keeps the boat steady. It’s calm, cooperative, and honestly kind of satisfying. You quickly learn who’s got a steady hand under a bit of pressure, and who’s already in the galley pouring drinks to celebrate another successful docking. Not gonna lie, you’ll feel like a total badass the first time you glide up alongside the dock like you’ve been doing it for years.

A group of women on a dock during a Le Boat trip for women.

4. Letting go is a power move.
After your stint as captain, there’s magic in stepping back, lying on the deck, and watching someone else take the wheel. Surrendering control can be just as powerful as taking it.

Captain a Le Boat and sail away with friends

5. Laughter is non-negotiable.
You will make mistakes. You might bump a dock. Someone will definitely shout “BRAKE!” (which doesn’t exist on a boat). And you’ll laugh until your sides hurt, which is exactly the point.

In all seriousness though…
Le Boat takes your safety seriously. You won’t be tossed the keys and left to figure it out—every guest gets a lesson before setting off, and no one is expected to do anything they’re not comfortable with.

And if captaining’s not your thing? That’s more than okay. These boats need navigators, dock line heroes, snack grabbers, playlist DJs, and someone to shout, “You got this!” from the bow. It’s the teamwork that makes the dream work baby (yes, it’s cheesy—but it’s true).

So are you in, Captain? Sign up for the Retreat on the Rideau now!