Two extraordinary Canadians were celebrated in Ottawa this week, and in very different ways, both got me thinking about what it means to live a life of purpose.
Michael J. Fox was formally promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest level of the Order, at Rideau Hall on Friday.
We grew up knowing him as the Canadian kid who became an international star — Family Ties, Back to the Future, Spin City.
But perhaps his most important role has been the one he never auditioned for.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at just 29. After publicly revealing his diagnosis in 1998, he could have retreated from public life.
Instead, he used his voice.
He founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which has directed billions of dollars toward research. And just as importantly, he has spoken openly about what it is actually like to live with Parkinson’s — the challenges, the setbacks and the determination to keep moving forward.
At his investiture, Governor General Louise Arbour noted that Fox could have used his talents solely for his own success, but instead chose to use his influence and energy to help others.
I think there’s something very powerful in that.
And Then There Was k.d.
That same evening, another unmistakably Canadian voice was being celebrated just down the road.
The National Arts Centre honoured k.d. lang with k.d. lang: has always been – An Evening Celebrating a Musical Legacy.
And what a voice.
But the tribute wasn’t simply about her extraordinary musical career.
It was also about authenticity.
For decades, k.d. lang has refused to be squeezed into someone else’s idea of who she should be — musically or personally. She’s crossed genres, challenged expectations and lived publicly as herself.
Governor General Arbour described her as an artist who refused to be confined by “styles, trends, genres, labels or anyone else’s expectations.”
That may be one of the most important forms of wellness there is. What a treat to watch Jann Arden, Carole Pope, Michael Buble, and more come together to honour k.d.
Being comfortable enough in your own skin to live your own life.
Wellness Isn’t Always About a Spa
I love a wonderful spa as much as anyone.
But wellness isn’t only massages, yoga retreats, green juice and getting enough sleep.
Sometimes wellness is resilience.
Sometimes it’s authenticity.
Sometimes it’s accepting something about our lives that we would never have chosen — and deciding what we’re going to do with it.
And sometimes it’s using whatever voice, talent, time or influence we’ve been given to make someone else’s journey a little easier.
Michael J. Fox used a diagnosis he never wanted to help change the future of Parkinson’s research.
k.d. lang used her voice — literally and figuratively — while refusing to let other people’s expectations define her.
Two very different Canadians.
Two very different journeys.
But perhaps a similar lesson:
Live your life as yourself. Use what you’ve been given. And, when you can, leave things a little better for the people coming behind you.
That sounds like wellness to me. ❤️