One Year in the Great White North: Ranches, Resilience, and the Science of Awe

It has been almost a year since we made the move to Canada, and I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. They say time flies when you’re having fun, but I think it flies even faster when you’re learning a completely new way of life.

March 2025, Bäretower, we lived on the 11th floor just above the floor with the large windows

Looking back on these first twelve months, the word that keeps coming to mind is grateful. Coming to a new country is a whirlwind, but the people we’ve met here have made us feel so incredibly welcome. From navigating the confusing world of Canadian finance and property permits to the more “rugged” side of life, we’ve had a lot of help along the way.

Learning the Ropes (and the Reins)

If you had told me a year ago I’d be asking for advice on “how to do ranching,” I might have laughed. But here we are! We’ve spent the last year soaking up every bit of guidance we can get. We’ve learned everything from the ground up—literally.

Some of our biggest milestones this year haven’t been in a boardroom, but in the stable. We’ve learned how to put up boards, build out the interiors of a tack room, and manage the never-ending list of landscaping and chores that come with this lifestyle. It’s hard work, but there is a deep satisfaction in building something with your own two hands.

Finding Community at SebaHub

A huge part of our transition has been the SebaHub community. Finding a “job” is one thing, but finding a community where you feel like you belong is another. Being part of the hub has given us a sense of place and purpose amidst the beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) Canadian landscape.

The Science of “Awe”

One thing that amazes me every single day is how wonderful ranch work feels, despite the hardships. Yes, getting out there in the freezing cold or the blistering heat multiple times a day is a struggle, but it feels good.

I was listening to the “Happy Enough” podcast recently—specifically an episode titled “Awe Makes Us Happy”—and it really clicked for me. It explored the science behind why we feel better when we encounter things that are vast or beautiful.

I feel that “awe” every morning. When the horses enjoy their breakfast and come up for a snuggle to say hi, or when I’m doing my evening rounds and the world is bathed in sunset or moonlight, I’m reminded of how wonderful this world is. That smallness you feel in the face of nature isn’t diminishing; it’s actually what makes us happy.