10/12/2026
Ernest Hemingway wrote a novel titled To Have and Have Not. At Thanksgiving, we usually dwell on the first half: the things we have, the events we embrace, the people we love. This year, I want to try something a little out of step and give thanks for the second half, for what we have not.
In Canada, we have no war, pestilence, or widespread famine. Many people around the world are not so fortunate, and it would be wrong to look away from them. But as a nation, we can look across the globe and quietly celebrate the troubles that have passed us by.
At CHFI, where we talk about moving, connecting, and wellbeing and activities like hiking, running, walking, or swimming, we often name the good things we gain. Today, I would add the things we leave behind.
When we move, we do not have a screen in front of our faces. We do not have to be stuck inside, missing out on our nation's beautiful outdoors. We do not have to go through life in isolation. Movement gives us ways to connect with family, friends, neighbours, and communities. And at CHFI, we do not have to do this work alone. We're grateful to have supporters like you who believe in helping more Canadians move, connect, and take a more proactive role in their health.
That's where physical, mental, and spiritual health meet, a connection point we celebrate at CHFI. The spiritual side is typically a big part of Thanksgiving in Canada. It asks us to ponder who we are, where we stand in the universe, and how we might love our God, whatever that means to each of us, and love our neighbour. Movement helps us hear those questions by bringing us closer to the people around us and reminding us that health, connection, and community are things we build together.
So this Thanksgiving, I give thanks for what we do not have, and for the people who help make CHFI's work possible. Happy Thanksgiving, and Let's Move, Canada!
With gratitude,
John Weston
Board Chair, Canadian Health and Fitness Institute
