Being Mary
Mary Johnson Van Den Berge is a "wear your heart on your sleeve" kind of woman, an unapologetic bookworm, and an online shopping champion. She devours murder mysteries in every form — whether in books or podcasts — with an enthusiasm that surprises even herself. Raised on a farm near St. Marys in Southwestern Ontario, she now calls Petrolia home, nestled in Ontario’s scenic “banana belt.”
Mary is a proud advocate for women’s rights and believes deeply in the power of honest conversation. On her podcast, she creates a safe and open space for women to explore the emotional layers of life—through candid conversations about relationships, identity, healing, motherhood, and more. It’s not just her story anymore—it’s all of ours.
Being Mary
Canada Day - The Freedom to Be Ourselves
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NEW PODCAST EPISODE: The Freedom to Be Ourselves
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized freedom means more than where we live.
Sometimes freedom is quieter than that.
The freedom to speak honestly.
To grow.
To change.
To become more fully ourselves.
Today on Being Mary, I’m reflecting on Canada, womanhood, aging, and gratitude for the ability to keep becoming — at every stage of life.
Happy Canada Day ❤️
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“The Freedom to Be Ourselves”
Hi… it’s Mary.
And welcome back to Being Mary.
Today is Canada Day.
And like many of you, I’ll probably celebrate quietly this year.
Maybe a barbecue.
Maybe time with family.
Maybe simply enjoying the fact that summer has finally arrived here in Canada.
(smile)
But lately, I’ve been thinking about something deeper.
What does freedom really mean?
When we’re younger, freedom often means adventure.
Travel.
Independence.
Doing whatever we want.
But as I’ve gotten older… I think freedom has taken on a different meaning.
Freedom to speak honestly.
Freedom to change your mind.
Freedom to walk away from things that no longer fit your life.
Freedom to grow into yourself instead of shrinking to make other people comfortable.
(pause)
And especially as women… that freedom matters.
I sometimes think about the women before us.
Our mothers.
Our grandmothers.
Many of them lived with far fewer choices than we have today.
Some stayed quiet because they felt they had to.
Some put everyone else first because that was simply what was expected.
Some never truly had the opportunity to ask themselves:
“What do I want from life?”
And yet… they still paved the way for us in so many ways.
(pause)
When I look at my own life now, I realize something.
Younger Mary could never have imagined this version of me.
Writing books.
Starting a podcast.
Speaking openly about life, aging, motherhood, loss, dreams, and becoming.
And honestly?
There’s something beautiful about discovering parts of yourself later in life that were always quietly waiting there.
(pause)
I think one of the greatest freedoms we have is the freedom to keep becoming.
Not staying stuck in old roles.
Not believing life is over once we reach a certain age.
Not asking permission to try something new.
Because freedom is not only about where we live.
Sometimes freedom is emotional.
Personal.
Quiet.
It’s the freedom to say:
“This is who I am now.”
(pause)
Now, no country is perfect.
We still have things to learn.
We still have work to do.
But I do believe gratitude and honesty can exist together.
And I feel grateful to live in Canada where women can continue growing, speaking, creating, changing, and choosing the lives they want to live.
(pause)
So maybe this Canada Day…
the celebration is not only about fireworks or flags.
Maybe it’s also about appreciating the freedom to become more fully ourselves.
And honestly… I think that’s worth celebrating.
Happy Canada Day, everyone.
And thank you for being here with me.
This is Being Mary…
and the best chapters are still ahead.