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I’m Blogging for Mental Health
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive Dalai Lama May is International Mental Health Month and I’m blogging for mental health. Not long ago I witnessed an incident that left me feeling both shocked and…
The Magical Power of Validation
Never underestimate the power of an acknowledgement or compliment. I learned this truth years ago, when what started out as just another weekly shopping trip to my local health food shop ended up being a life-long teaching moment. As I…
Every Day Is Valentine’s Day
Deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu Who would have thought that a chance encounter with a stranger one winter evening could leave a lifelong impression? Christmas was a few days…
THE BURDEN (Or Hauling Out The Deadwood)
It’s a brand spanking New Year and I for one look forward to carrying a few less burdens. The past year was challenging to say the least as I dealt with personal issues that included old and new injuries, elder…
Stumbling Towards Authenticity
Don’t think you’re on the right road just because it’s a well-beaten path. Author Unknown Not long ago, I had lunch with a friend who confirmed for me what I suspected; I had fallen headfirst off the path of authenticity. …
Taking a Stand (or My First Skinny Dip)
Say YES to life. Participate. Move. Act….Take a stand. Susan Jeffers, psychologist, author I like skinny-dipping. This recent self-discovery is startling in view of the fact that I’m someone who has always been timid around water and the idea of…
Pain Sucks, Part 7 of 7: Face the Fear!
Do the thing we fear, and death of fear is certain. ralph Waldo emerson I have talked about the benefits of regular exercise, good nutrition, proper sleep, laughter, and mindfulness meditation for chronic pain management. In this final instalment of my…
You Are Not Your Hair: 5 Reasons to Go Gray
Last summer I decided to do the unthinkable – stop coloring my hair. The song “I Am Not My Hair” by India.Arie was stuck in my head and I was at a point in my life that cried for change…
Pain Sucks, Part 6 of 7: Practice Mindfulness
Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional. Buddhist proverb As someone who suffers from chronic pain, I can’t say enough about the benefits of mindfulness meditation. Back in 2005, shortly after my workplace injury, I sought comfort and guidance in the…
Pain Sucks, Part 5 of 7: Laugh Out Loud
Laughter is an instant vacation. Milton Berle, Actor, Comedian I can’t imagine a day without laughter. Growing research shows that daily laughter is healthy for you in many ways. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter is definitely the best medicine. …
My American Idol Moment
The world can rest easy in the knowledge that I have no aspirations or illusions of establishing a singing career beyond my shower stall. No, my American Idol moment came when I recently sat down to watch (for the first…
Pain Sucks, Part 4 of 7: Get Your ZZZs
Sleep eludes you. You toss and turn in bed like a Christmas turkey in the oven, hoping for a few hours of shut-eye before that dreaded alarm clock sets off. You’re not alone. According to Statistics Canada, an estimated 3.3…