I’m pouring real Canadian Maple syrup on my pancakes this morning, listening to The Tragically Hip and wearing a toque.
Why? Because I’m Canadian! Not sure if you’ve been watching the news or not but never before has our identity as Canadians been threatened like it has in recent days.
I’m well aware of the two forbidden topics: politics and religion. Let’s consider this a healthy dialogue on well- being and leave it at that! Because really, that’s what it comes down to: moving in a positive direction despite everything going on around us.
It was about two years post-accident while I was slowly working my way through rehabilitation, someone brought it to my attention that municipal elections were coming up. I dismissed their remarks as it felt like yet another chore for my poor, tired brain to focus on. However, with gentle persistence my friend reminded me these would be the people making decisions in our city that would impact my quality of life moving forward.
I have always had a keen interest in the policy makers of our cities, provinces and country. The year my friend encouraged me to vote I decided it mattered to have my voice heard. As I’ve previously mentioned, concentrating was hard work! With my friend’s assistance, I was able to think about one or two topics at a time. This “bite size” approach made it much more manageable to understand.
We find ourselves in a very unusual situation now as Canadians. Parliament has been prorogued. It feels quite fragile, a time of vulnerability. The next few weeks will bring new faces and ideas to the forefront. I would encourage you to take the time to examine these ideas and consider what change or effect they may have on you.
Whether it’s the latest from Ottawa or our neighbors to the south you can be certain we will be inundated with headlines in the next few weeks. I know I will have to find a balance between being informed and keeping my mental health in a good place.
Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk has partnered with more than 1,500 organizations providing mental health services throughout Canada, including hospitals, universities, local community service providers and other care and research organizations. This year, Let’s Talk Day happened on January 22, Wednesday.
It’s timely this year as we are all sensing uncertainty amidst these winds of change. It can be overwhelming to dwell on the situation alone. Neuroplasticity is the process which helps our brains heal. Constantly feeling isolated with our fear leads to negative thinking and impacts healing.
Why not indulge in a truly Canadian past time? Phone a friend, pour a Tim Horton’s coffee. Join the conversation. Your words matter, educate yourself, kindness is the key, listen and ask…break the silence.
Always better together.
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