Posts mostly about Musings from December 1 to December 24 2019 exploring themes of gratitude, life lessons,
Imagine logging into your favorite social media platform or opening your inbox to find an uplifting message, a thoughtful reply, or a post that truly makes your day. Now, imagine the opposite: harsh words, unnecessary criticism, or outright hostility. In our increasingly digital world, the way we interact online can deeply impact our well-being and…
Christmas is a time of celebration, togetherness, and giving. But as the holidays have grown more commercialized, the environmental cost of our festivities has also increased. From single-use decorations to wasteful packaging and long-distance shipping, the season’s traditions often clash with sustainability. When one talks about sustainability, I have to give my 83-year old mother…
“True generosity is giving without expecting anything in return.” Giving to food banks, especially at this time of year is a powerful way to foster connection and strengthen the bonds within a community. The holiday season, brings wonderful opportunities to make a difference in our community with holiday food drives happening in all communities. In every…
Amidst all of the holiday traditions, gift exchanges, and festive meals, we find the essence of Christmas in the connections. The holidays are when we make time for others. It’s also an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honour the intricate web of relationships that make life meaningful. In the hustle of the holidays, we…
Well my friends, we made it through another Advent Calendar blog series and I am deeply touched by all your comments and feedback through yet another 24-day adventure together. This year, discussing joy had a profound impact on my positive mental and emotional well-being. Sharing thoughts and experiences of joy allowed me to savour positive…
Our world is demanding, and our days can be difficult. When I ride the elevator with someone, or stand in line at the check out counter, I have no idea what the person next to me is going through. In that moment however, I am sharing space with another human being, and I have the…
I am feeling very grateful today. I am grateful that I discovered years ago how writing could be so therapeutic for me, grateful that I discovered there was an easy platform I could use to share my thoughts with others and so grateful for all the people who have come along with me every year…
Canadians look forward to Christmas every year, and the first details to nail down, are where to gather for the event. Whose turn is it to host? What are the plans for Christmas Eve? Many people make these plans long in advance because of the need to arrange travel etc. For blended and reconstituted families,…
As winter’s chill wraps the world in a cozy embrace, there’s a magical transformation that takes place – hearts become warmer, smiles brighter, and the air is infused with a special kind of joy. It’s a feeling we want to preserve, and share. It’s that time of the year when we come together to celebrate…
Last year, I took a long drive out to a nearby rural area that is rich in lakes and rivers bordered by unspoiled granite terrain, rolling hills, and winding roads, typical of a traditional Canadian environment . Located at the tip of the Canadian Shield, the landscape can often be rough and unpredictable, but at…
We all know people who always seem to be cheerful and upbeat, no matter what they may be going through. They possess optimism and resilience and seem to be able to surmount their troubles easily. People who frequently experience joy often possess strengths that contribute to their positive outlook and emotional well-being. They display strong…
Until my deep dive into the intentional practice of joy, I had no idea that there existed a branch of psychology dedicated to studying and promoting positive aspects of human experience and well-being. Unlike traditional psychology, which often concentrates on pathology and treating mental disorders, positive psychology seeks to understand and enhance positive emotions, strengths,…
Various researchers and institutions around the world have been actively studying happiness for the last two decades. Understanding the factors that contribute to happiness has implications for individual well-being, mental health, and overall life satisfaction. But, understanding what influences happiness, can also inform government-led interventions and strategies to improve people’s quality of life. Governments are…
“A day without joy is like a canvas without color, a melody without harmony. It lacks the vibrancy that makes life’s moments truly resonate, leaving a void where the magic of happiness and fulfillment should have painted the hours with vibrant hues.” – unknown While it is technically possible for someone to exist without experiencing…
When December comes around, watching Christmas movies is one seasonal tradition that is widely practiced and enjoyed. That’s because movies about the holidays often provide us with a sense of nostalgia and joy. “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” –Hamilton Wright Mabie Christmas movies often promote messages…
