Beating the odds every single day

June 14, 2023 · 0 Comments

We in the western world have it all and yet we take much of it for granted. If you are a Boomer, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of things, mostly because you weren’t privileged, rich or spoiled. Many of our parents and grandparents were immigrants who came to Canada for a better life. My parents came here with a single suitcase. That, and a lot of hope.

Going ‘home’ through nostalgic lenses

There are plenty of songs, poems and quotes about the desire to “go home.” Sorry to say, it’s just not possible. We can never really go back home. Time is not very kind to us humans. If we could only freeze it, capture those special moments and hold on to them like the safety harness on a roller coaster.

Let’s remember to enjoy life as puppies do!

Dogs’ lives are too short. That’s really their only flaw. Dog owners know that once you have one, it’s hard to live without one. They are what they seem – curious, loving, mischievous, intelligent and well, crazy, at times. Sounds a lot like people.

Living a lie: The hypocrisy of land use

“We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee and the Anishinaabe peoples, whose presence here continues to this day. We also would like to acknowledge that these are the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and to thank them and other Indigenous peoples for sharing this land with us.”

Post-pandemic mental health issues remain

What’s wrong with the current picture of our society? I’m talking about the big picture lens of society, which is plagued with problems, exacerbated by mental health issues. In our post-pandemic world, few are still talking about the COVID impacts – the loss, displacement, upheaval. The last virus has been handled, so let’s move on.

An ordinary or extraordinary life?

Roman emperor Augustus once said everyone wants to lead an extraordinary life. It seems humankind has been obsessed with the extraordinary. We’re afraid to be typical, normal or even humdrum. There is a Zen saying: “Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water; after enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.”

A trip down memory lane brings mixed emotions

They say we shouldn’t dwell on the past. Nor should we ignore it. When it comes to family, regular trips down “memory lane” can be both enjoyable and reinvigorating.

Volunteers are the spokes of the community ‘wheel’

t’s been said that the world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers. That sentiment was evident last week as King Township recognized the efforts of citizens at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Night. Heralded as Mayor Pellegrini’s most favourite event of the year in King, local givers were in the spotlight, shining brightly.

How long does it take to become truly wise?

I was hoping, at this stage of my life, to be wise beyond my years. That isn’t the case. It’s not for a lack of trying, mind you. It just seems that as soon as I get a handle on things, the universe steps in and changes all the rules. It’s left me confused, almost like I’m in a fog. Wisdom – learning from our experiences – is not what happens to us. It’s what we do with what happens to us.

Taking a look at our own circle of life

It’s been said that the average North American has three stages of life – wanting stuff, accumulating stuff, and getting rid of stuff. A truer word could never be spoken. When you think of it in those very straightforward terms, it begs the question: just what the heck are we doing?

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