I will admit that I’m not great at accepting help. Recently, it came as a revelation that allowing others to help me, may be truly meaningful to them. I’d never considered help from the perspective of the giver before. I thought that I was “taking” from others when I asked for their assistance. I resisted… Continue reading Rethinking Accepting Help
Category: Connections
Appreciation From Me
Retiring The Excuse
It’s a lot harder to say NO these days. I used to have a ready excuse for not wanting to do something: “Sorry, I’m so busy with work.” It was a legitimate reason. I was often extremely busy and had difficulty balancing any added commitments. But if I’m honest, it was also a handy excuse.… Continue reading Retiring The Excuse
Find The Joy; Spread The Joy
The gloomy nature of the world and the weather made me realize that I have been living without joy for a while. I haven’t been looking for the glimmers. My focus has been on other things that seem more pressing. It’s not that I can’t feel joy. I’ve just forgotten to actively look for it… Continue reading Find The Joy; Spread The Joy
“How Are You Doing?”
We all need the words. With accurate words we can clearly communicate our experiences to others, find others who share our experience, and have others understand what we’re going through. Rarely has, “I’m fine,” in response to, “How are you doing?” transmitted any useful information. Is it time to banish these banal responses? Word Jail.… Continue reading “How Are You Doing?”
“Common” Knowledge: Ok Boomer
It’s embarrassing to admit it, but for a long time I struggled with opening jars, and taps, and anything that involved turning to open. It wasn’t that the jars were too tightly closed (although that can happen these days). It was the direction I needed to turn the lid. It was so useful when I… Continue reading “Common” Knowledge: Ok Boomer
Learning The Truth and Reconciling
I’ve lived in Canada all of my adult life and worked in the education system for decades, but I wasn’t aware of the history and issues impacting Indigenous People until very recently. I am grateful for the patience of an Indigenous student teacher who began my education 7 years ago. She taught me about land… Continue reading Learning The Truth and Reconciling
Texting Back
There have been times where I’ve written a lovely response to someone’s text, only to realize days later that I never pressed “send.” There were also times when I read a text or email as soon as it came in, got distracted and never replied to it. Communication with a smartphone is not as easy… Continue reading Texting Back
Growing From A Caretaker To A Listener
I’ve recently become aware of the caretaker role and how much I have invested in being a caretaker for family and friends. I thought it was a good thing, but now I’m seeing it differently and realizing that caretaking has a harmful side that I never intended. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you… Continue reading Growing From A Caretaker To A Listener
Trusting The Blueberry
I just don’t trust nature. I see people eating vegetables that they’ve grown. I saw a couple harvesting apples from a tree in the neighbourhood. I’m fascinated by a YouTuber who makes cleaning products from natural items. But, I can’t do it. I can’t even pop a wild blueberry into my mouth. I wish I… Continue reading Trusting The Blueberry
Retired, And Now What? 