Stepping Back

This holiday season has provided me with a good blend of family, friends, rest and relaxation.  But how much rest and relaxation is too much? I know after the holiday season is over, life will resume at its normal and sometimes hectic pace. So even though guilt at not doing or accomplishing much right now tries to creep in, I'm going to continue to enjoy the rest and relaxation and tackle everything else come the New Year. Often a much needed respite is needed from our day to day lives and although I have continued to do sit ups and push ups, it feels like my path to mastery has been halted.

On another note I wanted to comment on my experience of the past couple of months and how nice and friendly everyone is. With the state of our economy, the stress of the holiday season and everything that is going on in the world currently, people still take the time to smile, say hello and behave courteously and friendly towards each other, whether they are known to them or they are complete strangers. I think it's great!

Michele Ward

Gifts and Blessings

Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I love the Christmas carols playing on the radio, all the decorations and lights, and setting up the tree. But best of all is spending the holidays with family and friends. Even though the holidays tend to include a certain amount of stress, some years more than others, it also brings us many gifts to enjoy throughout the season and the the new year to come.

 I'm not talking about the gifts that you unwrap. I mean the gifts that are there for all of us to enjoy.

family
friends
love
laughter
peace
hope
goodwill
fun
sparkle
joy &
magic

Hope you all enjoy a very merry Christmas and happy holiday season!

Michele Ward

Humanity

I very recently read Sifu Vantuil's post about the danish police officer taking the time to play with the young Syrian girl. I was also moved by the video and even more so by the comments. One particular comment which was very negative and I think comes from a place of frustration and fear and it got me to thinking more deeply about the issue.

 The recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the US have left us with feelings of sadness, fear and anger and uncertainty. With the current refugee status and the overwhelming need to find homes for an astounding number of people, we face challenges, and not everyone is welcoming them with open arms. It is easy to get caught up in the fear and the need to protect ourselves, as well as friends, family and our communities. One of the major concerns is our security. The possibility that terrorists will slip in among the refugees and our ability to disinguish between them. Other concerns like housing, feeding, clothing and jobs are valid also and need to be addressed. Fear needs to be set aside and our energy and efforts should be focused on solving the current issues as well as longterm plans and procedures need to be developed and put in place for the future. Everyone in need, current residents and new arrivals should have the same opportunities. One should not be overlooked or sacrificed for the sake of the other. We have the ability to figure this out and make it work.

Can we really turn a blind eye to the suffering of people in need? Do we just pretend it doesn't exist and then leave the solution to someone else? Humanity should be a basic instinct that does not require thought. It is one of the most important tools we have to creating and leaving a better world for our children and future generations to come. Without humanity what do we become?

Michele Ward

Patience

 My daughter and her husband celebrated their marriage with a destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico last week. A small group of family and friends were able to join us to be a part of their special day, and although rain and cloud was forecasted for the day of the wedding, we had a perfect day of sunshine and blue skies.

I have always considered myself to be a patient person. I tend to be fairly grounded most of the time and I have the ability to be flexible when required.  Imagine my frustration when I found that my level of patience was noticeably lacking on day one of our vacation. Normally Logan and I travel together just the two of us and although there is flexibility built into our vacation we also have a routine that works for us. Going on vacation with a group of people has its challenges, but the greatest challenge for me was travelling with my dad this time. The three of us shared a room which was beneficial cost wise to both of us. My dad is 80 years old and he has generally enjoyed good health and mobility, but the years are starting to catch up to him and he is beginning to experience health issues related to his age.

Walking anywhere in a huge resort with dad was frustrating right away as his idea of going places involved a leisurely stroll even if we were scheduled to meet up with other people. Apparently I walk too fast. I recognised my lack of patience right away. I didn't like what I was feeling and tried to adjust to the circumstances. Dad gets up 2 - 8 times during the night, so my sleep was not at its optimum. Thankfully Logan is a sound sleeper and he got a good sleep each night. I am grateful that these resorts have qualified and accessible doctors as I was able to get dad in to see the doctor when a health issue presented itself midweek. The doctor was able to prescibe and provide the necessary medication that dad needed. I just had to try and keep him on track with taking the doses and remind him that alcohol was not a good idea while taking medication. The role of parent-child is definitely changing between myself and my dad, and that can be challenging for both of us.

I can look back over the years and remember times when I have had a remarkable amount of patience given the circumstances. When I delve deeper into those moments I realise that I was able to stay grounded and centered because I was living more in the moment, allowed myself to be open and released others and myself from expectations. Stress and anxiety are then decreased and patience is increased. The ability to problem solve is also increased, all while maintaining balance and staying grounded.

Anything or anyone can become a trigger that upsets that delicate balance no matter how relaxed, grounded and easy going a person may be. Awareness and taking action is necessary to reduce stress and anxiety as it occurs. Recognise what is happening, why it is happening and how can you get back on track.

Michele Ward