

Here are some daily practices to help keep our hearts healthy.

You’ve heard it before, “just focus on the positive”. While the intention is good, the phrase often comes off as dismissive, especially as many are having mixed – and very real – feelings about their current circumstances. “Be positive”, or “look on the bright side” may not help you find the state of mind that you wish for, and denying your feelings of grief, sadness, or negativity has its own consequences.
Cue gratitude, the practice of taking note of what is going right and feeling appreciation or thankfulness.
According to studies, gratitude is associated with higher levels of emotional wellbeing. People who are grateful feel less pain, less stress, suffer insomnia less, have stronger immune systems, experience healthier relationships, and do better academically and professional. Psychology Today (December 23, 2019)
Deborah Connors, a workplace coach explains: “When we express gratitude, our brains release dopamine and serotonin (the so-called “happiness hormones”), which change the way we take in information, opening our minds to new ideas and allowing us to become more resilient, engaged, optimistic, and creative. We even sleep better and have more of a sense of purpose”. Deborah Conners (November 9, 2021)
Sounds great, so how do you do it? It’s much simpler than you think, and of the many habits to improve wellbeing this one is very manageable in a busy schedule. It doesn’t need to take any longer than a few minutes (unless you want to take longer, in which case go for it!).
TRY THIS:
Travers, M. (2019, December 23). Five Insights on Gratitude. PsychologyToday.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/201912/five-insights-gratitude
Connors, D. (2021, November 9). Grief and Gratitude: How Focusing on What is Going Right Can Help. Deborahconnors.com. https://deborahconnors.com/how-to-focus-on-what-is-going-right-through-gratitude/

I am one of those people that wants to find the perfect gift for each person on my list, I give it a lot of thought and plan early to avoid delays or items sold out. I also want to find the best price. I set a budget and my goal is to get each item under. I typically start late September, early October.
Welcome to the greater Vancouver area, where rain falls at least four months of the year.
When I moved here three years ago, I really had to change my perspective on things. I moved from Ontario where most days it was sunny, on the heavy rain days which when I look back seemed like fewer than more, I would use those days for rest.
Coming to Vancouver, I faced the reality that it rains and rains and rains some more. I told myself I surely could not workout for four months in the rainy season, so I had to mentally change my outlook on rain.
My first thought was that I need good rain gear. If I am going to be running or hiking in the rain, including my children we need good rain gear. This helps prevent blisters, completely soaked feet, and getting cold.
Well I don’t think I have been the only one these past two weeks, but there sure have been many mornings when I left the house to take the children to school and we were driving in the dark. I cannot lie, it does feel strange to drop and pick them up in the dark, but I don’t find it really bothers me, at least I don’t think it does. Maybe I have found my own ways to cope, but I know it can be hard on many of you, so here are a few of my ways that I think helps me through the darker mornings. Read More→
For most of us in BC this recent flood events have affected us in some way. Maybe you weren’t affected directly, but you have seen the store shelves bare or the lineups at the gas station and you have had to adjust accordingly. As we all sit tight hoping this won’t be long term, I think it is important to be smart and prepare for the unknown of this crisis. Meatless dinners, conserving gas, meal planning, using reusable water bottles are just a few ways you can help things go a little further in your household. 
Our current reality is that this pandemic is still with us. The statistics are showing us that children are being affected more so than before. Many of you have probably had children or children that you know go through an isolation. At first, it probably feels a bit overwhelming getting the notice that your children must stay home, no community and the only place they can go to is the forest. School is very important and important for children, but instead of looking at the isolation negatively, what if we could make it into a positive experience for our children. I like to call it “The School of Life.” There are many life skills that children can learn at a young age if they are exposed to or given the opportunity. These life skills can help them feel accomplished, confident, and happy.
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