Weekly Thoughts...

The air outside is reflecting just another addition that shows where our world is positioned. On top of complete changes in everyday routines and in addition to the anxiety and uncertainty, we are now facing the impact of climate change when we walk outside and sense the forests burning.

As a health care provider, I am sitting with the frailty that folks with pre-existing health conditions are experiencing with yet another threat to their health. I am sitting with the vulnerability of new parents, parents of teens, and parents of young adults who are facing a future that will not be what we have known up to this point as they face the start of schools. I am sitting with the worries of the many individuals who are going through career changes, divorce, and life transitions, let with no timelines and uncertainty.

In these moments, I am seeing the power the lies in individuals taking it day by day. But not passive days. Not waiting days to "get through it until we return". If anything now more than ever the power lies in in engaging in active and present days. Active checking in, active compassion towards yourself, active mindfulness around what nourishes you, active push to decide the time is now to purse that "thing" that you have put off that would mean the world to your sense of self to incorporate into your life.

The collective call for us to take individual steps for collective improvement is loud. Examine your contribution to the environmental stress, even if it is one step you take in this month to lessen your impact, it means a lot. There are a lot of local, provincial and federal protests for big projects that will further endanger our environment. There is no reason why any of us are above thinking and taking action. Not when we are reaching some irreversible states in our world and we are robbing future generations of the right to health and connection with nature.

Apathy, exhaustion, low energy, unmeaningful consumption. Right now is not the time. I hope you can find a fire to power through health-empowering routines. I hope you can do one activity to try to alleviate your mental stress. I hope you can create one connection with nature and being environmentally friendly to show you care. Use the current air that burns your lungs to create that fire and determination to commit to doing better. We must do better and we will. Please don't forget your mask or a big self embrace for doing the best you can :)