Be the Change

So... is it possible that you're like me? Tired of complaining and whining about a world that's increasingly NOT going your way? Knowing you're not alone may be a consolation but don't we know that revolutions and change never happened out of wishful thinking.

The only answer: get involved, be the change! However small, do something: draw, sing, march, write, sign a petition, be an example to your children, your neighbour, your friend. The results may be out of your hands, but you will surely feel some measure of empowerment. 

Plus, who knows what might happen if we ALL do it.

Winter Blahs

 

                                                     Photo Karine Borrowman 2014

Understatement: in my part of the world, this time of year can be greatly challenging (ask any travel agent). Unless you’re a winter sports addict, this cheerless season has already lingered too long. She (or is it a he?) is insidious but no less real: I for one, keep struggling to produce creative thoughts, let alone get anything done. Those complex juices in my brain  just aren’t flowing. Misery? Totally.

Call it Zen, therapeutic, the label hardly matters. Try gratitude: before bedtime, make a list (preferably in writing) of five happenings you are grateful for today. Small and simple will do: a friendly phone call made or received, the smell of fresh coffee or clean laundry, a bright splash of sunshine through your window, or the absence of flu. 

It’s proven that, regularly maintained, this form of positive energy will keep expanding in your brain. Until the redeeming spring awakens (and well beyond), it will be sure to counter those gloomy thoughts and surly winter devils. 

And remember, though this recipe is recommended to fight the blues of a certain season, it’s only wise to apply it year round. 

Give thanks and count your blessings!

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Another year...

For better or for worse, it' s here and life must go on, doesn't it?

On the topic of life, no imagery seems more in sync with reality than the toilet paper roll syndrome: the closer to the end, the faster it unwinds. That's just the way it is. And don't fool yourself, however hard you try, the process cannot be reverted (Botox & Co., beware). That said however, this process is neither constant nor regular. In other words, it's unpredictable.

In my case, unpredictable is an understatement and I'm allowing myself here to tell you about my year (don't worry, I'll make this short).

It all started smoothly enough, then sometime in the spring life suddenly became very puzzling. A wicked spirit seemed to have thrown me a curse and I was rapidly left with a mere shadow of myself, a person I didn't know: a strange power had taken over my body and mind. I was lost.

Happily, a number of remarkable professionals addressed that minor (well, not so minor) inconvenience over the next few months. Through this slow and at times frustrating process, with precious support from family and friends I was to reinvent myself, accept change, not to mention tame the thorny art of letting go. A tall order indeed! The good news is that encouraging results eventually materialized, though I learned that Evil Spirit only agrees to fade at its own pace. Patience was key.

Now, thankfully, my mysterious predicament has much improved. Oddly enough, I can now say that my unprecedented year was a true blessing in disguise.

Thus my toilet paper roll unfolds.