In this moment

 

 

This year marks the first time since being on maternity leave 10 years ago, that I have spent the Christmas break not working. Mostly due to not having enough vacation time, or not having the seniority. Whatever the case, this year I had the time, and I am now in a unit that allows for me to take two weeks off over the break.

 

So, here I sit, trying to figure out what to do with this time. I have to admit, before I made a list, it was quite overwhelming. There are so many things I want to accomplish , but yet want to enjoy my time with my girls and relax. As I think about my list, and my goals for the coming months, I have come to the conclusion that I need to take the days as they come, and keep my list in front of me. I don't wish to keep a tight schedule - I mean the idea is to relax right? So, I'll take one day at a time, and I fully intend on living in the moment.

 

 

 

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Pink

I missed blogging last week, and am finding it more difficult to write today due to the recent tragedy in the US. Something like that always makes me want to hold my children closer, and my heart bleeds for those families that cannot do that any longer. Our children are our future and they hold an amazing amount of potential.

And part of that potential lies in helping them to understand mental illness so that they can see past the stigmas, and have compassion and empathy for those that struggle with mental illness.

I see so much of what we do at Silent River Kung Fu and through the Silent River Benevolent Foundation as a fantastic tool to empower our youth. Every charitable act that we perform has a positive impact both on the giver and the receiver. Our acts of kindness span our community and the globe - with projects as far away as Nepal and Malawi, and as close to home as the senior down the the street, the results are easy to see and feel.

One of the tools we use to spread awareness is our lion dance and I feel blessed to be a part of it. My sense of community grows with every practice, and I love demonstrating our passion every Chinese New Year. It's a little something to help keep me positive in light of the tragedies that surround us.

( by the way, our pink lion is my favourite!)

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Oma Doll

Meet Oma doll.

My youngest daughter asked me to make her a doll that looked like her late Oma shortly after she passed away. It shook me at first, but I started to work on it over the summer and am 98% finished. It was emotionally draining for me, but perhaps it was a little bit healing too.

My best friend asked me what the heck I was doing making this doll, and all I said was I think this is what my girl needs to heal, and if this helps her, than I have to make it. It is all hand sewn, and made with more love than I have put into making anything before.

My daughter hugged it tonight, and I know it was the right thing to do. It still hurts like crazy, but we have each other, and take one day at a time.

On another note, I just got back two of mom's quilt tops that I had sent out to be quilted. I just have to do the binding and they are ready to be given away. One is for my oldest daughter, and while I am going to try to have it ready for her birthday, it might end up being for Christmas.

It's nice having a few of these projects end as I feel I have so many on the go. But again, one day at a time.

I miss you mom.

An Act of Kindness and Gratitude

I just read Sifu Regier's blog, http://darcyregier.blogspot.ca, and it really touched me. I had been wondering about Sifu Rybak's Operation Pistachio, and now I understand.

She did something fantastic for Sifu Regier (I am assuming with the I Ho Chuan team's help) and it truly humbled me. It really proves how much of a difference an act of kindness can do. I promise that it had enormous benefits for all parties involved, and I encourage everyone to read both Sifu Regier and Sifu Rybak's blog "Operation Pistachio Part II". (I tried to put the blog's link in here, but I think it will only let me add one).

You guys are truly inspiring! Keep doing the wonderful things you are doing, the school sees it, and we are benefitting from the warm fuzzies that are occurring. It's a great example for us all to aspire to.

Butterfly Breath

I have been working on a project lately that is both very challenging mentally, but at the same time it's almost mindless. Basically it's something that I could do with my eyes shut (almost) but it's very emotionally draining.

It has been good for me though. I am very determined to see this through, and I am almost done. Which makes it hard to put down, because I want to give my brain a break.

It's the kind of project which reminds me to breathe in and out, and to reflect on the things that are important to me.

So when things seem tough, or your stress is at it's limit, or you feel discouraged, remember to breathe in and out remind yourself of where you are.

Can't put it off any longer

 

Yes, I am talking about this blog. I know it has tremendous value, and maybe it's because I missed last week, but writing today has been very difficult.

There is a lot going on in my head right now, lists of things I want to do, lists of things I need to do, and a blank list.

Why a blank list? I start in a different position at work this week, and I have no idea what it really is. There have been some duties thrown out there, but nothing is cemented. My boss says "Make it yours". Um, ok.

This is a whole new opportunity for me. One that holds many possibilities. One that makes my palms sweat because I am diving into an unknown. However, this is where my Kung Fu comes in.

I have always trusted my instructors to lead me in the right direction, and through them, I have learned to trust myself more. If I work hard, I can begin to master this new path. The path to black belt was laid out for me, but I still had to make my own way, in my own time. After black belt, I continued to forge my own path with patience and discipline. I know the same will apply at work.

So, bring it on!

 

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Depression

Abraham Lincoln, Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Isaac Newton, Mark Twain and Teddy Roosevelt. A handful of well knowns who battled depression.

 

Depression, along with all other mental illnesses are still stigmatized even though its been noted throughout history.

 

A person with depression generally battles with feelings of despair for an extended period of time. It affects all aspects of your life, physically too and can range from mild to severe. For some people they can get through their days, with a bright face on display, and for others getting out of bed is impossible.

 

Its important that we recognize depression, and other mental illnesses and educate ourselves. It's also important that we take a mental picture of where we are at, so perhaps we can find help for ourselves if we need it. Its ok to ask for help. It's ok to lean. But it's not ok to feel sad all the time.

 

I encourage everyone, to learn what you can about depression, or any other mental illness that you may have been touched by. If more people are educated about mental illness, we can share more empathy and compassion with those affected.

 

 

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