Deep Thoughts*
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On Friendship*
I’ve been thinking a lot about friendship lately. A few years ago I reconnected with some of my best girlfriends from my childhood via a Facebook messenger chat. What began as a space to organize a Secret Santa gift exchange has become a years long running conversation with some of my favorite people on the planet. I’m SO grateful that I was included in the original exchange–we now live in multiple provinces and cities, and the real gift for me that year was getting back in touch with a group of incredible women, some that I’ve known since grade one. I had a conversation with them earlier this week about…
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To the woman in this photograph,
I know that your body doesn’t look quite the same as you remember. It’s curvier. Heavier. Softer. It sags in some places and groans in others. Your clothes don’t all fit. I know that’s the third shirt you tried on today… and you only “settled” on it because you felt like there was nothing else. I know that your first instinct is to hide away. You don’t want to be seen like this because it doesn’t feel like you. You judge yourself and bear the weight of perceived expectations. You compare your progress to others, and feel disappointment and shame when your journey is different. But… you are different. When…
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Looking for Peace*
I’ve been wrestling with something lately.(Sorry, this is a bit of a long one.) It feels a little like I’m at war with myself. One half pushing for the things I feel that I “should” do because it’s expected of me, and I hate feeling like I’ve let anyone down. The side that always says “yes” because it’s easier than dealing with the discomfort that can come with saying no. The other side is quieter. It knows my heart better. It knows my limits. My anxiety. It understands that what is right for me may not be the same for someone else. It bucks trends or expectations and focuses on…
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Let’s Judge a Little Less*
I just read an article about a coyote attack at a park in a city not far from me. It was the second incident in under a week–two different parks, but in both instances a child had been bitten. The headline and story were upsetting, but the comments below it were what truly bothered me. “These children need to be taught better.’ “Where were the parents?” “What kind of parent would allow a child to approach a coyote / wild animal? I would NEVER do that.” “So sad when parents don’t watch their kids at the park.” “I bet the mom was on her phone. I see it every day.”…
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Today I had a little reminder to check my privilege.
After seeing a comment and message about some of the options I had on my “no screens activity list”, I wanted to explain something. Well, a couple of things, actually. The options on that list weren’t meant to be me showing off. My kids came up with 90% of what was there. It’s a big list, and we are definitely privileged to have so many options available to us. But here’s the thing: we have so many options for two big reasons. First, I live very frugally. I save, shop sales, thrift shop and watch community sites where people near me are passing things on for a reasonable price. Second,…