 You probably heard the stories of your parents telling you how times are different now. By the time they were twenty-one, they already had a well-paying job, were already married, and had enough money to buy a house.
They already hit significant milestones at a relatively young age. But with changes in the economy, many young people can't hit these milestones so quickly. Not to say it can't happen. If you login to your social media, you might be able to find a handful of people you went to school with, already achieving many of these milestones in their early twenties. Kids, houses, other types of success, for example. When you compare these friends and what your parents have achieved in their twenties, it can make you feel like you are falling behind in life. It also puts unnecessary pressure on you to "catch up" or question why you aren't there yet. The one thing you should not do is compare. Everybody has a different path in life. Some people managed to get certain things earlier, but it's not wrong to get them later in life either. All because you don't have it now doesn't mean it will never come. Time has also changed. What was once achievable at a younger age is being done much later. Some people aren't buying homes or getting married until they are well into their thirties, for example. With the cost of living going up, many can't afford to buy a house right away. Instead, they are renting a room or moving into apartments. Also, jobs are not what it used to be either. It's challenging, especially when employers ask for two to five years of experience for basic entry-level positions. Not finding a career right away can make you feel like you're falling behind to where you should be. Being in your twenties is a time of self-discovery and a time to not take life so seriously. It's easy to compare and get caught up about how many milestones you're achieving, but you should not let that stop you. Time's are different now. People are living longer and taking their retirements later in life. People aren't settling down as fast, and they are enjoying life in other ways, like travelling and following other passions. Make sure to map out your goals and list what you hope to achieve and remember to always enjoy the ride.
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9/19/2020 0 Comments Do you feel trapped? Do you ever feel trapped?
Like you’re being suffocated and weighed down by an undeniable force? No matter what you do, the pressure is relentless in weighing you down and even doing the simplest task gives you a knotted heaviness in your stomach? If this sounds similar, you’re probably experiencing what many like to call “Being Trapped In Your Mind.” At some time in your life, you’ve probably faced this issue, especially in times like this, where the world has been dealing with a global pandemic that has put us all under quarantine. Your thoughts can definitely become your worst enemy. Here are some tips that could help you if you’re feeling trapped in your head. 1. Write out all of your thoughts. It seems simple and maybe silly but writing out your thoughts, almost like keeping a diary, will help you sort through your thoughts, and once written down, you might find you’re no longer dwelling on them. 2. Find simple little tasks that help you focus on yourself. For me, I close my eyes and take deep breaths. This will allow you to focus on the inner feelings that you need to feel full. 3. If it’s a situation that is overwhelming you, subtract yourself from the problem. Maybe you got into a fight with your parents or the people around you are triggering you, the best resolution is to step away from the situation to get more of a clear mind. Say to them I’m going for a walk, and we can talk more later. At the end of the day, your mental health should always come first. 4. Getting outside and breathing in the fresh air is always helpful. Nature is simplistic and can add a calming element to our everyday lives. Connecting with nature and seeing everything going on around, you will make a massive shift in your mindset. Just stepping outside and seeing how beautiful the world is can change your perspective on everything you do. 6. Find a better outlet. Often, when people get overwhelmed, they turn to something to distract themselves, but it might not be a healthy way to deal with things. Try channelling all the energy you’re wasting on overthinking and stressing into something healthy like working out, cooking, writing or something that will essentially help you grow. 7. Always remind yourself of the good things in your life and how far you’ve come. Most people who have been struggling get so trapped in their current mindset that they cannot realize the amount of growth they have made within themselves in the last couple of years. Yes, the past can be a daunting thing to think about, but being in the present moment and focusing on the now rather than on the past or the future will be a massive game-changer in helping your mental health. It’s not easy to go from being trapped in your mind to being carefree and open to new possibilities. Still, the critical thing to remember is that you are in control of your mind and that relentless force that is weighing you down is something that you can eliminate now from your life once you start working on what’s important you.  Have you ever tried to communicate with someone who has Alzheimer’s, and you end up feeling frustrated and awkward?
Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s can be challenging to deal with daily, but it is achievable. The disease affects the brain in ways that make communication for that individual difficult. Today, over half a million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s, plus about 25,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Listed below are some strategies and things you can do daily to help your family member dealing with Alzheimer’s. Tip 1: Do not ask, “do you remember?” This is a common phrase that most people will find themselves saying to family members they have experienced memories with. The thing to remember about people living with Alzheimer’s, there will be moments they will remember and other moments they will not. Other than asking, “do you remember”? try starting the conversation with a statement. This way, you are not putting them on the spot that could cause them frustration or embarrassment. Tip 2: Never talk down This is a very straight forward tip; talking down to anyone is something most people do not enjoy because it belittles that person. Remember, when making conversation with someone with Alzheimer’s, being kind is the best course of action. Tip 3: Be Patient Although it can be frustrating and upsetting to know someone with Alzheimer’s, patience is the best practice. Never push someone with Alzheimer’s to be who they use to be. Tip 4: Repeat/ remind The best way to care for someone with Alzheimer’s is to put them on a schedule daily. With most patients, activities like dressing, bathing, eating and memory games can keep them on a daily routine they could potentially remember. Tip 5: Be honest with them There is no need to hide things from them. Be honest with them about their disease. Be gentle and remind them of things and if they ask you why they do not remember things, tell them the truth. Tip 6: Keep them involved Do not dis-include them from anything. Keep them updated on family life, work-life and make them feel like their presence is wanted. Tip 7: Focus on feelings It is essential daily to ask them how they feel, focus on their feelings, emotions, and express it to you. Keeping track of their moods throughout the day can help you understand them better, and it can also be a guidance for their doctor. Tip 8: Do not argue Referring back to tip 3, be patient with them. Getting upset with them when they do not remember something will cause frustration among them, along with you. Keep a relaxed tone with them always, so they feel safe where they are. Always remember the person behind the Alzheimer’s. For more information on Alzheimer’s, check out alzheimer.ca 9/12/2020 0 Comments What keeps me organized If you're anything like me, staying organized is more than just a choice; it's a way of life. This year alone has put things into perspective for many. If you want to be more organized and focused, here are some tips that we follow.
1. Write everything down. Even the smallest things can slip your mind when you've got so much going on. Taking notes allows you to look back later on and double-check everything. If you cannot take notes, you can always download a recording app on your phone. 2. Colour coding. This will be your best friend. If you've got multiple businesses/tasks you're involved in, you should consider getting different coloured notebooks for each one, or you can always use one notebook - but write everything in different colours or use coloured dividers. Either way, using some form of colour coding will be vital for keeping you organized. 3. Find a routine and stick to it. Not only will having a routine help you stay focused on things, but it will also help you get things done on time. Set out an hour each day to do work for all the different projects you're involved in. Doing so ensures that things get done while giving you the chance to have a life outside of work. 4. Have multiple calendars. I know it sounds like overkill to have more than one calendar, but having one on your phone will help keep your schedule at your fingertips at all times while having a bigger one that goes into more detail will keep you from forgetting things. Try using the calendar on your phone for your work schedules and any appointments, something you have to remember or do at a specific time. 5. Prioritize. Make a list of everything you need to get done in the day and prioritize essential things on your to-do list. If you get sidetracked by other things, at least you'll have started with the most important things and would have already completed them. Above all else, always be prepared for the plans to change. In today's society, everything is always changing. Something could come up, and you'll have to deviate from your original plan. Don't let that deter you from everything that needs to get done; you have to keep moving forward.  “No one wants to commit suicide, they just want a permanent relief to end their pain.”
For most people you grow up and mature slowly and by the time you’re 18 or 19 you’re considered an “adult" but for me, adulthood came faster than expected. After experiencing a few traumatic incidents in my life, I adopted the belief that 14 year-old me had to grow up and take care of everything in my surroundings. When my mom became ill, I became her caregiver, her therapist and her best friend rather than her child. My mother spent most of my young life battling her own demons, but I had been oblivious to them up until the point that it couldn’t be hidden anymore. It all happened so fast; one minute we were arguing and the next my mom was unresponsive. By that point, silence had become my biggest enemy and I knew the years to come would be an ongoing battle with it. I was trapped in a tunnel aimlessly walking, trying to find a way out. There was so much going on in my head, many lingering thoughts that made sense and when one thought stuck out from the rest, like an easy way through all the hardships. I kept hearing a recurring whisper screaming “You should just end it all now, nobody will miss you, the world would be better without you.” In a way, it was comforting thinking that there could be an easy way out of this and I could just do it now. While on the bathroom floor, the sharp edges of my razor started to intrigue me. “Would it hurt, would it be a relief?” While that thought kept rushing through my mind; I picked up the pink double edged razor debating what my next move was. Then the door to the bathroom suddenly opened and I was brought back to reality. I dropped the razor and I realized I didn’t have it in me. Now, at the age of 24 I can look back at that time in my life and be grateful that I wasn’t able to do it. I’ve learned so much in the last 10 years, but I can also understand why someone gets to that point in their life. I understand feeling like there's no other option for you. It does get better and even when you feel like there’s no one you can turn to, you’re not alone. Here is some resources that you can turn to if you’re struggling: Canadian Mental Health Association 519-255-7440 Distress Centre Windsor-Essex County 519-256-5000 Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre 519-997-2827 Alive! Canada 519-973-4423 Local Hotline 519-973-4435 Teen Health 519-253-8481
Over the past decade, the idea that we are "born this way" has become increasingly important. Coming out as a person that is a part of the LGBTQ+ community is a very personal and life-altering journey.
Regardless of the circumstances, there is no right or wrong way to come out to the people you love. Some people of the LGBT community choose to come out in a public way, some just to family and friends, where others choose not to share their stories out of fear of judgment or not being accepted based on the public's view on sexuality. Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, which attracts over 7,000 people each year to the downtown core and took place in June, got cancelled due to the pandemic, which left many missing out on being their full authentic selves that day. 23-year-old Elijah Gauthier, who recently came out about his sexuality this year, said he's never been to pride and was looking forward to it. "I just came out to my family and some friends back in January, I've never been to Pride, but it would have been something I would have loved to have gone to." Gauthier, who discovered when he was eight-years-old that he was attracted to the same sex, expressed that over the years, he felt the need to hide his sexuality due to his religion and the fear that people would look at him differently. "Growing up in a Christian household while also attending a Christian school, I was constantly told that homosexuality was a sin, and that was all I was surrounded by," shared Gauthier. "I was so fearful of my family kicking me out or never talking to me again." Even though the significant changes in the laws and norms surrounding same-sex marriage have changed over the years, public acceptance of homosexuality remains divided throughout countries, races and religions. After Gauthier came out to his family and friends, he felt a complete shift in his confidence and regardless of the acceptance people had towards his sexuality, he was tired of hiding who he was. "My advice is to come out when you're ready," explained Gauthier. "There are so many people that have a past and are embarrassed about it, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about, it's your sexuality, and you should take full pride in it." This month, Pride Fest Windsor-Essex is celebrating virtually by doing an online community celebration at home from September 11 to the 13th. For more information on Windsor’s Pride Fest check out https://www.wepridefest.com/. |
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