|
3/21/2023 0 Comments Are you Self-Sabotaging? Self-sabotage is a common behaviour that can prevent us from achieving our goals and living our best life. It can manifest in many different ways, from procrastination to self-doubt, and perfectionism. In addition, self-sabotage can be a result of fear, insecurity, or a lack of self-confidence.
To stop sabotaging yourself, we'll explore what it is, how to identify the triggers and strategies for overcoming it. Identifying the triggers of self-sabotage. In order to overcome self-sabotage, it's essential to identify the triggers that lead to it. For example, a lot of people sabotage themselves as a way to avoid failing at something. If you don't try, you won't fail, right? So dig deep and find what triggers you to sabotage yourself. Common triggers include fear of failure, fear of success, perfectionism, and negative self-talk. Once you've identified the triggers, you can begin to work on overcoming them and you can start breaking down the walls of what’s preventing you from achieving what you want. Strategies for overcoming self-sabotage. Once you've identified your self-sabotage triggers, you can begin to work on overcoming them. Some strategies for overcoming self-sabotage include:
Self-sabotage can be challenging to overcome, but it is possible. By identifying your self-sabotage triggers, developing a growth mindset, developing healthy habits and routines, and building self-confidence, you can begin to break the cycle of self-sabotage and start achieving your goals.
0 Comments
3/14/2023 0 Comments 12 Ways to Boost Your Energy Are you struggling to find the energy to get through the winter months? You're not alone. Winter and seasonal depression can cause a decrease in mood and energy.
Also, since it's too cold and gets dark earlier, it can make you feel unmotivated to do the things you love. Thankfully, there are ways to beat these winter blues, and we will look at 12 energy-boosting ideas to help you fight them. 1. Increase exposure to natural light: One way to combat the effects of winter is to increase your exposure to natural light. For example, try to spend more time outside during the day or invest in a light therapy lamp to help keep your circadian rhythm in check. 2. Regular exercise routine: Exercise is a natural mood booster and essential during the winter months. Even if you don't enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of indoor workouts that you can do from the comfort of your own home. 3. Get a good night's sleep: Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. If you're having trouble getting enough sleep, try establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a relaxing sleep environment. 4. Adopt a healthy and balanced diet: Eating a healthy diet is important for maintaining your energy levels and overall health. Make sure to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, as well as staying hydrated with water and herbal teas. 5. Consider taking vitamin D supplements: Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem during winter, as people spend less time in the sun. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement to help boost your mood and energy levels. 6. Participate in outdoor activities: While staying inside and hibernating during the winter may be tempting, getting outside and participating in outdoor activities can help boost your mood and energy levels. 7. Try aromatherapy or essential oils: Aromatherapy and essential oils can powerfully impact your mood and energy levels. Try using a diffuser with essential oils like peppermint or lemon to help boost your energy. 8. Spend quality time with loved ones: Spending time with loved ones is important for your mental health and well-being. Make an effort to plan fun activities with friends and family to combat the winter blues. 9. Practice mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and increase energy levels. Consider starting a regular mindfulness or meditation practice to help combat the effects of winter. 10. Listen to uplifting music and podcasts: Listening to music and podcasts that lift your mood can help combat the winter blues. Create a playlist of your favourite songs, or find a podcast that inspires you to stay motivated and energized. 11. Get involved in a new hobby or project: Starting a new hobby or project can help combat boredom and improve your mood and energy levels. Consider trying something new, like painting, knitting, or learning a new language. 12. Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling with severe winter blues or seasonal affective disorder, consider seeking professional help. A therapist or counsellor can help you manage your symptoms and develop coping mechanisms to combat seasonal depression. Beating the winter blues is possible. By implementing these 12 energy-boosting ideas, you can combat seasonal depression and enjoy the winter season to the fullest. Remember to care for your body and mind and seek professional help if needed. 3/7/2023 0 Comments The Power of Women Women have always been an integral part of society, yet for a long time, they were systematically excluded from positions of power and authority. However, times are changing, and women are now more powerful than ever before. From politics to business to social activism, women are taking the lead and making a significant impact.
The power of women lies in their ability to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. Women bring a unique perspective that comes from their lived experiences and their approach to problem-solving. They are often better at collaboration and communication, which are essential skills in any organization or community. Women have made significant strides in the political arena. In 2021, Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and the first woman of colour to become the Vice President of the United States. Many other women have also made significant progress in politics, both in the US and around the world. Women like Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, and Sanna Marin are leading their countries with grace and intelligence, showing that women can be just as effective leaders as men. In business, women are breaking down barriers and making strides towards gender equality. More women are taking on leadership roles, and female entrepreneurship is on the rise. Women are also demanding equal pay and breaking the glass ceiling in male-dominated industries. The success of women in business is an inspiration to girls and young women everywhere, showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Women are also making a significant impact in social activism. From the #MeToo movement to Black Lives Matter, women have been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting for equal rights and opportunities for all. Women have also played a vital role in environmental activism, working towards a more sustainable future. The power of women is not just limited to these areas. Women are excelling in all fields, from science and technology to the arts and literature. Women are making their mark on the world and inspiring the next generation of women to do the same. In conclusion, the power of women is undeniable. Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to the table, making them effective leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists. It's time for society to recognize and celebrate the power of women and support them in their quest for equality and justice. The future is female, and we should all be proud of that fact. For this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women that are making a difference daily, the women who are putting others first before themselves, the women who are working in male dominated roles, the women who refuse to take no as an answer. The future is truly female! #womenrule 2/27/2023 0 Comments The Power of Daily Intention Setting daily intentions can be a powerful tool for personal growth and achieving one's goals. When you set an intention, you are essentially declaring your purpose or focus for the day. This can help you to stay motivated, stay on track, and be more productive.
Here are some of the ways in which setting daily intentions can be powerful:
2/6/2023 0 Comments Galentine’s Day: How a Made-Up Holiday Became a Celebration of Female Friendships Romance isn’t the only thing you should be focusing on this February. Galentine’s day is just all about celebrating ladies.
Between multiple Valentine’s day commercials and romantic movies, it can be easy to forget that true love isn’t only between lovers. Love is also about the ladies who have been there for you through your ups and downs- the ones who text you and congratulate you when you start a new job, the ones that bring you chocolate and flowers after a bad breakup, and the ones who are just generally there for you when you need that certain someone at 2 a.m. So where did the idea of Galentine’s day come from? Ever wish you could live in some of your favorite TV shows? Galentine’s Day will bring you one step closer to living your sitcom dreams, as it was “invented” by Leslie Knope, the fictional mayor of a small town on the show Parks and Recreation who was played by the hilarious Amy Poehler. It started as one of Leslie’s many mini holidays but took on a life of its own because the message resonated with women in real life. What should you do on Galentine’s day? Celebrate one another. As you enter adulthood, it’s hard to focus on your friends as much as you used to. Between jobs, relationships, children and much more, friends seem to come last but that doesn’t have to be the reality with Galentine’s day and any other day. So, go out for dinner, have movie nights, spa days and reflection days with your gal pals. Some of your must try spots for your Galentine’s day: LUNGOVITA BEACH RETREAT Offering for one night only!
NORTH 42 VALENTINE’S DAY MENU February 10-11 & 13-14. Whether you’re celebrating with the love of your life, your best friends, parents or children, come to North 42 to share good times and fine wines. Chef Dave and our culinary team have created an awesome dinner menu that will tantalize your taste buds for this special day. Book table by via phone. North 42 Degrees Estate Winery 130 County Road 50, Harrow 519-738-6111 THE RUSTIC TABLE BAR AND GRILL This one is for the BOOKS! This chiq and cozy restaurant location in Tecumseh is the perfect getaway restaurant where you can get incredible food, incredible prices and one beautiful atmosphere. Not only is the food to die for, but the service is incredible and on top of all of it, everything is locally sourced. You need to check them out! www.therustictablebarandgrill.com 1/24/2023 0 Comments Has The Work World Changed You? The work world has changed us all in some way or another. Whether it's the hours we work, the people we interact with, our environment, or how work has significantly impacted our mental health.
Whichever way it is, it's essential to understand how our working environment can affect us and how to care for ourselves when we feel the heavy pressures of working. Because of the pandemic, a lot of our work environments look different. Some of us have returned to our workplace, but some continue working from home, where our living space doubles as an office. Of course, you need to differentiate your living space and workspace, but those spaces can get blurred in this new way people work. Whether you're home or in the office, your working environment can significantly impact your mental health. It can lead to depression, exhaustion, and burnout if you don't take the time to care for yourself properly. Burnout Burnout is a common issue that can arise from working too much. Burnout can cause us to feel unmotivated and unproductive, making it harder to focus on daily tasks. Working long hours, dealing with difficult people, and feeling overwhelmed can also contribute to severe mental and physical exhaustion. It's essential to recognize your body's signs and take steps to address them. What's the most critical factor when it comes to avoiding burnout? The most important is knowing when to sign off for the day. When working from home, it's very easy to keep working or check emails after the workday ends, but you must know when to log off. Nothing's so important that it can't wait for the next business day, unless you're on a tight deadline. Taking care of your mental health is essential for staying productive and healthy. Taking breaks throughout the day, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy is critical for maintaining good mental health. Additionally, it's essential to unwind and relax after your work is done. Taking a walk, reading a book, or listening to music can all help to reduce stress. It can also allow us to disengage and disassociate from the work we did for eight hours. Exercise can also be a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Taking time to connect with friends and family can also reduce stress and give you a sense of support. How to talk to your manager if you're feeling burnt out If you're feeling overwhelmed at work, you can also talk to your manager or boss about how you feel. If work is the problem, feel free to take the necessary steps to get a handle on it and discuss reasonable expectations with your boss about what you’re experiencing.
It's essential to recognize the signs of mental health issues and take steps to address them. You can stay productive and healthy in the work world by taking care of yourself. Final Word In conclusion, it's essential to recognize how the work world has changed us by taking steps to care for our mental and physical wellness. Taking time to unwind, disconnecting from work, and caring for yourself when you're exhausted can help reduce stress and keep you healthy and happy. 1/16/2023 0 Comments Better Ways to Love Yourself Loving yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your mental and emotional health. Of course, it can be challenging, especially when you’re feeling down or overwhelmed. But it’s essential to take the time to practice self-love and self-care.
First, it’s important to understand why self-love is so important. Self-love is the foundation of our mental and emotional well-being. It helps us to feel secure, confident, and content in our lives. Without it, we can become overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings, leading to depression and anxiety. Once you understand the importance of self-love, it’s time to start practicing it. Here are some tips to help you on your journey: First, take time to recognize your positive qualities. Make a list of all the things you like about yourself and all the things you’re proud of. This can be anything from your physical appearance to your accomplishments. Remind yourself of these things when you’re feeling down. Second, practice positive self-talk. Instead of focusing on your flaws, focus on the things you like about yourself. When negative thoughts come up, try to counter them with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” think: “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.” Third, take time to do things that make you feel good. Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and unwind. This could be anything from taking a bubble bath to walking. Find activities that make you feel relaxed and happy. Fourth, prioritize mental health. Make sure to take care of your mental health by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. And finally, work on building your confidence. Take small steps to challenge yourself and push your boundaries. This could be anything from trying a new hobby to speaking up in a meeting. Take steps to build your confidence by setting small goals and celebrating your successes. By practicing self-love, you can create a strong foundation for your mental and emotional well-being. It’s important to remember that self-love is a journey, and it takes time and effort to cultivate it. But with patience and dedication, you can learn to love yourself more. Learning to love ourselves and appreciate all that we have to give to the world is one of the many steps to self love. It takes time, dedication to ourselves, and strength to continue down this path of love and acceptance. It’s possible! 1/9/2023 0 Comments Therapy is cool Just like anyone else, I have been through my fair share of trauma and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. I have learned to cope. I have learned to shove things down- painful memories, sad memories, scary memories, my own shortcomings, in order to survive. We have all learned to cope in our own ways.
For the longest time, I put off going to therapy. The excuses were endless. “I don’t need therapy, I just have small issues, not big ones.” “Therapy is for people who are really truly suffering from something traumatic.” “Therapy is only for people with mental disorders or illnesses.” Years and years of telling myself that I didn’t need therapy and I always had a reason, but the biggest reason was because I wasn’t ready to face my pain yet. Over years of practice, I have conditioned myself not to feel emotional pain or negative feelings. I have gotten very good at not getting hurt. But the longer I went without getting help for myself the worse it got. I used to think therapy or counseling was only for people with mental illnesses, traumatic events happening in life, or some sort of addiction. But the truth is, therapy is for us all. Therapy is for the person seeking to become more self-aware, emotionally healthy, and quit coping their way through life. Honestly, therapy is pretty damn cool. “Therapy is not for weak people.” “Therapy is for those who want to live in their strength and true potential.” “Therapy is not for broken people.” “Therapy is for those who want to live healed and whole.” “Therapy is for sick people.” “Therapy is for people who value their health and want to see change.” Truthfully, therapy is there to help you learn a better way to cope and to move forward some of the things that are holding you back. It truly is for everyone. It is for humans. Normal people, if there is such a thing. The playing field is level. And we all have hurt. We all have needs. No one is exempt from pain on their journey. So, don’t walk it alone. Why not just give therapy a try? 1/1/2023 0 Comments Do you fear your own success? Whether you’re younger or older, at the top of your game or just starting out in the working world, fearing your own success is a very real and pervasive thing that can dramatically undermine your happiness.
When we suffer from the fear of our own success, we may subconsciously self sabotage ourselves in certain ways like turning away opportunities, not choosing the right opportunities, or not going after what we truly want, leaving ourselves feeling unfulfilled. If we truly want to find out what brings us the ultimate joy in our life, we have to first come to a realization of what’s holding us back from having it all. A growing fear of success: More often than not, we find our fear of succeeding between our desire to flourish and our deep rooted insecurities that are telling us we are not allowed to have success in our lives. Hitting the big time or getting what we desire can be a scary idea, but what’s even scarier is staying still and not moving forward. “Comfort and the fear of change are the greatest enemies of success.” When we allow ourselves to remain stuck, detach ourselves from positive environments and people, we deny ourselves the ability of experiencing happiness and fulfillment. Being happy means being completely confident in who we are and what we do. It means letting go of the idea that we aren’t good enough and replacing it with the words, “I am enough.” How we can use our fears to manifest our success: Stop yourself! Once you recognize your fear of being successful coming up, or the thought that you are not good enough, it’s time to rewire your brain. Rethink your thought process, take the time to heal and say it out loud, I am GOOD enough. I am DESERVING of it all. Fear plays an important role in our everyday lives, it kicks us into shape and helps us realize what we still need to work on within ourselves. 1. Fail Faster This is the worst part of finding success in your life. Failure is not an option in many people's books but what most don’t realize is when you fail faster, it gives you the space to learn faster. With failure comes success. 2. Cut out negative influences I promise you there will be negative people in your life who will only show you support when it benefits them. It takes time to learn who your true circle is, but this is a part of growth and essentially life. Cutting out the people who influence you negativity is a crucial step in developing a strong relationship with yourself. 3. Get uncomfortable It’s called your comfort zone for a reason. Staying in the same spot is comfortable because it’s the only thing you’ve allowed yourself to know. But growth doesn’t happen inside our comfort zones, it happens when we step outside of our zones and allow ourselves to see a whole new world of opportunity and hope. Step outside and do something that makes you uncomfortable! Let go of your fear of success, and unleash yourself in ways that are both transformational and life-affirming. We find fulfillment through achieving our goals, and we do this by finding our confidence and establishing our self-worth. If you want to stop being scared of your full potential, you have to embrace the uncertainty of a future that is built entirely by you.  The holiday season is a stressful time for everyone. If you're not trying to find the perfect gift for that friend or family member, you're probably busy cooking for your family dinner or trying to finalize plans for when everyone can get together to celebrate Christmas.
The malls and parking lots are packed, the traffic is crazier than usual and everyone is doing their last minute holiday shopping. What is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it really about the presents under the tree or about being with your family and spreading positivity and hope to those that need it? This is your reminder to be patient, caring and respectful with workers when they don't have or can't find the item that you're looking for. Remember that if a store is sold out of the toy, game, or clothing item that you are looking to buy as a gift, it's not the worker's fault. They are merely the messenger. When you're standing in that long Christmas line trying to purchase your items, remember that the line is moving just as slowly for everyone there. Remember that the lines are always crazy during this time of the year. Remember that the cashier is doing their best to get everyone through the line in a reasonable time. Remember that the restaurant worker that messed up your order might just be overwhelmed with everything else happening around them, remember the post office worker did not mean to deliver your package late, they were just busy with all the other orders that needed to be delivered today. Remember, your family bought you the best present that they could afford. The holiday season is truly about reconnecting, rekindling and spreading joy to one another. It’s about coming together again and spending time with the people you love the most. It’s about giving back to those who need it and reminding those that you love, that you are there for them no matter what. So, this holiday season, let’s spread love and joy and be kind to one another. 11/28/2022 0 Comments Pursuing Your Creativity A lot of people have creativity inside of them. Whether through writing, painting, drawing, or music, most of us have a creative outlet to express ourselves and unwind. Being creative can help relieve stress, improve our moods, and boost our self-esteem.
However, many people think they are not creative because they don't consider themselves "artistic." On the contrary, it is about using our imaginations to develop new ideas and ways of doing things. We can be creative in everything we do, from decorating our homes to parenting our children. Pursuing our creativity can also help us connect with others with similar interests. Pursuing our creativity can also help us to express ourselves in new and unique ways. It can be a fun and rewarding experience to explore our creative side. However, many people never pursue their creativity because they fear failure. They think that if they can't do something perfectly, they shouldn't bother trying at all. But the truth is failure is a part of the creative process. If we never try new things or take risks, we will never be able to create anything new or exciting. So when it comes to becoming more creative in your everyday life, you need to be open to failure and be willing to experiment. Another reason why people might not pursue their creativity is because they are afraid of what others will think. They might worry that their friends and family will not approve or believe it's something they will never make enough money at. Some people make money by pursuing a creative career, but we shouldn't look at creativity as only a way to make money. Instead, we should look at creativity as a way to express our true selves and have fun. If you are creative, your creative energy should flow out of you to decompress after a stressful day and be part of your self-care routine. Allow yourself to daydream. Allow yourself to paint and doodle on a piece of paper. Don't hold back, and have fun with it. Even if you don't work in a creative field, you can still incorporate some creative decision-making into your everyday life by brainstorming or thinking up new ideas or solutions to your everyday problems at work. Creativity is not something you are born with; it is something you can develop. So if you want to be more creative, it is essential to give yourself time and space to explore new ideas.  With November being Woman Abuse Prevention Month, for the eleventh year in a row, Windsor will be participating in “Shine The Light on Woman Abuse" campaign which started over twelve years ago in London, Ontario.
Each year the campaign calls for community leaders, businesses, organizations, and individuals to collect and raise awareness for the month of November by turning the city purple. The campaign is encouraging community leaders and individuals of the community to wear the colour purple in support of the campaign, as well as wear purple to any organized event for it. As a part of the Shine The Light Campaign, the Hiatus House will be selling purple scarves, ties, scrunchies, and candles to increase awareness. Check below for events and information for this month’s campaign: November 1st - Annual Tree Lighting Where: Charles Clark Square When: November 1st @ 6pm Details: Join us to honour the victims and survivors of woman abuse as we light the tree in Charles Clark Square purple. There will be live speakers and purple merch available for purchase. November 5th & 6th - Bark in the Park Where: Lanspeary Park When: November 5th & 6th from 11am-5pm Details: An event to bring awareness to how woman abuse and domestic violence impacts household pets. There will be entertainment and over 30+ vendors on each day! Saturday November 5th (Bark in the Park details) - Pet Food Drive - Vendors - Face Painting - Pictures with Mrs. Claus - Moreen Dela Cruz (singer) - James Staley (singer) - Jangles the Clown Saturday November 6th (Bark in the Park details) - Pet Food Drive - Vendors - Shine the Light Photo Station - Paw Patrol - Moreen Dela Cruz - James Staley - Jangles - Border City Barkers Check out our social media for the full event schedule! November 15th - Wear Purple Day Join us to support victims and survivors of woman abuse by wearing purple! Tag us on social media @hiatushouse (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) @hiatushousewindsor (Instagram) November 25th - Flag Raising at City Hall Square @ 12pm and the start of 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence/ National Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women  Where pleasure is a feeling we all strive for, why is it taboo for a woman to talk about her sexual preferences? With many doctors stressing about the health benefits that masturbation has for women, it’s still a negative topic to talk about that some people still frown upon. With an overwhelming amount of health benefits, getting into the habit of masturbation is not a bad idea and can help improve your sleep, stress and much more.
So what are some of the benefits? 1. Lowers stress levels While stress is something we all experience at many points in our life, it’s important to help find solutions to lower our overall stress. Just like having an apple a day keeps the doctor away, many suggest, “having an orgasm a day keeps the stress away.” That’s right, many doctors and sexual health experts have said that having an orgasm can cause a hormone called oxytocin to be released into the bloodstream which is usually known as the love hormone. These hormones make you feel lighter and happier, which leads to improved health and well-being and results in reduced stress. 2. Better sleep We are all aware about the benefits of sleep and how it can affect our overall health and well-being if we are not getting the required sleep our bodies need to function. Some research has shown that a hormone called “vasopressin” is released when someone masturbates which is accompanied by another hormone known as melatonin. These hormones help relax your brain and body to allow you to get an effective and better sleep every time. 3. Eases cramps At some point in the month, women experience some unbearable and painful menstrual cramps. Many remedies are used to ease female cramps like, over the counter medication, heating pads and hot water bottles, but did you know masturbation can help ease your cramps as well? During that time of the month, masturbating will release the hormone called endorphin which eases the menstrual pain, relieves stress and reduces the discomfort caused by the cramps. All in all, I guess it’s okay to say that masturbation and having orgasms are okay to have, even for women! Taking care of your sexual health will always help improve your mental and physical well-being. 10/17/2022 1 Comment LGBTQ+ History in Windsor Since October is LGBTQ History Month, we're going to look into some local LGBTQ history that happened right here in Windsor. Windsor has played an essential role throughout the years regarding the queer community and its fight for equality.
So, we'll be shining a spotlight on some of the historical events that you might not be aware of, especially if you live in the Windsor area, as it's not just queer history; it's Windsor history. Windsor has the first recorded death penalty verdict after two soldiers were discovered being intimate in 1842 at Fort Malden. The men, 39-year-old Samuel Moore and 27-year-old Irish labourer Patrick Kelly were not executed but went to prison like many others at the time. In 1972, Windsor's first Gay Liberation group - the Windsor Homophile Association - was started at the University of Windsor. The name changed to Windsor Gay Unity a year later, in 1973. Canada's first Bathhouse raid happened at Etna's Steam Bath on Brant Street in 1964. Queer men would often use bathhouses as a gathering places. When discussing queer history in Canada, the more significant raids, like the bathhouse raid in Toronto in 1981, are typically mentioned, where 150 Toronto police officers raided four local bathhouses and arrested three hundred men. These raids sparked a series of highly publicized rallies and mass protests against the attacks. Thirty-eight other bathhouse raids are also documented from 1968-2004 in cities like Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, and Hamilton. But the first bathhouse raid in Canada happened right here in Windsor at Etna's Steam Bath on Brant Street in 1964, where nine men from Windsor and the states of Michigan and Ohio were charged, and owner Joseph Cepaitis was given a sentence of one year in jail. The First Gay Rights protest in Windsor happened on October 22, 1977 Twenty-four people protested employment discrimination against gays and supported John Damien. Damien, a steward for the Ontario Racing Commission in Toronto, was outed in 1975 and fired. According to The Windsor Star, the Ontario Racing Commission finally settled the case out of court in November 1986 for $50,000. On December 2 that year, the Ontario Human Rights Commission finally added sexual orientation to the human rights code. In 1982, the first reported case of AIDS and the first reported gay person to die of AIDS in Canada was reported in Windsor. In 1990, Windsor also opened the first group home for people living with AIDS in Canada. In 1992, Windsor Pride was founded and held its first festival. Windsor Pride celebrates their 30th anniversary this year. In 2003, saw Harpern vs. Canada. Hedy Halpern and Colleen Halpern successfully sued the Canadian government with seven other couples to recognize same-sex marriage. As a result, same-Sex Marriage bill C-38 would pass in 2005. In 2012, Dr. Kael Sharman became the first Trans man to formally ask the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) to have his name and gender marker changed. In 2016, all GECDSB High schools flew the Rainbow Pride Flag for a week during Pride Month. There's a lot of rich LGBTQ history right here in Windsor. There's a lot more the read up on, so this month, take some time and learn about all the ways Windsor played a part in queer history in Canada. Sources: Windsor Essex 2SLGBTQ Timeline | About (wepridefest.com) Canada's First Gay Bathhouse Raid: Windsor, 1964 – Active History Jarvis: 'I think people stood up and said, 'I have worth' | Windsor Star 10/10/2022 0 Comments The Downside to the Great Resignation Last week, we wrote about The Great Resignation and the rise in "quiet quitting. If you missed it and want to get caught up, you can read about it here:
The Great Resignation - FASHION AND BEAUTY UNITED With the number of people quitting their jobs to find something more fulfilling or a company that treats them better, we also have to look at the other side of the coin with some of the downsides this resignation has on the economy. With "quiet quitting" comes "quiet firing." "Quite Firing" is the opposite of "quiet quitting". It's a passive-aggressive practice where a company, instead of firing its workers, decides to mistreat them in the hope that they either quit the organization on their own or mentally check out of their job so they don't need to give a raise or promote them. Types of "quiet firing" can include:
So if you decide to "quiet quit", look out for "quiet firing" as an attempt not to push you forward in your career. Understaffing Many businesses are struggling everywhere, but not because of the pandemic. Instead, they're struggling to find workers. You might have noticed that in every profession, from the medical field to restaurants to that little shop downtown, employees will tell you: "Please be patient with us - we are understaffed." We know there's a shift in employee mindsets. People want to be treated better and understand what they're worth. We saw how the healthcare system treated its nurses. We saw how the government shut down small businesses longer than it should have. Today's labour shortage in industries like health care and the service industry get linked to the idea that people don't want to work. But the truth is they aren't getting paid enough. Unfortunately, due to COVID and inflation, can people even be in a position not to work? Are people just being lazy and entitled? Shouldn't people be taking work where they can get it? Investing more in workers, offering training and career development, and paying them well can help people stay. More people are retiring in record numbers. As the baby boomer generation continues to retire and Gen X begins to reach retirement age, there will be gaps in the workplace that need to be filled. But, unfortunately, there don't seem to be enough people to fill the positions. According to the Toronto Post, the number of Canadians who retired jumped almost 50 per cent in the last year. It's a trend that isn't likely to slow down. Overall, with more people reaching the age of retirement, resigning, and "quiet quitting, " there is a shift in the workplace that both businesses and employees must adapt to build a better future for both to succeed. 10/4/2022 0 Comments The Great Resignation "Please be patient with us - we are understaffed."
You might have noticed this sign in the storefront windows of many businesses lately - from shops to restaurants. While some people have the luxury of doing their jobs at home, other employees have seen layoffs and even lost their jobs as their businesses ultimately couldn't recover from the lockdowns. Over the last two years, job security and financial worry have created a lot of stress as the economy was thrown into an uncertain situation. Adding inflation to the mix and supply issues across the board from the automotive and food industries only add to this economic tension. Because of this anxiety, people are reflecting on their current job situations, as how people view their jobs and careers has shifted since COVID began. Despite financial uncertainty, a wave of people are quitting their jobs in "The Great Resignation", a movement where people quit en masse because they are dissatisfied with their current job situation and hope to pursue something better. According to a recent survey by ADP Canada Co., roughly a quarter of Canadian workers (24 per cent) have changed jobs recently to take chances on new job opportunities. With that said, you're probably asking yourself: Why are people just quitting their jobs if there's so much uncertainty? There are so many places hiring, so why aren't people working? The best way to describe the "Great Resignation" is to describe it as a moment of clarity. The metaphorical light bulb went off in employees' heads everywhere - and they found out what they wanted in terms of job fulfillment. During the pandemic, some employees felt one of three things:
Besides "The Great Resignation", there's also the term "quiet quitting" that you may see popping up. "Quiet Quitting" describes workers who only do the bare minimum or the very basic requirements of their job to keep control of their mental health by limiting the scope of their contributions to the company. In addition, they put their well-being first by maintaining boundaries between themselves and their careers. Overall, the pandemic has shown a shift in work culture and has offered employees a renewed sense of how much they're worth. If the company doesn't pay their workers enough for the work that they do or don't treat them like they should, then employees will move on to something more fulfilling. Although, this rise in quitting and the hesitancy to work has adverse effects and, unfortunately, comes at a cost. Next week, make sure to keep an eye out for the second part of this blog series about the downsides of "The Great Resignation". 9/20/2022 0 Comments The Millennial Problem You’re a millennial and you’re probably familiar with the constant criticism your age group gets from the older generation. What most people don’t realize as an individual of the millennial generation, we have been experiencing challenges for our entire adult life and it’s not even our fault.
Instead of criticizing the millennial generation, people should try and understand the issues and problems that have unfortunately affected our adult lives. Student Debt: It’s more likely nowadays that millennials have a secondary degree versus the older generation. More jobs in today's market require a bachelor degree or more, so many millennials have felt no choice but to go to College or University to obtain an education to eventually help them land a job in their potential field. Sadly, these degree’s come at a massive cost. Student debt is one of the biggest challenges that is facing millennials and the up and coming younger generation of students. According to a CTV article from 2021, nearly two million Canadian students owed the federal government a total of $20.5 billion, with the average loan balance exceeding $13,000 at the time of leaving school. Unemployment: It’s no joke that finding a job that's aligned with your values and purpose is hard to get, but it’s even harder to find a job with a decent amount of pay for the work. For most millennials, they graduated from College or University in the hopes to join the workforce immediately. In the last 10 years, unemployment has dropped, but since COVID, it quickly increased again and no one knows what the future looks like, so finding a job that aligns with your passions as well as your overall goals is not something most millennials can hope for. Housing Cost: How many times have you heard the older generation say to you, “You guys are still in that apartment, why haven’t you moved into a house?” On average, wages haven't increased with the overwhelming increase of the real estate market in the last few years. On top of the pre-existing student loans, rising gas prices, low wages and the increasing cost to live, how can anyone afford a home in this unpredictable market? Mental Health: With all of the financial issues and inconsistency happening in the world around us, it’s no wonder millennials are under so much stress and even worse, depressed. All generations have their own challenges of course, but millennials are facing employment challenges, the high cost of living, and many other stressors. These issues can take a serious toll on anyones mental health and with the limited amount of mental health facilities available in most communities, it can become harder to tackle these issues head on. As well as be able to live a life of freedom and abundance without the overwhelming worry of how you’re supposed to stay afloat when the job market, the housing market and the current wage are affecting every aspect of your life. So before you judge a millennial for their choices of not owning a home, a car or even obtaining a secondary education, look at the world around us and try to understand from their perspective that living in an unpredictable world can create an unpredictable mindset. 9/12/2022 0 Comments The Art Of Self Love  Having self-respect is one of the best things you can do for yourself. When you respect yourself, you're not afraid to embrace yourself - flaws and all - and you learn to be kinder to yourself. But having self-respect isn’t something that comes easy, it takes a lot within someone to look in the mirror and respect themselves fully. Heck, I think we are all still trying to practice self-love and admiration. It doesn’t come easy, but there are some daily practices you can implement to fall more in love with yourself. Here are ways you can practice self-respect: Practice self-love: It's essential to love yourself and respect yourself. Always remember to be patient and easy on yourself. Don't kick yourself too hard when you make mistakes. Know your worth and don't get taken advantage of: It's ok to help out and be a team player, but whether you are at work or helping someone out, remember that your time is essential. Also, don't let people take advantage of you in your personal and professional life. Stand by your beliefs and morals: If something doesn't feel right to you or you feel pressured into doing something you don't want to do, stand your ground and respectfully decline. This will help you stay true to yourself by respecting your boundaries and values. Communicate your needs: If something is bothering you, don't hesitate to vocalize it. Don't stay silent to "keep the peace" out of fear of upsetting someone. If something is bothering you or you need to express something, express your needs. Be in touch with yourself: You know what you need physically and mentally to keep motivated and energized. Remember to check in with yourself on what you need and what you want. These could be goals you want to achieve, setting time aside to do what you want or need, etc. Do things that make you happy and don't feel ashamed of it: Do the things that make you happy in the world. Embrace activities you love and soak in new experiences. Always appreciate the feeling and feel connected to your environment. Let go of toxic relationships in your life: If someone is negative and takes a lot of your energy when they are around, don't be afraid to take a step back and value your relationship. Be around people who only bring positivity to your life. Connect with nature: Remember to get fresh air and to move your body with stretching and exercise, no matter how big or small. The task of showing yourself love and respect takes a lot, it comes with maturity, respect for yourself and your own morals but also indulging in alone time. You deserve love and respect just like everyone else. So, why not start with loving and respecting yourself? 9/5/2022 0 Comments Choices Everything in our lives is based on choices. There is not one thing that you do or experience that isn’t the direct outcome of a choice you made, whether it is deliberate or by default, whether it is immediate or delayed, whether it is to your liking or to your detriment, everything you go through is because of your choices.
There are no exceptions. Every day, you are faced with numerous choices, from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep. Everything that you do in any given moment relies on our direct ability to make choices, there is no getting around this. Example:
As soon as you make a choice, you give birth to a thought and immediately give yourself the permission to act upon the choice to complete the thought, or make it become reality in your life. For example: you choose to shower because you want its result of being clean, as soon as you make that choice the thought process begins to manifest in your mind, but you can’t just choose it, you must actually physically get up and make it happen, so you start to act on it: you get your clothes ready, you gather your towel and your favourite soap, go to the bathroom, turn on the water, take off your clothes, etc. You do all of this because you made a choice to get clean that morning, and then you acted on it by deciding to take a shower and taking the necessary steps to make it happen, and therefore ended up taking a shower and getting clean. Your initial morning thought and mini-crossroads about whether or not you were going to shower or not, led you to making a choice and following through to that choice’s ultimate end goal: getting clean. There are no exceptions. No matter what it is, this is the process that our thoughts take, and it’s all based on what direction we choose to send a thought that depicts the outcome. This is why it is so important to pay attention to what we are choosing for ourselves, because every choice that we make creates a particular outcome. Whether it is to our benefit or not is always completely up to us and 100% our responsibility. Everything in your life right now is the direct result of all the choices you have personally made. Therefore, it is important that we choose wisely. There is another very crucial component in this process of choosing which makes a world of difference in what type of choice and outcome you will accept to act upon in your life, and whether it will be positively or negatively charged. It is literally the life changing aspect of every decision you will ever make in your entire life. And that is the WHY. The WHY always depicts the purpose, reason, intention, and inspiration of every single solitary choice you make and literally becomes the light that guides your actions so you know how to reach your goals effectively. Without a WHY, your choices have no definite place to be directed to, and neither does your life. This is the precise reason that the WHY is so dynamically huge, and why it must be deliberately determined ahead of time if your choices are to become automatically streamlined for your growth, love, and ultimate success. Think of your WHY as the power behind every thought or as the roots of every seed. When you have your WHY, you have direction and a clear picture of where you want to go, what you want to do, or who you want to be. Another reason why having a WHY is crucial to your well-being, is because without a clear purpose and reason for doing what you are doing, you will never be able to truly commit to the work that it takes to change your situation…Ever. No matter how bad it feels, how long it has been, or how much pain your lack of self-love has caused, you will not be able to change and follow through to a true life-changing transformation without developing strong WHYs first. This is because when there is no WHY, there is no goal, reason, intended result, nothing to commit to, work toward, or inspiration to do so. The WHY literally charges your thoughts with the power needed to make them come to life, and gives them the direction they need to make you reach your goals. When you have the WHY, you stop making random mistakes and going in circles repeating senseless patterns and behaviours over and over again. The WHY gives your thoughts direction, and destination. The moment you define your WHY, your choices take on a conscious awareness you didn’t experience before. This conscious awareness is what enables your thoughts to become streamlined and direction based. When you know where you’re going, then you’ll make sure your choices lead you toward that. When we have a strong sense of direction and determination, we consciously make the necessary choices that lead to the best possible outcome for ourselves. Think of it like an internal GPS that always knows the best way to get to your intended destination. That is the power of the WHY. You just have to get in the mindset that you want to always make the best choices for yourself no matter how big or small the outcome, because every time you make a choice that propels you forward, you grow as a person, and your goals get closer and closer. The reason you need to be clear on the process of your choices and the purpose of the WHY is because when it comes to choosing to Love yourself, you need to understand this process first, so you set up the proper foundation that will keep you focused and committed. I can’t do is give you the WHY—that is something you need to come up with on your own, and just like what you learned above about how our choices create our realities, if you want to create a loving reality for yourself, you have to have some pretty definite reasons for choosing to do so. Think carefully about the reasons you want to love yourself. What is the outcome that you want to achieve in your life? What is the purpose for you wanting to change your life? Come up with your WHYs. Take some time to think about why you are choosing happiness today, and then brainstorm with yourself and write down at least three important reasons why you want to love yourself enough to get there. Some examples are:
8/29/2022 0 Comments The Benefits of Self-Pleasure Masturbation is a taboo subject. There's usually a stigma of guilt and embarrassment surrounding it. As a result, nobody discusses or admits to it, and it's often something you're expected to keep to yourself.
However, masturbation is a form of sexual exploration and allows you to learn about your body and finding out your limits regarding intimacy with other people. Also, the sexual release from an orgasm has many health benefits, including relieving stress, helping you relax, better sleep, boosting your mood, and relieving menstrual cramps and muscle tension in women. Not to mention that when you have an orgasm, your body releases endorphins - also known as the 'happy hormone' - that block pain and make you feel good. When people think of masturbation, it's usually connected to something shameful that horny teenage boys do in their bedrooms, but that couldn't be far from the truth. According to a study from PubMed Central, 27 to 40 per cent of adult women and 41 to 65 per cent of adult men reported masturbating within the past month. Some people do it only once in a while, while others do it more frequently, while others choose not to do it. Everyone experiences sexual tension, and masturbation is a natural and healthy thing to do. Some professionals even encourage self-pleasure, saying masturbation should be added to your self-care routine. And with all the benefits you can get from an orgasm, you don't need to wait for a partner to experience the sensations of sexual pleasure. Sexual tension is a natural feeling, so the release to deal with it should be just as natural. |
CategoriesCategoriesAuthorJulianna Bonnett Archives
March 2023
Categories |
RSS Feed