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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.
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 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. 8/16/2022 0 Comments Whose Your Soulmate? When you hear about soulmates, you often think about finding your perfect match. Your other half. The love of your life who completes you. It's often thrown around in shows about love like The Bachelor, where contestants expect to find a deep connection through the power of reality TV.
Finding your soulmate is essential for love, as successful marriages are more than just social compatibility. Although contrary to popular belief, your soulmate doesn't necessarily need to be a romantic connection. Essentially, a soulmate is someone who "gets" you - who you can connect with on a deeper level. A soulmate doesn't have to be the love of your life or someone you share a romantic connection with. Your soulmate could simply be a best friend or anyone you share a close relationship with on an emotional or spiritual level. The link feels natural, and you balance each other out. You bond over a shared emotion - you feel and connect when something good or bad happens. Your soulmate can be someone you can be yourself with. The idea of a soulmate can be traced as far back in texts from Plato, the Greek philosopher. Plato was quoted in his text "Symposium" back around 385–370 BC, saying: "...when one of them meets with his other half, the actual half of himself … the pair are lost in an amazement of love and friendship and intimacy, and one will not be out of the other's sight, as I may say, even for a moment." Plato is also quoted saying that all humans were once united with their other half, but Zeus split them apart out of fear and jealousy. There's also the religious interpretation of the human soul's connection to God. Overall, the idea of soulmates has been around for centuries. As humans, we're curious to know who our other half is. With that said, who's to say that this person can't be someone else in your life, like a co-worker or a friend? Embrace all human connection and you will find your soulmate. Who knows? You might find more than one. 8/9/2022 0 Comments THE PATH TO TRUE WEALTH The age old question, “does money really buy happiness?”
Whether you’re just starting out in your career, you’re considering relocating for work, or you just had a complete change in your career midlife, this question is constantly going to cross your mind, “does money really buy happiness?” I myself have experienced this, but have also talked to many friends, co-workers, and family members who all too often feel trapped in their job and feel like it’s the only thing they will do for the rest of their lives and only took it because of the money, but not the passion. Don’t get me wrong, not a lot of us are financially free where we can just do whatever we want and not worry about the money, but that doesn’t mean we have to allow money to completely rule our lives. It’s true that money can buy you a lot of extravagant things, but remember money can’t buy friendship, love, relationships, compassion, true alignment and your life's purpose. Money gives you objects, you can buy diamond rings, a big house, a convertible, and all things luxury, but money simply will not buy happiness. Money will only give you a temporary reward. Money can buy you a house, but can not turn a house into a home. Creating memories with people you love and care about is what life is really about. So before you take that next amazing job offer, or you work those extra hours to get more money, think about all that you are missing in the midst of doing that and how your happiness is forever, where money is limited. 7/4/2022 0 Comments Summer In The City Summer is in full swing in Windsor-Essex. To help plan your summer in the city, here are some festivals and events that are worth checking out!
July Events Essex Fun Fest – July 7-10 – Essex Sports Complex, Essex Enjoy food, games, and rides Lakeshore Art and Culture Festival – July 9 - Lakeview Park Lakeshore Enjoy artisan vendors, live music and a variety of delicious food! Belle River Sunsplash - July 14-17 - Lakeview Park, Belle River This year's 25th Sunsplash Festival on July 14th to the 17th contains four days of action packed activities for all ages! Classic cars, food, vendors and live music. Urban Wine Fest – July 15 - Lanspeary Park, Windsor Urban Wine Fest will be showcasing local wineries alongside international wines, live music, great food and an interactive art component. Leamington Rib Fest – July 21-24 – Leamington Agricultural Society Satisfy your rib craving with Rib Fest! Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy – July 24 – Downtown Amherstburg Live Entertainment, Fire Trucks, Jeeps, Street Rods, Muscle Cars, and more. Tequila Expo and Taco Fest – July 24 - Riverfront Festival Plaza, Windsor 2022 Can-Am Police Fire Games – July 25- 31 - Windsor The Can-Am Police-Fire Games are a biennial, multi-sport event that take place inWindsor. The event occurs in the summer months over a 6 day period. Hogs for Hospice – July 29-31 - Seacliff Park, Leamington Epic concerts, the best organized registered ride in Ontario, Freestyle Motocross Show, Custom Bike Show, Bike Games, Vendors, Beer Garden, Axe Throwing and much more. August Events Windsor – Essex Pride Fest August 3-7, Lanspeary Park, Windsor Every August, Windsor-Essex Pride Fest hosts a massive outdoor festival called Pride Fest that features entertainment, activities, vendors, speakers and more. Every year, Pride Fest is attended by nearly 5,000 people, making it one of the largest 5-day events in our region. And, we are hard at work to ensure that the festival is bigger and better every year. Comber Fair – August 5-7, Comber Fairgrounds, Comber Since 1859 the Comber Fair has been proud to bring to you family entertainment while promoting agriculture through competition and exhibition. Whiskeytown Festival – August 6 - Walkerville, Windsor Greenway Jam – August 12-14 – Kingsville Brewery, Kingsville Offering a lineup of local and Canadian performers with a diverse range of musical styles, enjoy the music and sunshine during the day with a wide array of free concerts and musical workshops. End the night at the main stage (ticketed) located at Kingsville Brewery for an unforgettable time watching headlining acts like Steven Page, Kathleen Edwards, and more! Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Show – August 12-14 – Co-An Park, McGregor Tour Di Via Italia – August 13 – Via Italia – Erie Street, Windsor The Tour di Via Italia bicycle races are a treasured tradition (60 plus years) in Windsor’s original Italian community. Every year fans attend Erie St. and recapture some of the magic of bike racing from European homelands. The competitors, of all ages and experience levels, do not disappoint. An Epic Afternoon – August 14 – Viewpointe Estate Winery You’ll indulge in wine tastings from 13 different EPIC Wineries while also enjoying food from local vendors, live music and of course incredible views! Dropped on Drouillard – August 20 – Drouillard Rd. Ford City, Windsor Join the Ford City BIA for a day of Arts, Cars, Eats Jumps & Jams! Arts by the River – August 27- August 28 – Fort Malden National Historic Site, Amhersburg Stroll the beautiful grounds of Fort Malden National Historic Park and select arts and crafts from the outstanding variety and quality of work. 160 talented artists and artisans from Essex County and across Ontario come together to make this an outstanding Arts and Crafts Show & Sale. Enjoy the history of the Fort and the wonderful ambiance of this great summer festival. September Events End of Summer Bonfire & Fireworks September 1 Lakewood Park, Tecumseh Head to Lakewood Park in Tecumseh for the End of Summer Bonfire and Fireworks! A fun way for the whole family to say farewell to summer. Harrow Fair – September 1-4 - Harrow Fairgrounds, Harrow Highlights include a Midway, bingo tent, pie tent, crafters alley, Mom Calling contest, Teddy Bear Parade, Children's Entertainment, Tractor-pull, Lawnmower races, Horse show, Pie auction and of course nightly musical entertainment. 6/29/2022 0 Comments Be A Good Sport There's been a debate surrounding transgender athletes recently due to Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, winning this year's NCAA women's swimming championship.
Lia Thomas won the "Ivy 2022 Champion" in swimming - celebrating victory in the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle. Lia's participation and eventual win sparked controversy and criticism about whether it's "fair" for someone assigned male at birth with a male muscle structure to participate in a swimming category with female-born swimmers. She currently ranks #44 among US female swimmers and #31 among female college swimmers, which means there are still female swimmers with a faster time than Lia, despite the "advantages" she's being criticized for having. Lia has built her skills as a swimmer for years as she's been an avid swimmer since age 5, training and setting new records for herself. Unfortunately, her skills and accomplishments as a swimmer have been eclipsed by discussions of her gender. It's because of that reason why Lia kept her identity a secret because she didn't want to risk losing her swimming career. CNN reported that she started hormone replacement therapy in May 2019 and came out as trans that fall, yet she still had to compete on the men's team. She said it was awkward and uncomfortable, and her speed suffered as her muscles weakened from hormone therapy. As a result, her times were even slower than they were after she transitioned, which is what many trans athletes go through. It's not uncommon for trans women to find a slight decrease in performance overall because of hormone therapy. The NCAA requires that transgender athletes have one year of hormone replacement therapy to be cleared to participate, which Lia did. Affirm Trans Athletes There's already a stigma against the trans community, and trans people already have a hard time finding safe spaces. Trans people enjoy sports just as much as cisgender people. Should they be taken out of sports because of how they identify? Regarding athletes, they only have a short window to participate in their sport. Many athletes retire before they turn 40 to avoid permanent physical injuries. For example, fellow swimmer Michael Phelps retired from competitive swimming at the age of 31. It's also not uncommon for professional football players and hockey players to quit before they hit their mid 30's. As of May 2022, 18 US states have banned or limited the participation of trans athletes in schools. With this short window for an athlete's career, these sports bans stop their athletic career before it begins and holds them back from playing the sports they love. With these changing times, discussions need to take place between trans individuals and sport organizers to discuss these concerns and to better understand what would make for a fair competition. More conversations and research will equal better policies. If an athlete, whether trans or not, has the skills and is ready to rise to the occasion, they should be able to participate. To even the playing field, men's and women's sports have always been kept separate, but there are examples of women beating men when challenged based on having superior skills. For example, Billie Jean King famously beat Bobby Riggs in a 1973 match dubbed "The Battle of the Sexes." And in 2006, Michaela Hutchison made history by winning the 103-pound title at the 2006 state wrestling championships to become the nation's first girl to win a state high school championship against boys. Lia Thomas and other transgender women like her should be allowed to swim equally with the gender they identify. Believing her muscle mass to be the problem because she got it before transitioning and not "naturally" from her assigned birth sex does not automatically make her a better swimmer. Scientifically, there is not an unfair advantage to transgender women, and the argument of "fairness" forgets the mental anguish of not being affirmed. Let transgender women play sports and be on the team that matches their gender identity. 6/13/2022 0 Comments Lessons I Learned From My Father I can honestly say that I have always been a daddy’s girl. And with Father’s Day approaching, I can’t help but be grateful everyday for the incredible father that I have. I have turned to my dad for advice many times, have always ran to him for comfort and have always known I’ve had him for support when times get tough.
To celebrate Father’s Day this year, I wanted to share with you all some of the amazing life lessons I have gained from my father that I know I will carry on when I have a family of my own. 1. Be Kind To Everyone Something I learned quickly from my dad is that everyone is struggling and you can never guess what they are going through. Being kind and respectful to everyone is a way to spread love and to show to people that no matter their struggle, you are there for them, always. 2. Memories Are Everything My dad is all about creating memories, whether that’s going on family vacations, cooking together, watching a good movie, or just spending time with the ones that matter, he has always based his life around memories. I like to believe that the memories he has, is what has helped shape him into who he is, and that’s why creating memories with us, no matter what age is important to him. I can’t begin to describe the amount of times he would wake us up on Easter morning and have us do an egg hunt around the house, or how he would get us Valentine gifts every year just to make sure we didn’t feel left out. Little moments like those are things we will always remember. 3. Value The Time You Have With Family and Friends As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to the realization that our time on this earth is very limited. We don’t have so much time to go see our family when we want, or our friends due to our busy schedules and everyday life. Something my dad has shown me is no matter how busy you are, or tired you are, there is always room to spend time with the people that you love the most. Making time for those people is so important, because our time here is so limited. 4. Don't Take Life Too Seriously My dad is the goofiest guy I know and he isn’t one to take life too seriously. And now in my adult life, I try to constantly remind myself that life sometimes has to be serious but most of the time, the best moments of life are the ones where you kick back and just enjoy the moment. Share with us some of your most treasured moments with your father for this upcoming Father's Day! 6/6/2022 0 Comments Pride Events in Windsor Since June is Pride Month, we're highlighting some Pride events and programs you can attend throughout the month for 2SLGBTQ+ members and their allies to participate in the Windsor-Essex area.
Express Yourself at the Art Lab - June 23 - 4 PM - 7 PM This event is for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their allies to gather and have fun through expressive art activities! This event offers a space to hang out, meet new people and make connections while fostering inclusion, community belonging, positive relationships and respect for all 2SLGBTQ+ people. For more info: EXPRESS YOURSELF at the Art Lab | qlinkwe.ca Celebrate Pride: Collage workshop with Derrick Carl Biso - June 26 - 2 PM – 4 PMTo celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month this year, Art Windsor-Essex is partnering with the QLink Windsor-Essex collaborative and local artist Derrick Carl Biso to present an in-person collage-making workshop. Derrick Carl will briefly present the history and culture of collage and share prompts to encourage participants to make their own. You can find out more and register here: Art Windsor-Essex (agw.ca) Advocates, Activists & Allies (Public Allyship Seminar) - June 29 - 5:00 PM 8:00 PM This seminar will provide a basic overview of current terminology relating to gender and sexuality. Explore the concept of intersectionality and privilege in relation to allyship. The seminar will define different types of discrimination in relation to the trans and queer community to assist people in identifying and challenging various types of bigotry and marginalization. Additionally, they will discuss some of the current political issues facing the trans and queer community, and how they can or should be addressed. Finally, the seminar will examine the difference between "advocacy", "activism", and "allyship", and discuss examples of how to take on each of these roles in one's life and within society. Click the link below to register: Advocates, Activists & Allies (Public Allyship Seminar) — Trans Wellness Ontario QLinks Windsor-Essex Open House - Jun 30, 4:00 PM – Jul 01, 7:00 PM. QLink Windsor-Essex invites you to an Open House at the Windsor-Essex Pride Fest office in the Market Square, located at 2109 Ottawa St on the second floor, on Wednesday, Jun 30, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Drop-in to learn about the individual and group programming offered through the collaborative and see the space where School's Out and other programs will be offered throughout the Summer. Meet the facilitators and participate in arts-based activities that demonstrate some of what youth can expect from their programs. For more info: Qlink Windsor-Essex Open House | qlinkwe.ca There are regular programs weekly and biweekly for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Windsor-Essex. Click the links below for updated program schedules all year round: Windsor Pride Community programming: PROGRAMS & SCHEDULE | qlinkwe.ca Trans Wellness Ontario programming: www.transwellness.ca/event 5/30/2022 0 Comments Things We Should Stop Saying There are things that we say or specific questions we ask others because they are common. But, little do some people know is that certain things you say or ask are actually a bit intrusive or simply passive-aggressive.
The following is a list of things that are everyday things you might hear but should stop asking or saying to people. "You've put on some weight", or "You're looking skinny". It's one thing to notice when someone looks different, but it's another to go out of your way to comment directly to the person who looks tubbier or point out how thin they are. A comment like this could make someone feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. In addition, you don't know what the other person is going through. For example, they might have a disorder or a condition that makes their weight fluctuate. “You look tired.” Again, saying someone looks tired can also make someone self-conscious. Maybe there's a reason for their lack of rest? Perhaps they don't need to hear it from others? "That's a stupid idea."We all heard of the expression: "There's no such thing as stupid ideas." Well, it's true. If someone comes up with an idea at work or discusses something to do, instead of shooting down the idea, why not take it as a jumping-off point and expand on it to make it better? Maybe there's a better idea hiding in there? "Whose fault is that?"Saying this to someone after they make a mistake is not helpful. You're not only putting the entire blame on that person for doing something wrong, but in a way, you're rubbing it in their face. Asking "well, whose fault is that?" has the undertone that you knew they would fail, and now they proved you right. Instead, try to help solve the problem. “Boys will be boys” This is another common and outdated phrase. When boys get into fights or do something irresponsible, this phrase justifies their aggressive behaviour. Instead of brushing it off, teach boys that certain behaviours are not ok and hold them accountable. “You should smile more.” You don't need to smile to make others comfortable - plain and simple. “When are you going to get married/have kids/start dating?” Asking this is a little intrusive. Everyone's life is different. For example, it might take longer for some people to hit certain milestones. Not only that, but they may have personal reasons why they don't have kids, aren't getting married, etc. With the current state of the economy, people are having a hard time buying houses, paying for weddings and having kids compared to how things used to be. Everyone has their own journey, and it's not a race. And "Keep My Name Out of Your Mouth". This phrase is now associated with Will Smith when he infamously slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars ceremony, but it's also something people say right when they are about to fight. It's usually a very egotistical thing to say, and like the slap, we should stop talking about it. 5/23/2022 0 Comments In It For The Body Count? Have you ever been asked about your body count?
Body count refers to the number of kills you've gotten in a video game or even a movie, but in recent years, the term is being used to describe how many people you have slept with. Overall, on Tik Tok the hashtag #bodycount has over 289 million views. So as much as knowing how many people you've banged shouldn't be a thing, it really is a thing that people really care now to know. But why are we so obsessed with how many people others have had sex with? Does having a low or high number really say something about who we are as a person? Or are we really just out here judging one another? At the most basic level, let's be honest, humans are curious about other humans. We're interested in their private lives and deepest (and sometimes darkest) secrets. But really, it doesn't matter how many people you've slept with; what matters is truly who you are as a person. But unfortunately, depending on your answer, there will always be judgment about how many people someone has slept with. You're either labeled dirty or a prude and there is no way to eliminate the judgment that comes with either. So you might as well have fun and enjoy what you can in life and don't let people's judgment about you get in the way of you having fun, as long as you're safe.  Some people have a clear sense of their sexuality and who they are, and labelling their sexual orientation (whether it be straight, gay, bi, queer, etc.) is not an issue.
But some might not want to choose to label their sexuality. Sexuality is complex, and it can change from person to person. What if you consider yourself straight, but you feel a special attraction to someone of the same sex/gender? Do you have to label yourself as bisexual now because of this same-sex attraction you never experienced before? Labels are mainly used as a way to categorise people quickly. Yet, for some reason, when it comes to queer people, society expects an explanation once they learn of someone's sexuality. An article from Shifting Her Experience mentions that : "A frequent problem we see time and time again with labels is having to constantly "explain ourselves." We've been asked about our sexual history...if we had boyfriends before, what age we knew we were gay, and ... if we ever had threesomes since we are bisexual...we don't have to explain ourselves because we are gay." Humans are constantly evolving and changing. You are not the same person you were five or ten years ago. The best part of the human experience is continuously discovering new things about ourselves. We can go our whole lives being "straight" or "gay", but does a new attraction deserve a new label for you? If we have a clear idea of our sexuality and how we want to be identified, we are free to share it with other people, but it shouldn't be required. As the letters of the 2SLGBTQIA+ become more inclusive by adding new definitions that span the broad spectrum of human sexuality, it's clear that some people cannot be labelled. The relationships between two consenting adults can be diverse and fluid, and sexuality can become more complex when it comes to gender identity. Non-binary writer Suzannah Weiss explained it best: "Most popular conceptions of sexual orientation seem to assume that everybody is attracted either to people who have penises and identify as men or people who have vaginas and identify as women. But trans and non-binary people call these assumptions into question: should sexual orientation be defined by your partners' identities or body parts? If your partner is non-binary, what orientation is that? As a non-binary person, it's impossible to say if I like the "same" or "opposite" gender. Would "straight" for me mean only sleeping with non-binary people? The whole concept becomes almost nonsensical after a certain point. It just doesn't make sense to squeeze myself into this limiting definition." You never know who you'll be attracted to. You might identify one way, but that can always change. Likewise, you don't know who the universe will put into your life or who your soulmate might be. Overall, you know who you are, and not everything deserves an explanation. Whether you choose to label yourself or not, it's nobody's business but your own. 5/9/2022 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, and with this month being Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to focus on issues that surround people’s daily issues. 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 channeling 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 to you. If you or a friend is struggling with their mental health, please find the information below: https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/ https://mentalhealthconnections.ca/ https://wechc.org/ |
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