This week I found myself in the Obstetrical Triage at Sunnybrook Hospital, checking to ensure that I wasn't in pre-term labour. I had been experiencing some cramping and contractions that were slightly reminiscent of early labour, and I needed to be sure that nothing was happening just yet. They took some tests and determined that, thankfully, I wasn't in labour (phew!). Then I went to see my OB, who advised me to "rest, avoid lifting heavy objects (a.k.a. my 30-pound toddler), and take care of myself for the next few weeks." Easier said than done, right?
I've been so busy this month, that I've hardly had time to put on my rose-coloured glasses. Sure, the burst of amazing summer-like weather made me feel really happy for a few days, but as soon as the sun went away and the temperatures dropped, I was feeling stressed and agitated again. Today, I went in search of something to shift that. I needed a boost. I came across this incredible TED Talk, by renowned psychologist Shawn Achor (founder of GoodThinkInc.).
Have you ever tried to do something and just go so frustrated that you gave up? What about just thinking about doing something monumental and not even attempting it? Yeah, me too. It’s pretty common. And it’s much easier to say “Oh, I don’t think so” at the mere thought of a task than to actually take it on.
Last month Erica Ehm and Caroline Fernandez joined 18,000 young people and educators at the Air Canada Centre for We Day, 2011, a high-energy event put on by Craig and Marc Kielburger’s Free The Children. She heard from musicians, activists and politicians all there to inspire global and local change. Erica left feeling super empowered and ready to get her own kids involved in this movement to make the world a better place!
This guest post is written by Gavin Kennedy & Robin Strachan. They both have work and educational backgrounds in finance. Gavin is currently on a one year sabbatical from the financial industry to allow himself time to participate in the world in a different way. Robin is in year four of a six year Shamanic studies program with a tribal elder. They have seven children, (five from Gavin’s previous marriage) two of which work for Free the Children.
Every once in a while I throw a little pity party for my aging body and lament the passing of the years. Then I snap myself out of it because, for me at least, life just keeps getting better. Nothing to be sad about here. It also helps when you find some amazing inspiration.
