NOVEMBER 2021
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MASTHEAD EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS KELLY FARRELL Founder and Director at Oak Learners; Private Alternative School in Mimico
MIKE WIXSON Producer of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Podcast & Owner of The Pod Plant
KAM SARAN BRAD JONES South Etobicoke Resident & Business President & Owner of Ridley Funeral Development Manager at Office146. Home in New Toronto JEFF WILSON Priceville Resident and Accomplished Cartoonist, Blogtoonist & Illustrator
HILIARY BREADNER Production Manager & Graphic Design; Owner of Hiliary Breadner Graphics
AMANDA KIRKLAND Long Branch Resident and Personal Development Coach
BILL ZUFELT Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History & Culture Committee, LBNA
JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist, Hypnotist & Certified Diabetes Educator
JAMES MALONEY Member of Parliamen for the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore
DR. TIMOTHY KODSI Etobicoke Resident & Medical Lead at Mimico Medical
TALISA HASKINS Flesherton Resident & Registered Psychotherapist
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TABLE OF CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p6
Roger Tumminieri writes about Remembrance Day and celebrating 6 years serving South Etobicoke.
LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS...p28
Brad Jones writes about War and Women’s Work.
NICE TRY...p30
MP, James Maloney reminds us to reflect and appreciate the sacrifices made by others.
Jonathan Nhan channels his inner Yoda and challenges us to question how we use the word, “Try”.
DESTINATIONS...p14
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS is the only
JAMES MALONEY...p10
Take a day trip up to Markdale in Grey Highlands and visit The Barrhead.
THANK YOU!...p16
The ELP celebrates 6 years of business!
WELLNESS...p20
New contributor and Registered Psychotherapist, Talisa Haskins, talks about PTSD.
HUMBER COLLEGE...p24
Big news from Humber - read it here!
COVER STORY...p26 Lest We Forget.
free, monthly magazine that’s focused on life in South Etobicoke. It is mailed to houses in Long Branch, New Toronto & Mimico by Canada Post. Additional copies are available for pick-up at Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch and Espresso Bar Namaste in Alderwood. We capture life in South Etobicoke by highlighting the many positive contributions to our community by local business owners, elected officials, and residents. No part of this publication in any of its forms may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. 146 Thirtieth St, Suite 100, Unit 25, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3C4 Follow Us on Instagram #I EL @etobicokelakeshorepress www.etobicokelakeshorepress.com
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE REMEMBRANCE DAY EDITION
Giant personalized
colouring sheets for kids! The perfect gift, or rainy day activity
ROGER TUMMINIERI
Publisher, Etobicoke Lakeshore Press
etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com www.EtobicokeLakeshorePress.com @etobicokelakeshorepress Thank you for joining us again this month. This issue marks a milestone for the Etobicoke Lakeshore Press. It was six years ago when I published the first edition - at the time, it was all about Long Branch.
@doodlers.ca www.doodlers.ca
Over the years, this magazine has grown into something I never would have predicted. It has become a community unto itself. The print edition has grown to include social and digital versions with a podcast and supporting mobile outdoor presence. None of this would have been possible without your loyal readership and the support of our Editorial Contributors, Photographer, Designer, Printer, and Ad Partners. As we reflect upon Remembrance Day, please keep our fallen heroes in mind as you pause to give thanks. Life in Canada would be very different without their sacrifices.
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JAMES MALONEY THE POPPY STORY
Every year, from the last Friday of October to November 11, tens of millions of Canadians wear a poppy as a visual pledge to honour Canada’s Veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. This year is a special year for the poppy. 2021 marks its 100th year as Canada’s symbol of remembrance and gratitude to those who wore a uniform for Canada and it is the 90th anniversary of the first Remembrance Day in Canada. Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. It was originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.— on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. From 1921 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. In 1931, Alan Neill, Member of Parliament for Comox–Alberni, introduced a bill to observe Armistice Day only on November 11. Passed by the House of Commons, the bill also changed the name to “Remembrance Day”. The first Remembrance Day was observed on November 11, 1931, making this year another special anniversary. Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. We remember the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.
legion.ca and send them to me at james.maloney@parl.gc.ca too so I can honour them on my facebook page. The Poppy Campaign itself is very much a local initiative, conducted by Legion Branches in our communities. In the days leading up to November 11, poppies can be seen in every corner of Canada. This initiative would not be possible without the efforts of thousands of Legionnaires who volunteer to distribute the poppies. It all started with Madame Anna Guérin, later christened “The Poppy Lady from France”, who was inspired by John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields”. It was her idea to adopt the distribution of the Poppy on Armistice Day as a way to raise money for Veterans’ needs and to remember those who had given their lives during the First World War. In July of 1921 the Great War Veterans Association (which in 1925 would unify with other Veteran groups to form the Canadian Legion) adopted the poppy as the flower of Remembrance. Since then, the Legion and its members have upheld this tradition of remembrance and every year, it is a small way to say thanks to veterans. Lest we forget.
Who do you Remember? You can submit your photo and words in our Gallery of Remembrance in honour of the Veterans in your life at www.
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JAMES MALONEY
Member of Parliament Etobicoke-Lakeshore james.maloney@parl.gc.ca
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Lest we forget.
You can reach my office at 416-259-2249 christine.hogarth@pc.ola.org Sign up for my e-newsletter: christinehogarthmpp.ca
HISTORY WOMEN ORDINANCE WORKERS
If you believe that the Covid pandemic has definitively changed the global paradigm workplace, you are right. But it pales in comparison to that of the juxtapositional impact of the Great World War (1939-45). When Great Britain’s Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared war on Germany, the Commonwealth dominions including Canada were sent into a tailspin of social, economical and political turmoil to the Nth degree. The preset of struggling through the depression years was all too familiar, so when the Canadian government announced recruitment opportunities in the war industries, military, airforce, and navy. Both men and women eagerly signed up. Ironically, it was a welcomed financial relief for the thousands of depression-weighted families. After all, enlisting was accompanied with 3 square meals, skill training, clothing, camaraderie, and a pay cheque all under the canopy of ‘serving your country’. Supporting the oversea war efforts meant, too, that thousands of NEW and sudden job vacancies needed to be filled immediately. Not since the First World War had there been such a monumental opportunity, especially for ladies, to switch ‘aprons for ammunition’. Besides factory assemblers, the need for women to vocation, innovate and manage in the agriculture, industry, communications, and business sectors was aggressively campaigned by the Canadian government. It was also an incredible time for women to be empowered in the workforce and to prove unequivocally that they could do the jobs as their male counterparts. For Canadian women, it opened the floodgates (decades past due) of job equality, status and respect in the workforce. Even though equal pay for equal work was still a long-term goal, landing a job as an aircraft
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assembler put at least 85 cents in their pockets per hour and many would work double shifts to garner up some extra savings. Added incentives were initiated to build temporary housing with amenities to attract single women or married women without children and husbands in the armed forces, to come to urban centres and work on the war implement production lines. At the Arsenal Lands, multiple housing units with games and social rooms were built on the NW corner of Lakeshore Road and Dixie Road for the women ordnance workers (W.O.W.). Here in the Toronto region, new factories were built to assemble the CANSO U-Boat Bomber (flown by local WWII hero’s David Hornell and Sydney Cole honoured by the Long Branch Park) aircraft, bombs (The Bomb Girls TV Series based on the Scarborough plant’s location), the small arms plants of Long Branch( Lakeview) and the repurposed Inglis Sten Guns Plant. At the height of ordnance production, approximately 62% or workers were women and over one quarter were aged 40 or older. The Long Branch Arsenal Plant alone had hired over 14,000 during its entire operation! Inadvertently and as a bonus spin-off , the W.O.W.’s of Canada along with their American counterparts had propelled and propagated a much needed public moral campaign of “We’ve got your back, to get you back”. The poster gals ‘The Sten Gun Girl’ (our Veronica Foster) and ‘Rosie the Riveter’ in the United States became one of the most iconic images for War Victory all in tandem with the women’s empowerment movement. Even today the red and white headscarf is a universal emblem of Women’s Freedom, Victory, Rights and Empowerment.
BILL ZUFELT
Long Branch Resident and Chair of the History and Culture Committee Long Branch Neighbourhood Association bill.zufelt@lbna.ca
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COMMUNITY REVERSE KARMA Reverse Karma is a local urban brand, which focuses on self-care and wellness as a lifestyle and not a task. Our goal is to fuse traditional practices with daily rituals. Our day-to-day life is busy as it is and this is why we want to help make self-care a priority, even if it’s only for ten minutes a day. Our staple product is definitely incense. However, we’ve added some new products to our lineup that include candles, soaps, teas, and clay masks to give customers a wider variety of items to be used for their self-care practices. We believe a well-relaxed “you” is more beneficial to the world, rather than an over-worked burnt-out version of yourself. The world needs you, and we want to help however we can. Dayna and Richard (Co-Founders of Reverse Karma) started this business just over 3 years ago from their kitchen table. The couple are both residents of South Etobicoke and love supporting other small businesses in the area. They love grabbing a bite to eat from the many restaurants this neighbourhood has to offer! Packaging orders and photographing content from their condo is where it all began. Fast forward with the challenges during COVID, they were able to pivot some of their resources and drive more momentum online, expanding their business into more wholesale accounts like Winners, Marshalls and HomeSense, as well as acquiring an office space to work out of. The new additions to the catalogue are great for
holiday stocking stuffers and treats for personal self-care for anyone. All of the products are offered online via the website, as well as select retailers both in Canada and USA. This holiday season, be sure to support local & shop online at REVERSEKARMA.COM with free shipping on all orders over $49.00. For more information:
Instagram & Tiktok: @reverseyourkarma/ www.reversekarma.com/
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DESTINATIONS: THE BARRHEAD, MARKDALE
The biggest question in Grey Highlands has been answered. The question: “When will the new Barrhead open?” The answer: “NOW!” Eat @ The Barrhead. Shop @ The Barrhead. Warm Up @ The Barrhead. Conveniently located where Grey Road 12 and West Back Line meet just west of downtown Markdale. It’s a stone’s throw from a parking lot frequented by snowmobilers and ATV’ers along the CP Rail Trail access point. The Barrhead is a snowmobialer’s dream. It’ll be a welcome refuge from the snowcovered trails and icy fingers. “Warm up at The Barrhead,” may well enter the Grey County snowmobile vernacular. No matter your motivation for visiting The Barrhead, you’ll be super pleased you did. Check out their gift shop and enjoy the relaxed country atmosphere. 14
The Barrhead, in case you haven’t already heard, changed hands recently. It was purchased by a family who transitioned from city living to country life. They sold their home in the GTA and now live above The Barrhead. New jobs, new schools, new life in the country for Jennifer, Chris, Myah, Graydon, and Moffatt. Grey Highlands is a fixture on the foodie scene and close enough to Toronto that it attracts a healthy day-trip following. Now we can add The Barrhead to the mix with a menu that’s varied, creative, and geared, at least in my opinion, to a comfy country vibe. If you like history, nerd out on what The Barrhead used to be. Check out Grey Highland’s newest in food and drink! THE BARRHEAD 735198 West Back Line, Markdale www.atthebarrhead.ca @thebarrhead 226.452.2452
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ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS CELEBRATING
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WELLNESS FROM WW1 TO CURRENT PANDEMIC November marks a national day of mourning as we celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11th. The past two years have been filled with moments of great strife. We’ve mourned the losses of many people through heinous violence, cultural assimilation, and a global pandemic. On November 11th, we will mourn the loss of life and acknowledge the great suffering of our ancestors, neighbours and friends who gave their lives to serve our nation. We will honour those still serving and acknowledge the individuals who continue to face challenges after returning home. PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a term that is commonly used in our society. It is often thrown out in casual conversation, without fully understanding its true depth and meaning. Everyone will experience some form of trauma in their lifetime, and there are varying degrees in which people can process that traumatic experience. Post-Traumatic Stress is often the normal, or natural response to a traumatic situation. It is the immediate moments and days (and sometimes longer) following a traumatic event in which a person may process and adapt to their experiences. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a clinically – diagnosed condition that affects one’s ability to complete daily functioning. PTSD is more severe, and long lasting.
TALISA HASKINS We have all experienced great trauma in the past 19 months. Living through a global pandemic, among many other indescribable difficulties comes with its challenges, fears, and traumas. If you, or someone you know is struggling to cope with the heaviness of the last year, or any other difficult situation, consider seeking support. Call a friend or family member that you can trust, reach out to a help line or victim services, or consider consulting with a therapist to help you process. TALISA HASKINS Registered Psychotherapist www.talisahaskins.com 519.800.5602
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WELLNESS ROOTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
JAKE HEAD It is hard to imagine we’ve reached the autumn season so quickly! It’s time to slow down and appreciate all the things this season brings – from being able to walk in High Park and see all the beautiful changes in colour that nature provides us, to relaxing next to a warm fireplace, and of course, for some, a pumpkin spiced latte (PSL, for those in the know)! But what this time of year most represents to me is a time to remember. Remembering those who have come before us, as well as those who are still among us today so that we can give thanks. For those of you who may not know, Physiotherapy first got its roots from the nurses who helped care for the wounded in the Great World Wars. They treated soldiers for “shell-shock” as well as numerous injuries associated with the horrors of war. Without the health information and evidence-based knowledge that we therapists are blessed with today, I could not imagine how difficult this job would have been. Along with thousands of brave soldiers who fought in the Great Wars, it is also these dedicated women who allowed me to have the opportunity of becoming a Physiotherapist and care for those around 22
me. For them, I remember and am thankful. I have been an Australian-trained Physiotherapist for 12 years. I first got my love for health and wellness from my teachers at the Birchmount Exceptional Athletes Program in Scarborough. This interest in the human body quickly shifted focus to Physiotherapy after my interactions and guidance of the many rehabilitation specialists who treated me throughout a list of injuries during my hockey and football career. They are the ones who drove me to want to build relationships and care for people the way they had for me. For them, I remember and am thankful. This brings me to where I am today. Alongside an expert group of Physicians and clinicians at Mimico Medical, I am proudly serving the Mimico community. Every day, I am honoured to be a part of the web that is this community, and make small, but long-lasting changes in people’s health and lives. And for all of you, I remember and am thankful.
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JAKE HEAD Physiotherapist Mimico Medical www.mimicomedical.com
FINANCE HOW TO MANAGE YOUR HOLIDAY SPENDING
For some people, holiday spending can be hard to control. Whether it’s piles of gifts, plenty of food and drinks, pricey travel costs, or maybe a few new outfits, there are always lots of ways to rack up a big holiday tab in a hurry. Still, celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to mean blowing massive amounts of money. If you’re looking for ways to rein in your holiday spending, whether this year or anytime, here are a few things to keep in mind. Budget before you buy The most important part of any effort to control your holiday spending is a well-planned budget. Start by figuring out how much you can afford to spend this holiday season. Next, make a list of all the people on your gift list, and all the things you’ll need, such as food and decorations. Then, add up how much each gift or item is likely to cost. Now you know whether you need to start trimming some expenses, or whether you’ve still got some wiggle room. Get gifts online Chances are most of us won’t be masking up to mingle with crowds of holiday shoppers at the local mall this year. As far as controlling your spending goes, that might not be such a bad thing. Shopping at online retailers tends to help us control the urge to over-buy, avoiding the kind of impulse purchases we might make when browsing at a brick-and-mortar store. When you do shop online, be sure to compare prices between retailers to find the best deal, and remember to account for shipping costs, if necessary. Also, it’s often helpful to download and install apps that automatically search out coupon and discount codes to save you extra cash on your online shopping. Save costs by redeeming rewards points One great way to save some money on your holiday budget is by cashing in points you’ve earned on credit card spending throughout the year and redeeming them for ‘free’ gifts. Points can be turned into flights and hotels, merchandise, even gift cards for leading retailers. Remember, of course, that lots of people
are placing orders at this time of year, so don’t delay and run the risk of an item being unavailable, or unable to be delivered in time for your holiday celebration. Don’t shop when stressed Holiday shopping isn’t for everyone. Some of us love it, while others find it fills them with dread. But putting off the inevitable isn’t going to make the process any easier, nor any cheaper. Last-minute purchases are likely to cost more as choice dwindles. That’s why it’s best to get an early start on holiday shopping, allowing you to avoid stress and scarcity as the holidays draw near. Remember what’s important The holidays tend to be hectic but try to remember that there are lots of ways to share seasonal spirit without spending a lot of money. Whether it’s homemade gifts, volunteering, charitable donations, or something else, there are many different cost-effective ways to warm the hearts of our loved ones. An afternoon baking cookies or decorating the house is often worth as much or more than any gift money can buy. Finally, remember that it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s holiday season. If you can start the New Year off by putting a little bit of money aside each month, you’ll soon build up a healthy holiday fund. This article is not intended to provide financial or financial planning advice, please call or email Moya Financial and they will be more than happy to chat with you!
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HUMBER COLLEGE COMMUNITY UPDATE
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The upcoming months at Humber College will bring several exciting changes. There will be significantly more on-campus classes and activities and a more buzz and excitement in the halls. Former Lakeshore Principal and Senior Dean Derek Stockley has assumed the role of Associate Vice-President, Academic, and there’s a new Principal on campus. New beginnings abound.
President Chris Whitaker Under his leadership, Humber developed and launched the International Graduate School downtown, created countless new programs, including Humber’s first engineering degrees, established Humber’s Faculty model and the Centres of Innovation Network and more. Whitaker is known for leading with integrity and humour.
June MacDonald-Jenkins Welcome June MacDonald-Jenkins June MacDonald-Jenkins recently began as the new senior dean of the Faculty of Social and Community Services and the Principal of the Lakeshore campus. June worked for 15 years in the health sector before teaching nursing at Durham College in 2002. Then, as a program coordinator, she led the development of Durham College’s Critical Care Hub of Excellence program proposal and served on the steering committee. In 2012, June began work as the Dean of Police Education and Innovation for Durham Regional Police Services – the first dean of a police service in Canada. Her experience led her to develop a strong commitment to teaching and learning, research, social innovation and academic leadership that will enrich the Lakeshore campus and the wider Humber community The presidential search begins Humber College’s President and CEO, Chris Whitaker, has decided to retire at the end of June 2022. President Whitaker helped lead the college over the past decade, including the past year and a half of challenges presented by COVID-19.
The search for the next President and CEO is on, and it includes consultations with key constituencies from the Humber community. You can learn more by visiting humber.ca/presidentialsearch.
Experience Humber this fall For those interested in a program at Humber College, you can visit from the comfort of your home. The Fall 2021 Humber Virtual Open House on November 20 runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers sessions on programs, faculty and more. The Open House is a one-stop-shop for information on all things Humber. You will also get the opportunity to tour the North and Lakeshore Campuses and Residences. For more information and to register, visit www.humber.ca/openhouse.
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COVER STORY PAUSE
Le F e W 26
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By: Roger Tumminieri
t s e t e g r o F For me, Remembrance Day is a time to reflect upon how blessed we are as Canadians to live in a free country. Free, because of the many sacrifices made by countless men and women over the past hundred years or so who stood up and fought against tyranny.
These people were tough. And the men and women who continue to stand up for Canada are tough. We should never forget their resolve - past or present.
Back then, young boys from across the country were signing up to fight in Europe. They sought adventure. They found chaos. They were heroes. So, too, were the women who served at home
and abroad to support the war effort.
When I think of Remembrance Day, I admit, I think first of the soldiers who died fighting battles far from home to protect our way of life in WWI and WWII. I think of what their families had to go through - their parents, their siblings, their wives, their children. Then I think about modern day conflicts and the sacrifices made by the members of our Canadian Forces, male and female alike, and their families as they continue to fight for our freedoms. And then I pause.
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LIFE’S UNDERTAKINGS WAR AND WOMEN’S outside our window. There are days, Thanksgiving weekend and the 12 days of Christmas come to mind, when family gatherings approach a Herculean-style war effort on all fronts. Every child (and me) is assigned a work detail with clear objectives, challenges and a non-negotiable “no excuses” clause. I simply cannot imagine the absence of my wife’s leadership and the horror show that would ensue if all the goodies and delights she brings to our table, tree and troubles suddenly vanished. Perhaps that’s why I have always held such a tender and fragile place in my heart for widowers. Men, whether young or elderly, strong or frail, are often lost spinning in darkness when their partner dies. I see the same when a single young man loses his mother.
BRAD JONES
Owner, Ridley Funeral Home
Whenever holidays come around, I look to my wife for leadership. She knows whom to invite, whom to avoid, what to buy, where we’re going and when to roast turkeys. My contribution to annual family festivities range from playing chauffeur to personal shopper to private cheerleader to professional family mediator. Although my family duties are important – and I try really, really hard to do a great job – I realize I am not super essential to my wife’s dictatorship. I know I am absolutely 100% replaceable, and that’s totally okay – for reals, as the kids say. These harsh family realities inspire me to be the best I can be. Every season, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or our wedding anniversary, I know I have an opportunity to really step up and stay out of my wife’s way. Who am I to stand in the way of progress as my wife launches another expert holiday campaign that delivers freedom from boredom, relaxation and responsible eating? We have six children, ranging in ages from 11 to 27, and each and every kid knows in the marrow of their bones that their mother is the boss. If I were a star in my family (I wish!), my wife would be the sun; the brightest and warmest light source in our household no matter what war might rage
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Women possess a strength of character that brings light to dark places. As I’ve grown up and (I hope) have grown wiser and kinder, more secure in my abilities and less judgmental of my flaws, I’ve come to embrace how the majority of women and girls express themselves in ways that educate, inspire and ennoble others. Men have a habit of seeing war (problems) and polarity while women shine light on the tributaries leading to peace and unity. I refuse to self-identify as a “feminist” since so many terrible men have professed the same and proven otherwise. (Yes, Justin, I am looking at you.) I need only look at the young woman managing our funeral home to know my two daughters and four sons see female strength reflected not just in their mother but within our family business too. Our family planet would actually stop spinning if my wife of 29 years announced she wanted off the merry-go-round called family gatherings. And our funeral home would lose something special if one of our staff, whether male or female, turned off the qualities so often attributed to women and girls: sweet, soft, compassionate, caring, loyal and loving. If you’re groaning right now, me too. Men obviously possess these same peace-loving traits. What I find fascinating is when women go beyond a traditional role or grow a new set of characteristics, a lot of us panic. Look no further than Canadian women joining the full-time, paid workforce during WWII. Etobicoke has a strong and proud wartime history that includes frontlines, factory lines and farmlands, and women played an important and generally overlooked role in each wartime sphere.
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WORK
Long Branch war-working grandmothers showcase the Sten guns they helped manufacture. By 1944 more than 1 million Canadian women were helping the war effort by working full-time. Another 800,000 women, with and without pay, were responsible for farming. CREDIT: Toronto Star Photograph Archive, Courtesy of Toronto Public Library (June 5th, 1943)
This Remembrance Day my wife and I plan on wandering into Colonel Samuel Smith Park, which is across from our funeral home, so we can pay our respects at the newly relocated Eighth Street Cenotaph.
Obviously I am not venerating the role of the housewife in a dated or chauvinistic way. Instead, I look at the feminine as an attribute within each of us that’s always inviting us to deepen and soften our thoughts, words and deeds.
This “empty tomb” sat outside the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 3 for more than 30 years honouring “our glorious dead” sacrificed in two World Wars, the Korean War and Afghanistan.
Perhaps if all 8 billion residents on Planet Earth (Planet Heart) practised more “women’s work” in our personal, professional and civic lives, peace, unity and harmony could be served at every family table irrespective of which leader is running the show.
Despite being an undertaker and lifelong supporter of our Canadian Armed Forces, I see nothing particularly “glorious” about death. However, I am regularly inspired by how the bereaved seek meaning from their suffering while simultaneously growing braver, more compassionate and empathetic toward this conundrum called Life. War and peace. Polarity and unity. Birth and death. Bad times, good times. Fear and joy. Men and women. We really are in this, the circle of life, together. And it’s appropriate that Earth is always considered feminine: our Mother Gaia.
Brad Jones is president of locally-owned, commission-free Ridley Funeral Home (3080 Lakeshore Boulevard) in Etobicoke. Join your community this Remembrance Day as we honour veterans of the past and present. This year’s November 11 th service is at Colonel Samuel Smith Park in front of the newly relocated Eighth Street Cenotaph. Brad can be reached at 416259-3705 or by emailing Bradjones@ridleyfuneralhome.com . Please know that every individual, every family is welcome to gather and grieve at our funeral home.
Move the letters in “earth” around and you’ll discover the word “heart.” Women, during peacetime and times of war, have traditionally been referred to as the heart of the household or an angel in the house.
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NICE TRY HOW DOES TRYING HOLD YOU BACK? Words have a funny power over us. Positive affirmations have a way of lifting us up and driving us forward, especially when said out loud and as if you truly believe them. I wonder if you’ve ever considered the implicit negative affirmations that you may use on a daily basis. One tiny, three letter word, can have a major effect in holding you back. I’m going to share with you why the word “try” can hold you back and how to use that realization to your advantage. Before we really get into this, “to try” means to make an attempt or effort to do something, and it is a good thing to strive to experience new things. I always encourage curiosity and a mindset aimed towards growth and exploration. The meaning for “try” shifts when you use it in the context of an action you are already capable of doing. In these situations, there is an implicit, unconscious way that your mind processes the word try - it presupposes failure. Consider these two statements: “I will exercise today” and “I will try to exercise today”. Say them out loud for better effect. How does each one feel when you say it? The first statement is clear, there will be action (exercise!). In the second statement, the action that you have stated you’ll do is to “try”. You’ve stated that you’ll make an attempt at exercise. What does making an attempt at exercise look like for you? For myself, it can range from sitting on the couch thinking about exercising, to getting all dressed and ready to go but becoming distracted by another task or chore. Begin to notice how often the word ‘try’ appears in your daily dialogue or self talk. When someone asks you for help, or adds on an additional task for you at work, do you respond with “I’ll try”? When you are considering some aspect of change that you want to make in your life, like making healthier decisions or practicing more self care, how often do you tell yourself you will “try”?
JONATHAN NHAN responsibility of taking action. If the task or action you tried to do never happens, then you have still lived up to the implicit meaning of your statement. You never said you’ll actually DO the task, you just said you’ll try. Over the next week, begin to keep track of how often you use the word try. As you begin to notice this word in your vocabulary, you can ask yourself what is your true intention when you’re using this word. Will you actually follow through and take action? If you intend to take action, simply remove the word from your statement and say it again. You may find that you become more clear with your own intentions and start taking action towards the change that you want. Want more tools to de-stress, sleep better, and master your mindset? Visit thecuratorium.ca/ learnmore. Jonathan Nhan Co-Founder, Curate and Upgrade Jon is a pharmacist, hypnotist, and Certified Diabetes Educator. He is passionate about making a tangible, positive impact in the world and has seen the power that changing mindset can have. Jon works with people like you, to find the perfect blueprint for healthy in your life and make that change effortless.
When you say you will try to do something, it frees you from the 30
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