Everyone holds grudges. The question is Why? According to the Internet, the main 2 reasons why people hold grudges are because they feel have been wronged or because they feel someone is better than them and are jealous or envious of them.
Holding grudges is not good for one's mental health. It is not good for my mental health. I begin to question and second guess myself. I get angry, mad at the world and myself. Which leads to depression and can take a while to recover.
Yet some people excel at holding grudges and don't care how many people they hurt as a result. One of these people is the leader of the free world. The Orange menace, the horses ass. Where do I start? I will give you a few examples.
Because Canada my country won't sign the free trade agreement he slaps exhorbident tariffs on the steel and alumininum on us. Why out of spite? We didn't bow down to him.
Because 30+ years ago he owned a football team in the rival USFL and as a result the NFL would not consider him as an owner. He counters by stating that everyone who kneels or sits for the national anthem is disrespecting the country and flag. Totally ignoring the real reason this movement started in the first place.
This past weekend a great American, statesman died (John McCain) and because he was a true politician and voted with his conscience and voted against repelling Obamacare and actually was the deciding vote. The orange menace refused to lower the flags to half staff for more than a day and did not offer a formal White House statement about John McCain. I am appalled at how petty and juvenile his behaviour is, what are we in grade school? He is not fit for the White House.
People who hold grudges lack self esteem and confidence. They have to put other people down in order to raise themselves up. The people who are put down may stay down for a long time and develop mental health issues as a result and that is sad. There is no need for anyone to hold grudges at any time for any reason.
In the words of Rodney King " Why can't we all get along".
Monday, 27 August 2018
Wednesday, 15 August 2018
Recovery For All
I attended an information meeting for a new proposed addictions treatment centre the other day. The architectural firm displayed their conceptual design for the facility. The facility will be built in a residential area on the west area of town alongside a creek.
The area housed a hockey arena and curling rink which has long been shuttered and left in disarray. A new purpose for a great area has become a polarizing issue in our city.
It will be a beautiful enrichment for the community and city providing a much needed place for people dealing with their addictions to get the help they need.
Unfortunately, at this meeting the detractors and naysayers outnumbered the supporters. Why are people opposed to this facility? They have been told that their property value will depreciate. The aesthetics of their suburban life will be upheaved because of the clientele this recovery centre will attract. That the facility needs to be in an industrial area not residential.
Well I got news for you, all the other treatment centres in our city are located in residential areas not industrial. They are established supportive members of their community areas with no incidents to the public involving the residents.
A family who lost their son 2 weeks ago to death by suicide from addictions was in attendance showing their support for the project. These detractors had the audacity to call them out saying they didn't do enough to help their son. I couldn't believe it. What if it was their loved one? How ignorant, insensitive and inconsiderate can people be?
I 100% support this project and am prepared to do whatever I can to ensure it is built. I would be prepared to volunteer at the facility once it is built. Please take the time to know all the facts and support this project. Check out their website at www.bruceoakerecoverycentre.ca
The area housed a hockey arena and curling rink which has long been shuttered and left in disarray. A new purpose for a great area has become a polarizing issue in our city.
It will be a beautiful enrichment for the community and city providing a much needed place for people dealing with their addictions to get the help they need.
Unfortunately, at this meeting the detractors and naysayers outnumbered the supporters. Why are people opposed to this facility? They have been told that their property value will depreciate. The aesthetics of their suburban life will be upheaved because of the clientele this recovery centre will attract. That the facility needs to be in an industrial area not residential.
Well I got news for you, all the other treatment centres in our city are located in residential areas not industrial. They are established supportive members of their community areas with no incidents to the public involving the residents.
A family who lost their son 2 weeks ago to death by suicide from addictions was in attendance showing their support for the project. These detractors had the audacity to call them out saying they didn't do enough to help their son. I couldn't believe it. What if it was their loved one? How ignorant, insensitive and inconsiderate can people be?
I 100% support this project and am prepared to do whatever I can to ensure it is built. I would be prepared to volunteer at the facility once it is built. Please take the time to know all the facts and support this project. Check out their website at www.bruceoakerecoverycentre.ca
Sunday, 12 August 2018
Saving Grace
This weekend marks the 4rth anniversary of Robin Williams death by suicide. At the time, I like most others was shocked to hear of his passing. A terrific comedic genius gone too soon. From his stand up routines (my favourites were his dissection of the sport of golf and his appearance on Johnny Carson's penultimate show) to his comedic movies again my favourites (Good Morning Vietnam and Mrs. Doubtfire) to his portrayal of John Keating in Dead Poets Society.
What we didn't see was his inner struggles, his pain, his hurt. All of this was clearly on display in his films, stand up routines. However, it was masked so that we couldn't see through all the laughter, immersion of his characters.
When someone dies by suicide, it is to end ones suffering, ones pain. It is not a Sign of Weakness. I once came close 18 years ago. April 2000, I was alone in a hotel room sitting in the dark thinking of how no one would miss me if I never came home.
What stopped me was the TV was on and CNN was showing live coverage of a reunion between a boy and his father. I reached out to my father. One of the toughest phone calls I ever made. My father reacted with no judgement and asked how he could help. He was even prepared to jump on the next plane and come and get me.
I am forever grateful to my father and the story of Elian Gonzalez for saving me.
Everyone has a story and we don't know what that story is. So be kind and be prepared to reach out when someone is in need. You could be there saving grace.
Robin Williams entertained millions and only a few saw his daily struggle. The struggle is real.
For the last 3 years, I have had the privilege of sharing my story to middle and senior high school students. Each time after sharing there is a comment and question and answer session. One student wrote a comment how they were pleased that I was here to share my story that day.
Everyday I am grateful and thankful that I am here and that my openness with depression could help even 1 person. This is what keeps me going everyday.
What we didn't see was his inner struggles, his pain, his hurt. All of this was clearly on display in his films, stand up routines. However, it was masked so that we couldn't see through all the laughter, immersion of his characters.
When someone dies by suicide, it is to end ones suffering, ones pain. It is not a Sign of Weakness. I once came close 18 years ago. April 2000, I was alone in a hotel room sitting in the dark thinking of how no one would miss me if I never came home.
What stopped me was the TV was on and CNN was showing live coverage of a reunion between a boy and his father. I reached out to my father. One of the toughest phone calls I ever made. My father reacted with no judgement and asked how he could help. He was even prepared to jump on the next plane and come and get me.
I am forever grateful to my father and the story of Elian Gonzalez for saving me.
Everyone has a story and we don't know what that story is. So be kind and be prepared to reach out when someone is in need. You could be there saving grace.
Robin Williams entertained millions and only a few saw his daily struggle. The struggle is real.
For the last 3 years, I have had the privilege of sharing my story to middle and senior high school students. Each time after sharing there is a comment and question and answer session. One student wrote a comment how they were pleased that I was here to share my story that day.
Everyday I am grateful and thankful that I am here and that my openness with depression could help even 1 person. This is what keeps me going everyday.
Sunday, 5 August 2018
Keep Moving, Keep Pushing Through
These words were used by Brian Dawkins in his Hall of Fame Induction Speech last night. He gave an impassioned 22 minute speech where he praised his teammates, coaches, Philadelphia Eagles, fans and his family.
There's hope, there is something on the other side. Don't stay where you are keep moving, keep pushing through. He is referring to his struggle with depression and how close he came to dying by suicide.
He credits his wife for encouraging him to seek professional help. He credits his family and teammates for keeping him focused.
I can relate I credit my sweetie for suggesting I have depression and encouraging me to seek professional help. I did and have become open and honest about my struggle and journey.
Everyday more and more people come forward and share their struggle and journey. People from all walks of life. There is no shame, no weakness in admitting your struggle.
Being a male there was a certain machoism that had to be maintained. You couldn't show weakness. You couldn't cry in public. You had to have a tough exterior. This is all bullshit.
Once I became open about my struggle, I found like minded people who understood the struggle and could relate either directly or indirectly.
Occasionally, I would come across someone who did not want to hear about my struggle. That's okay they were not ready.
Keep moving, keep moving forward and reach out when you need to.
There's hope, there is something on the other side. Don't stay where you are keep moving, keep pushing through. He is referring to his struggle with depression and how close he came to dying by suicide.
He credits his wife for encouraging him to seek professional help. He credits his family and teammates for keeping him focused.
I can relate I credit my sweetie for suggesting I have depression and encouraging me to seek professional help. I did and have become open and honest about my struggle and journey.
Everyday more and more people come forward and share their struggle and journey. People from all walks of life. There is no shame, no weakness in admitting your struggle.
Being a male there was a certain machoism that had to be maintained. You couldn't show weakness. You couldn't cry in public. You had to have a tough exterior. This is all bullshit.
Once I became open about my struggle, I found like minded people who understood the struggle and could relate either directly or indirectly.
Occasionally, I would come across someone who did not want to hear about my struggle. That's okay they were not ready.
Keep moving, keep moving forward and reach out when you need to.
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