Be Kind

I work in downtown Winnipeg, parking is always an issue. I am resourceful I have not paid for parking in my 23 year career with the health authority. I street park and move my car every 2 hours to avoid a ticket. Sometimes I am not quick enough and up with a ticket. A 50$ donation to the city. Over the years probably amassed 30 tickets, still way ahead of the game.

For the last couple of weeks I have gone to move my car and passed a man carrying a sign. I say a few words to him as he does likewise. I don’t know him from Adam. The other day he sees me walking and says “ How is it going sunshine “. We stopped and chatted for a few minutes. He uses his  sign to beg for money. Some days are better than others. I said I don’t have any money to give you. He said that’s okay your smile is all I want.

What a great man. I wish him well. An act of kindness goes a long way. Life is really simple be kind.

This week a friend from my past called me out of the blue. He is struggling. I am going to support him anyway I can. Again be kind.

Also this week, a lady from the USA contacted me through social media. A beautiful soul looking for a friend. When I told her I had a wife, she continued to communicate with me. I have added another friend to my circle. Again life is simple be kind.

Last week, Shelley did a stand up comedy routine at an open mic coffee shop. Two of our best friends came and they brought a couple of their friends along. We ended up closing down the coffee bar. A great night and Shelley rocked it.

Life is simple be kind. By being kind it is good for our relationships, our mental health and our life in general. The old adage is true you get what you give.

Mental Health Week

We are halfway through mental health week and this years focus is to Get Loud. Do not stay silent has been one of my motto’s with my journey with depression.

I have been open and honest with my depression with myself and everyone I meet. Sometimes people are not ready for my openness and that’s okay. Someone else will be.  I was late to the table, only diagnosed  10 years ago. However, for about 35 years lived in the darkness undiagnosed being angry, impatient, withdrawn feeling inadequate in many ways. I was carefree with finances and chased after relationship situations I had no hope of creating. I am working to become debt free and am not suffocated by my debt anymore. I am working on having better relationships and deeper friendships.  

My support network has evolved and is very strong and diverse. At 55, I have my own family. They are special, important full of love, hopes, dreams, desires. I am evolving as a grandparent, stepfather and partner each day. 

The challenges are daily and real and right now, would not have it any other way.  The stats are staggering 1 out of every 5 people deals with mental health situations. That is the statistic of the people who have reported, the number is higher with all the people undiagnosed. I am blessed that I had caring people who led me out of the darkness and into the light. I have embraced my depression. It has opened doors for me in ways that allows me to give back and be of support. Every time I speak to schools or companies like today, I touch a life and a life touches mine. 

Be kind, open and loud about mental health every day not just one week a year. Each time we are the stigma decreases.