As we close out 2023, time for some reflection. It has been an impactful year on many fronts. I am very blessed to have many many important relationships/friendships that keep my balanced and are value adds to my life.
I redeveloped a lost friendship in March, was a long time coming. I took the risk and reached out. Thank you CM.
I continue to nurture and love my beautiful family. My wife keeps my on my toes. My children via marriage are continuing to blossom into upstanding and great young adults each creating there own niche. My grandson spent the entire summer with us and showed me a different side of Winnipeg. Found so many gems that I didn’t know about. Since he went home in August, I admit there was some pinning to hear his lovely voice and my mental health was impacted until I talked to him again.
We continue to embrace our relationship with True North and love working there. We have become valued and respected employees and made some awesome friendships. The best memories from Canada Life Centre this year was the first home playoff game I attended since Game 4 1990 Dave Ellett double overtime game winner. Walking into to a an all white arena. We have a white out theme during playoffs and every seat had a white towel draped over it. Too bad the game ended in a double OT loss. How prophetic The concerts KISS, Seinfeld and Lee Brice were my favourites. Special events Disney on Ice was the top. I did tear up during Moana and Frozen.
At the end of the year a very heavy work related situation was lifted off my shoulders. When the final aspect played out I could feel the burden being lifted off and felt free for the first time in many years. Going forward I want to continue to blossom and enhance work possibilities. I am also gearing up for retirement less than two years away hopefully. I took the plunge and paid for parking at work. First time in my healthcare career. Stress free for sure.
In August, our car died and we had anxiety ridden days for about a week. We quickly pivoted and in October welcomed a brand new car called Triumph. So far a match made in heaven.
Like every year there is great loss. Personally lost a good friend and soccer mentor TT. Friends lost family members and are struggling. Famous people we lost included Bud Grant, Tony Bennett, Gordon Lightfoot, Rosalyn Carter, Sandra Day O’Connor and Shelley’s favourite simply the best Tina Turner.
Few volunteer opportunities presented this year however next year, I have already laid the groundwork for more opportunities. I know that when I don’t volunteer my mental health takes a hit. Making a difference in someone’s life has endless rewards.
My mental health ebbs and flows. It is a process everyday. I learn more about myself when the blips happen. My goal moving forward is to keep the blips to a minimum and work at not having them become more than blips.
I will continue to advocate for openness with mental health. Nothing to be ashamed about. We all struggle at certain aspects of our life. Being open makes us stronger not weaker. If anyone tells you otherwise it’s their shame not yours.
Love to you all and here’s to a great 2024.
