Refresh, Restore, Regenerate

I was celebrating the week of my favourite holiday American Thanksgiving on vacation by watching football. During this week off I had lots of great moments and discovery.

One of the great moments was discovering the restorative properties of afternoon naps. Four out of the seven days I took advantage of this. Each time I awoke I felt refreshed, reenergized.

The first day was attending a class on managing difficult emotions. Learning to practice mindfulness,   wise mind and understanding the role emotions play in our life and how to deal with them. My sweetie took this class and marvelled about it and she practises the principles every day.

The next day was medical stuff, blood work, chest X-ray ( pneumonia all cleared up) dental appointment ( will have to have on my third filing in 55 years). I had my first one at age 44. I also donated blood for the 28th time.  I love saving lives.

The third day I shared my story at a middle school. Spoke to 2 grade 8 classes. The school is in the west end of the city, ethnically diverse and culturally aware. The students were amazing. Asked great questions and offered wonderful comments. I wish this program learning about mental health was available when I went to school.  When I went we had one guidance counsel or for the whole school. He was not the least bit interested in your personal issues, he was more concerned about career guidance. Now they have resource and guidance counsellors, social workers, and psychologists.  Education has changed for the better.

Growing up being a male, I was a shy introverted young man who wore glasses and had an acne problem. We didn’t dare tell anyone we weren’t feeling right. We were told to suck it up, quit being a wimp, be a man.

As a result we internalized everything and waited for it to bubble up and come out. It often came out in anger, rage, irritability and other negative ways. The macho he-man approach is bullshit.

Now, I have learned to show my emotions, be open, be supportive and be kind. it is a sign of strength.

The rest of the week off was spent chilling with my sweetie. Going back to work I felt great and recharged looking forward to my next days off and my next opportunity to share my story.

Peace.