Just got to watch this. Catching up and boy - a bit behind. This is easy to watch. Please watch it if you are suffering with PTSD

Are you lonely? Please don't choose MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying).

It was disappointing to hear the news state that the Federal Government was going to permit MAID for psychogical disorders in the future and that people suffering from lonliness had chosen MAID. Where has the Hippocratic Oath of doing no harm flown to? How is killing a person at their request a solution for lonliness? How can a person suffering from a psychological disorder make a sound decision? I know that Christmas is a difficult time for many people. Just recently the Director from a community centre said that they were seeking volunteers to visit people living in isolation. Now that is a wonderful, caring step. Of course they would require a police check, or should have one. Vulnerable people need to be protected not killed at their request. If you are thinking suicide, don't be dissolutioned by the coldness you may see in others. People in general mean well. They do try to help, but sometimes the most simple quick solution is picked rather than the most caring. People need to feel valued, respected and loved regardless of their circumstances. This Christmas I am asking those who are lonely to reach out. Reach out to your priest, your neighbours, your communities and your physicians but never accept anything less than an option to feel wanted. We are all born the same. Of course circumstances are different. Some of us have wonderful upbringings with oppotunities and some of us have the opposite. As adults we are a consequence of all that has happened to us, but we have choices. Seek help, if you need it. There is no shame in that, it requires courage and I know you have it in you somewhere. Search for it. There is no reason to rid yourself of a life you were meant to have because you are lonely. You can also start your own support group. If you live in the country, there is zoom. Make sure that any group you do reach out to is one of hope and not one that encourages the worse - especially suicide. There are people out there who wish the worse on others, a reflection of themselves. You need to find people who make you feel good about yourself. But remember that you need to do a bit of work to find the best in yourself. I wish you a happy Christmas this year with hope for a new beginning, a positive beginning. So if MAID is offered to you, please say no. Open your heart and your soul for something more because you deserve it.

More of the Canadian Blazing Fiddlers from a Christmas Party - Have a good weekend World - Dance, play and Sing

Blazzing Fiddlers at Christmas Party

Christmas can be depressing - Please take care of yourselves

I come across many people living in Toronto and I am reminded outside of my practice, how many people are dealing with food insecurity, social isolation, sadness and worse. For years I didn't take holidays during the Christmas holidays because of the suicide rate. So, I am talking to you. Though your life may seem without hope, don't give up. First of all today why not examine who is in your life? Do they enhance your life or is it the opposite? I have often been told by people living in what appears to be desperate situations that they are more afraid of making changes because of a fear of the unknown. It can perhaps be easier to stay in an abusive situation because at least you know what you are dealing with. But is it easier? Yes, making changes can be hard and the future can be frightful, but what is beyond that? As children you don't have much choices, but as adults you do (and children if you are reading this and something is not right, tell an adult you can trust perhaps a teacher at school or a Priest?). Perhaps it is time to take power back for yourself. Who is in your corner? Do you not have enough to eat and are ashamed to go to a food bank? Don't be and go get yourself nourished because having enough food in your belly and sleep along with exercise is important for you to think clearly and to have strength which you require for change. Go for walks. Try to spend time in nature. Find a support group and find out what resources your community offers. If I had a magic wand and could give you whatever you wanted - what would that be? What can you do to make yourself get there, with little steps along the way? Start a journal and write about your daily life. What stirs you? What motivates you? What makes you smile? What makes you sad? Why not examine who in your life does not appreciate you, and find those that do. I understand that we are living in difficult times with political strife and crime at unrecorded levels. People when desparate do terrible things and though for some there is no remourse, for others it mounts. Examine your spirituality. Are you angry with God? That is ok? God can take it. Do you not believe in God? Think of some higher power and try to connect with it whatever it may be, as long as it doesn't take you on a downhill spiral. Reach out for help. There is no shame in asking for help and finding the resources. What may seem terrible today can clear up in the future. Remember that. Decrease your social media, the news reports and anything else that can only spew negativity. Why not today get out of bed and go for a walk. Talk to nature. I do wish you all a Merry Christmas. Can't afford a gift? Make one? It can be as simple as a drawing as an expression of your love. Stay clear of people who encourage you to think worse about yourself in real life or in the media. Why not take a deep breath and go outside. Perhaps you can volunteer at a food bank or shelter and know that you too can make a difference to someone in a positive way. Should you ever want to ask me a question, don't hesitate.

Persistence - Snowy Owl by Michael Pape

Long Postal Strike in Toronto

I just want to let you know that our Postal Workers are on strike (for awhile) and so I won't be able to ship books out until it is over. I would recommend that you order ebooks only at this time. I will let you know when the strike is over. Sorry.