SMALL GOOD THINGS | July

Chaos continues to reign around the world and as much as I’d like to hold out hope that my country won’t be affected by the tragic events happening everywhere, every day, it’s seemingly unavoidable. I’m primarily disappointed by what I regard as an ever-quickening erasure of beliefs between our border with the US - their white nationalist, entitled, racist, and hateful beliefs are becoming ever more evident and the media is giving far more air time to that platform than it deserves. All I can do is be hyper-vigilant about being clear on what I know is right and wrong (not a warped justification for power and cruelty) and live my life with a “We” mindset rather than the prevailing “Me” actions and beliefs.

How is it that the stories of travel lines and baggage situations at EVERY AIRPORT IN THE WORLD (not unique to Toronto Pearson) are more important than everything else? Let’s get to the root of why it’s an issue: mask and vaccine mandates were rescinded too quickly, too early. Yes, I still wear a mask when I leave my home - especially if I’m going to an enclosed space. It’s the least I can do - for you and me. I am relieved that the province has finally allowed the 18+ crowd to get our 4th shot. The delay is beyond baffling - it’s frustrating and infuriating.

As for some small good things for July?

ONE | I started the month by reading three novels: Lessons in Chemistry, Something Wilder and The Dead Romantics. All are very different from each other and strong 4-star reads. I’m not a particularly fast reader, but I got them all read in a matter of days. As a result, I’m determined to turn things off more often to dedicate more of my time to read more of what I love. Who knows, with practice, I might get faster? (And, it’s lovely to escape into a novel and not pay attention to the chaos around me!)

TWO | I have all of the content for my Week in the Life™ project, now it’s a matter of getting all of it put together and then off to the printer. It was a very different week this year, I’m happy it’s representative of life right now - like no other - the good, the bad, the all of it.

THREE | My office is a disaster. It’s really the one room in the house that was never “settled” once I moved into the new house. All but one of the boxes has been unpacked, but I’d like to get all of the shelves and drawers organized, and the desk tidied up. Now that I’ve been in the space for close to a year, I know how everything is used. Now to make it easy to maintain and get rid of all the dust bunnies! I’m giving myself all of the unbearably hot and/or rainy days in July to complete this particular project.

I continue to show up, dare to ask for more, and say yes to all opportunities that resonate with me and my values.

What are some small good things you can do to feel engaged and accomplished?