Category Archives: Helpful Articles

Kids These Days

We’ve all heard the saying . . . kids these days!

And yet, there are plenty of examples of young people seeking to make the world a better place.

There are everyday examples of what some used to consider common courtesy.

One mom had to take her young children to the doctor’s across town. She had to ride the bus with her three in tow. It wasn’t a problem on the way there. There were plenty of available seats. And yet, on the way home, it was a different story.

You see, school had just let out, and the bus was filled to overflowing with high school students. All the seats were occupied, so this mom tried her best to deal with a stroller and her family. Before the bus had gotten a block from the medical centre, a teen offered her his seat. She was most grateful and knew then that kids these days aren’t all that bad.

And it’s not only these little things that make the world a better place, of course. It’s those examples of young people giving of their time and energy to reach out to those in need.

A group of senior high teens and their sponsors took their vacation time to head two-and-a-half hours north to run a day camp for elementary school-aged children and reach out to their fellow teens. They ran fundraisers to cover the cost and met together regularly before the trip to prepare.

They slept in tents and put in long hours decorating the facility, practicing skits and songs, and preparing games. And more importantly, they spent time getting to know the children and having fun with them. Their efforts and willingness to adapt when asked were well-received.

The local teens, however, were not as keen to spend time with “the intruders,” but the young people kept up with their day-to-day responsibilities faithfully and enthusiastically. Their sponsors were impressed with their efforts.

Yet another group of young people committed to traveling 15 hours east to help in whatever way they could. As it turned out, they ended up tearing down a building and saving the organization thousands of dollars. For this, the team gave up time, money, sleep, and relaxation—and had a blast while doing so. And, of course, there was the 15 hour return trip, which included a broken down van and the fun that goes with it.

And a third group ventured even farther afield. So many people talk about their wonderful vacations to the Dominican Republic, a warm Caribbean destination that sounds pretty good to those of us in the Great White North about this point.

However, there is “another Dominican Republic,” one where poverty and despair are the daily reality. And this was the destination of these young people and their adult sponsors. Again, they were working with children, but the conditions were eye-opening. The Haitian refugees were discriminated against. Three million of them lived in only 104 square kilometres.

The team’s days involved working with the children: stories, games, crafts, songs, and reaching out to those on the streets and paying calls to local residents. They also were involved in a building project.

And what was one young man’s favourite part of the trip? (By the way, this particular teen is setting records in field events and could very likely be headed for the Olympics. He gave up training time to go on this trip.) This is what he had to say:

My favourite part of the trip was working with the kids. My favourite part of the day was, without a doubt, spending time connecting with the kids. They took such pride in completing their crafts and listened intently to the stories. They just wanted to soak in everything we had to offer.

Kids these days, indeed!

We may not hear about these examples. It seems we’re more prone to complaining about the times when someone—young or not-so-young—wrongs us in some way. It takes practice to look for the positives. But we’ll be happier when we do—and so will the people around us.

Why not get together with some of your friends and discuss positive experiences you’ve had with young people. Even better, why not invite a few of them in to address the group. You may very well come away encouraged by “kids these days.”
Let’s look for reasons to smile today.

12 Ways to Avoid Idle Hands

You may have developed one or more of the skills below over the years . . . or you may be looking for something new to occupy your hands and your mind.

Whichever is the case, the following can fill many hours and bring tremendous satisfaction. And remember to be patient with yourself. New skills take time to develop, and those you’ve had for years may be hindered by failing eyesight and/or motor control. Make adaptations as needed.

Carving

Anything from a rustic picture frame to a personalized nameplate makes a wonderful gift. (Of course you will want to exercise caution. Carving tools can cause injury.)

Colouring

While you may consider colouring a child’s pursuit, there are several detailed colouring books created for those of all ages. Why not grab some crayons or coloured pencils and have some fun?

Crocheting

From the intricate lace doilies that used to adorn tables and couches to the cowls and hats made with the large Q hook, crocheting is here to stay.

Cross Stitch

When you think of cross stitch, your mind may automatically go to the impossibly-tiny stitches of classic counted cross stitch samplers that were once so popular. But there are also cross stitch patterns that can be created on plastic canvas, which is much easier to work with and comes in a wide variety of sizes.

Drawing

All you need is a pencil and a piece of paper and you’re all set. Whether you’re a skilled artist or just want to doodle, it’s a great way to pass the time.

Embroidery

As is the case with cross stitch, there are embroidery patterns for those with varying levels of motor control and skill.

Knitting

Knitting is perhaps the most popular handcraft of all. Therefore, if you don’t know how, it’s likely you can find someone who does and would be willing to help you. And the idea of knitting with chunky yarn and extremely large needles or even just your hands makes it doable for almost everyone. Why not learn a few simple stitches and get busy making that first scarf?

Painting

Paint-by-numbers. Watercolour. Acrylic. Oil. From painting on canvas to purchasing unpainted novelty items at the dollar store, there are lots of options when it comes to taking up painting.

Puzzle-Making

Many people find puzzle-making relaxing and enjoyable. If you have the space to leave it out, it can be a great way to pass the time for several days—or even weeks. The wonderful thing about puzzles is that they came in all shapes and sizes. Plus, the designs range from easy to extremely difficult. And this is one of the best hobbies to share with the other residents.

Rug Hooking

Rug hooking is a fairly simply handcraft to learn. You can make everything from pillows to wall hangings. There are several different kits available that include all you need.

Scrapbooking

This pastime, like all others, can be as simple or complex as you choose to make it. There is likely thousands of dollars worth of scrapbooking supplies at the local arts and crafts store, but there are also complete kits you can get for under $30. Pull out those family pictures and create something wonderful.

Sculpting

Whether you use sculpting tools or just your hands, why not create something with clay?

A DIFFERENT KIND OF RESOLUTION LIST

The dawn of a brand new year seems like the perfect time to make a list of resolutions. However, the typical list may no longer be relevant. Some things still apply, but others do not.

Why not consider a different kind of list?

In 2015, I will …

Connect with Family More Often

For one reason or another, you may not have many opportunities to spend time with family. Thankfully, in this day and age, there are many options to getting together in person. Set a regular phone date—and stick to it. If you have access to a computer, schedule regular Skype chats. The wonderful thing about Skype is that you can see those grandbabies and great grandbabies grow up even if they live thousands of miles away. And since the majority of what ends up in our mailboxes these days goes straight into the recycle bin, it’s almost guaranteed that an old-fashioned letter will bring a smile to the recipient. (Just a hint: Be honest about how much staying in touch means to you.)

Preserve My Memories

There are a number of ways to do so. Keep a journal of your thoughts and memories. Don’t worry if your entries aren’t chronological. Almost anything can trigger a memory. It’s best to capture it as soon as possible. Looking through old photos is a wonderful way to reminisce. You may want to put together a photo album of favourite moments. You may even want to incorporate the two and put together a scrapbook of captioned photos.

Learn Something New

Visit the local library and check out books on the Recently Added shelves. Grab one (or more) that catches your eye. Sign up for an online course. (There are several available at no or minimal charge.) Order a series of CDs or DVDs that explore a topic you’re interested in. (You may want to check out Great Canadian Courses.)

Take Up a New Hobby

In the same vein, perhaps it’s time to take up a new hobby. Remember it’s about having fun and expanding your mind—not about doing it perfectly right from the start. Do you love that painting right outside your room? Why not try painting one of your own? Admire that infinity scarf your daughter was wearing? Maybe it’s time to pick up a ball of yarn and some knitting needles. (These days, they have extremely large crochet hooks and knitting needles with patterns for quick projects. This may be right for you if you struggle with dexterity and/or like to see something come together quickly.) Are you a music lover? There are music teachers who are willing to come to you and there are courses online as well. Always been good with words? Maybe it’s time to take up writing: poems, short stories, a full-length novel, your memoir.

Laugh More

There is a proverb that reads, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Illness, loneliness, depression … they can all make it seem like you have no reason to be merry. There is no denying that it’s difficult sometimes, but the payoff for laughing more might surprise you. Read humorous books. Watch sitcoms and funny movies. Hang around people who make you laugh. Go ahead; be silly. You may just bring a smile to someone’s face—maybe even a full-fledged laugh. And making others happy often splashes back and does the same for us.

Stretch the Parameters of My Comfort Zone

If you’re an introvert and spent most of your life surrounded by familiar people and places, making new friends and trying new things may seem just too difficult. There is no denying that breaking out of your comfort zone—or simply expanding the parameters—will be challenging. But it is so worth it!

Get Active

Exercise has so many benefits. Improved lung capacity. The ability to sleep more restfully. The ability to think more clearly. Because of the release of endorphins, exercise even improves your outlook. Though you may not be able to do what you once did, try to do a little more each week. (Be sure to get guidance from a professional who knows your limitations.)

Develop an Attitude of Gratitude

Sometimes the challenges of getting older are like a heavy weight. Nothing lifts that weight like deliberately looking for things to be thankful for. It’s a great idea to keep a Thankfulness Journal. When you’re down, you can open it and remind yourself just how much you have to be grateful for.

Pay It Forward

And there’s nothing quite like doing something nice for someone else. Resolve to look for the opportunity to do so each and every day.

THEN AND NOW

Here are a few suggestions to rekindle happy memories of the holiday season—and make new ones.

The Tree

Coat, hat, mitts … check, check, and check. Trudging through snow up to your thighs saw in hand … check. Finding the perfect tree … check. Dragging it home only to find it is much too big to fit into the living room … and check. (Trees always look much smaller in the woods.)

Even if this is a familiar scenario, it is likely a distant memory. But chances are, if you can remember doing this, there are happy memories associated with the entire process. The lights. The baubles. The tinsel. And sitting back to admire your handiwork with a homemade cookie in one hand and a mug of hot cocoa in the other.

While you may not have room for a tree—even a small one—you likely have a dresser where you could place a miniature artificial tree. And if you prefer “the real thing,” you may have a corner where you can tuck a small, potted evergreen, which can be planted outside in the spring.

You can decorate the tree with tiny baubles and bows available at most department and dollar stores. You can even find candy canes just the right size to add the finishing touch.
This tiny replica can serve as a reminder of those happy memories from long ago.

The Decorations

Bows. Ribbon. Garland. Mistletoe. Artificial snow in a can.
A visit to the neighbourhood dollar store can spark any number of ideas to decorate even the smallest space.
How about … window clings, a pint-sized Christmas village, snowman mugs.
A few well-place additions can brighten up your room in no time.

The Lights

From the lights on the tree to the bulbs outlining each window … from the outdoor floodlights casting a warm glow to the flicking candles … this season shines like no other.

Some miniature trees are pre-lit. All you have to do is plug them in. You may not be able to outline your window with multi-coloured lights, but you may be able to hang a lit star or snowman to bring a smile to passersby—as well as yourself.

And thanks to creative ingenuity, there are now battery-powered candles that are so realistic-looking it’s hard to believe there is no open flame.

As the sun sets earlier and earlier, these lights provide a nice alternative to harsh fluorescents … and can stir up warm and happy memories.

The Music

While not everyone gathered around “the old piany” and sang carols, seasonal songs are piped into stores and restaurants and evoke an emotional response from people of all ages. Music is a powerful tool and awakens memory centres in the brain like nothing else can.

Whether listening to favourites from your past or discovering new favourites, why not make music part of the season?
The Movies

Peruse the DVD aisles in any store at this time of year, and you’ll find rows and rows of holiday classics. It seems everyone has their favourites.

Maybe it’s time to pop in a copy of “A Christmas Carol,” “White Christmas,” or “Miracle on 34th Street.”
Perhaps just thinking about the movies you watched with your children brings a smile to your face. Go ahead and watch “A

Charlie Brown Christmas,” the original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or the Burl Ives’ classic, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Enjoy!

The Cards

Not too long ago, the holidays meant mailboxes stuffed with greeting cards. Displays of cards made wonderful additions to the decorations.

With the advent of e-cards that are sent on the computer—and the ever-increasing price of individual and boxed cards—fewer and fewer physical cards are sent each year.
One of the most wonderful things about the season is bringing a smile to someone’s face. Just think how big those smiles will be if your loved ones go to their mailboxes and find a card with a personalized, handwritten note inside.

May you bring many smiles this holiday season … and may you have countless reasons to smile yourself.

BOREDOM BUSTERS – Part 2

When we’re no longer able to go where we used to go and do what we used to do, it’s easy to slip into a funk and let boredom get the best of us. However, as you may have read in “Boredom Busters – Part 1,” there are several things we can do to keep boredom at bay. Below are a dozen more things you may can choose from to do just that.

Watch TV

It’s easy to mindlessly watch the television and just let the hours slip past. However, TV can also have many benefits: keeping up with world events, revisiting happy memories as you watch reruns and old movies, laughing at situation comedies—both old and new, and exercising your memory as you follow new shows with ongoing storylines.

Read a Book

Even better than watching the story unfold before you is reading about it. Reading requires more interaction with the information than does watching television. Let the author paint the picture with words. You can make note of facts and quotations that you want to remember and look back at them later. There are books written about any topic you can imagine.

Listen to an Audiobook

Local libraries often have extensive audiobook sections. If you have difficulty reading a book for any reason—or even if you’re more of an audio learner than a visual learner—audiobooks provide a great alternative.

Write a Story

You don’t simply have to watch, read, or listen to the stories created by others. You can come up with your own. You can use a journal, a computer, or a voice recorder to share fiction, memoir, or other nonfiction. Even if you are the only one who ever reads or listens to your stories, it can be a great way to overcome boredom. Who knows? Others may also be interested in what you’ve written.

Write a Poem

You don’t have to be a storyteller or a novelist to write a story and you don’t have to be a gifted poet to write poems. Poems are a wonderful way of sharing big ideas with only a few words. One of the best ways to be inspired is to read the poetry written by others.

Write a Letter
Social networking, emailing, texting … they’re all great ways to keep in touch with others, but there are many people who would love to receive a letter—even a brief note—in their mailbox.

Record a Favourite Memory (audio or written)

What happy memories stand out to you? By recording them, you will have them to read or listen to when you’re feeling down. Plus, your memories may stir happy memories for others as well.

Take Up a New Hobby

There’s nothing like a hobby to overcome boredom. If you’re unable to pursue the hobbies you used to enjoy—or if you simply want to try something new—ask around. When you hear about something that sounds interesting, give it a try.

Exercise

It’s important to keep moving as much as possible. Attend an exercise class. Go for a walk. (Remember to get medical clearance before changing your level of physical activity.)

Make a Friend

No matter how old you are, you can still make new friends. Strike up a conversation. Who knows? You might discover you have shared interests or simply enjoy one another’s company. Cliché as it sounds, the best way to make a friend is to be a friend.

Paint a Picture

You may be an artist from way back or you may feel like you don’t have an ounce of creativity. It doesn’t matter. You can purchase paint-by-numbers, attempt realistic paintings, or use your favourite colours and simply put brush to canvas and produce an abstract that reflects your feelings. Have fun!

Take a Photo

From cell phones to small, handheld digital cameras; from expensive equipment to the new instant cameras … there are many ways to take pictures. Photographers find it’s a whole new world when they’re viewing life through the lens. You may too.