Monday Memo Musings

Bell's Let's Talk Campaign is aimed at reducing the stigma related to mental illness. We have always been told to take care of our bodies, now we are learning how important it is to take care of your mind.  There are five tips to helping yourself or someone you know with mental illness.  Talk about it.  Understanding and Educating ourselves is step two. Having the conversation without judging. Step 3. watch our language- it is correct to say- a person with bi-polar or a person with schizophrenia or a person with depression.  step 4. Be kind. Ask the person if they'd like to talk about it and listen. Saying you'll get over it or relax doesn't help. Saying I'm sorry you aren't well, or what can I do to help you now?   Step 5. Listen and Ask- Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and asking how you can help, sometimes just even being there for people you care about, can be the fir...

There is beauty in the world, open your eyes. Yesterday, I took a long walk with my dogs and saw many beautiful things: families skating on the oval sun shining through the trees sparkling snow I felt the heat of the sun Green Bay beat Dallas "yes" but most beautiful, were the young guys who passed me and said, " hello," and one young guy took off his headphones and said," hey, I like your dogs." This cool, good looking first nations kid, smiled the biggest smile and just made my day. Most people wouldn't expect that of busy teenagers. It was a beautiful day.  Thank You Thanks to Holly and Bonnie for doing some spring cleaning in January. The school looks really tidy. Thanks so much to Nicole, who rescued us on Wednesday when Mark couldn't travel to Zama due to the windy weather. She taught the kids all day. We appreciate her willingness to help out anytime.  Thanks to Eric who will be acting while I am away. Any questions ju...