Looking Ahead

This year, there will be challenges, as there always are. Whatever I face, I aim to find new strengths - new ways to grow.

From where can I draw inspiration and encouragement to meet whatever lies ahead?

1. I determine to redouble my efforts to connect with family and friends, conscious of making memories and developing rewarding ways to draw closer to others.

2. I am reminded this time of year of how many great thinkers and leaders there are, to encourage our growth and cultivate our wisdom. So many authors over the years have comforted me, inspired me, and helped me over difficult terrain. I will continue to seek teachers and guides who meet me where I am, help me to clarify my sense of purpose, heal some hurts, and share my journey.

3. Time to regroup, and consider what I want to realize this year. What changes I need to make, to help me toward my goals. In a smaller way, how can I make each day count more?

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4. I resolve to remember to go inward, taking time for my own reflections and increasing my awareness. We are all so much bigger than anything we think, or feel, or experience.

These things are transitory, and we are the constant behind them all. They pass, and we remain.

Sometimes our greatest inspiration flows from our intuition. When I am struggling with a challenge and the solution isn't immediately apparent, I like to ask my computer brain to work on the issue while I sleep. Very often I have the answer in the morning.

November - A Special Month for Goodwill Around the World

Nov. 13 is World Kindness Day every year

Participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds, and pledging acts of kindness. Over 28 nations are involved in the World Kindness Movement, which began in 1997.

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Nov. 17, 2019 - The Annual Santa Claus Parade

Over half a million people lined the parade route in downtown Toronto, to watch the floats, bands, clowns, and more, go by - a huge family and community event.

Nov. 17-23, Anti-Bullying Week

In the UK, this third week of the month is observed every year, with news and updates spread around the world.

Nov. 22, 2019

"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," a movie about Mr. Rogers, starring Tom Hanks, opened.

Nov. 23, 2019 - We Day

Neil Patrick Harris hosted a huge televised event - "A Celebration of Doing Good". Moving videos were highlighted, which told stories of caring young people who found innovative ways to help and encourage others.

Nov. 27, 2019

The Minister of Education for Ontario announced that the government is undertaking a 5-pronged approach, addressing bullying in our schools. He tasked the PC MPP for Scarbourough Centre, Christina Mitas, with overseeing the surveys and reports requested.

Delightfully Normal Help

I was riding the subway the other day, and we stopped at a particularly busy stop. A woman, rushing to get on, got trapped by the closing doors across from my seat.

With no hesitation or ceremony, two gentlemen reached for the doors, and forced them open, so she could enter. Nothing was said; it was business as usual.

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Then, not one minute later, the train lurched, and an older gentleman standing in front of me lost his footing and started to fall. 

Again, with no hesitation, two other people reached out and grabbed his elbows, bracing him to keep him securely upright. He regained his balance and on we went - again with nothing said.