sunscreen would be it

By now, you might have seen this video floating around the Internet. And maybe, it's made you think twice about visiting tanning beds or postponing your visit to the doctor. Hopefully, it’s made you tell those in your life that you love them and that it’s important to pay attention to their bodies. And if this message reaches just one person, or saves just one life, than it’s worth passing it on. Skin cancer has unfortunately touched my family a few times and being the fair-skinned, freckled person that I am, believing that pale is the new tan is something I’ve had to convince myself of for years.

Beyond raising awareness for skin cancer and the risks of the sun, which I think is increasingly important these days, the video really got me thinking. What would I say to my sixteen year old self? What do I know now that I wished I'd known then? I don’t know if I’ve got any truly wise words and as I get older I know there is always more to learn but if I could talk to myself ten years ago, there’s a few things I’d want myself to know. I’d want my teenage self to know the importance of always having fun and not taking things so seriously. There’s going to be ups and downs and good times and bad times, but pick your battles, laugh things off and let your stress be a catalyst for positive changes. Take risks! My sixteen year old self (along with maybe my twenty six year old self!) needs to know that taking risks and trying new things are the experiences that will help you grow as a person. It’s okay to weigh the good and the bad, to be scared and unsure, to make an informed decision, but go for it, give it a shot and live your life to the fullest so you never have to wonder what could have been. And most importantly, be confident in who you are. Confidence is something that I tend to struggle with, something that holds me back from being the best I can be, and believing in myself at a younger age would help push me to places I'm struggling to get to now. So dear sixteen year old me, always stay true to who you are and, more importantly, believe in who you are. Because guess what? You’re great and life is pretty darn good. And when your dad says he will give you a million dollars if you guess what's in the box, go with your gut and say luggage - it would really help your twenty-six year old self if you were a million dollars richer.

What would you say to your sixteen year old self?

PS My apologies for posting a video that you might have seen before...with the message hitting so close to home, I just couldn't help it!

spreading the love

I was reading my local newspaper this morning and stopped on a quick story about a young good deed doer who is making his way across Canada in an attempt to spark an increased level of trust and kindness among strangers. Stefano Andriani’s project, Travel Kindness, will see his team making their way across the country for the next few months doing everyday good deeds along the way. Efforts like Stefano’s, attempting to make our world a kinder place, are such necessary reminders that there really is so much good in the world, especially when the newspapers seem to be full of bad news.
{via - do you agree?} A good deed, no matter how big or small, can really put a smile on a stranger’s face. To be able to brighten someone’s day by offering some spare change or a helping hand is often such a simple yet satisfying task and I truly believe in the value of being able to pay it forward. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a stranger's smile, you know how good it feels to get that extra push in your day whether it’s because someone gave up their seat on the bus for you or offered you an extra nickel for your morning coffee. I remember when I was young, my class at school was challenged to commit a good deed and not tell anyone about what we had done – a secret between ourselves and the stranger we had so kindly helped out. How hard does that seem? I mean, I could lend a hand to someone in need or go out of my way to be kind to a stranger and just keep it to myself, right? I remember that keeping my selflessness a secret, so that it did indeed seem selfless, was tougher than I could have imagined. We all have a need to share with others and I really don’t think it’s a bad thing to want to share the good things we do...even if it’s because we’re proud or just want recognition. As much as I do believe that challenge taught me not to worry about acceptance and to be kind no matter who is watching, I think hearing stories of goodwill are motivating. They encourage us to look at out lives and find ways to help those in need. They inspire us to take an extra second to notice that the world is a good place and by being in it, we can help make it better. I am thankful to people like Stefano and the many, many others that constantly remind me that common kindness can go a long way.

Have you received any random acts of kindness lately? Any heartwarming stories?

breaking the silence

This morning, on my commute into work I had a change of heart. I was looking forward to writing about my exciting weekend plans and the great deal I got on my upcoming white water rafting adventure, but, after seeing this article on page four of 24 Hours, I felt very strongly that there was something else I needed to talk about. There are so many inspirational people in the world and I believe that highlighting their dreams and accomplishments pushes us all to make a difference, no matter how big or small, and inspires others to do the same.
{via}

Michael Schratter, an elementary school teacher and local social columnist, has big plans for this upcoming year. Through an amazing journey in honour of raising funds and awareness for mental illness that will see him biking around the world, Michael hopes to break the silence and create positive conversations surrounding a topic that seems too taboo to talk about. On August 1st, Michael will begin his 40 000 km Ride Don’t Hide campaign across 6 continents to bring awareness to mental health issues. Not only is the fact that he will be riding an incredible distance something worth talking about but the fact that he himself suffers, and has suffered since he was 13, from depression, anxiety and related mental health issues, makes him all the more courageous and certainly an inspiration to me.


It’s inspiring to see people put their ‘normal’ lives on hold to take part in a challenge that not only is a physical battle but also a mental one, as tough issues take center stage and force the world to take a closer look at it’s self. There are so many tough topics out there that often don’t get the attention they need causing so many to suffer in silence. Having the courage to talk about it is such a step in the right direction.

Whether you support Michael’s campaign or any other cause close to your heart, I know we all can make a difference in the lives of those around us, even if it’s as simple as lending an ear or being a friend.

Who inspires you?

PS...a big hello to all of you who have jumped over to my blog from Dancing Branflakes! Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have a good time! I couldn't be more excited that Tiffany chose to feature me today! Challenge yourself to jump high, have fun and take a photo...it will make you smile!