silver linings

This blog has been a wonderful place to write out my ideas.  I have written probably 12 insights (or blogs), to the 6 that I have actually shared. Writing is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, but never had the time….

Sometimes I write and think “ahh, that doesn’t really fit into the narrative of what I am aiming to put out there” but then I thought this morning…”hey, there are no rules here” .

So I wanted to share some thoughts I had while driving to the lake the other day.

Packing up my prone board after a cross-training session.

I realize the time it takes to drive to and from the lake takes up a good amount of time. I knew the driving was part of the deal. 

Sometimes I think its justified because I am swimming longer than the combined time it takes to drive to and from the beach. Kind of a funny way to think about it, but it works for my brain.

But what I am getting at is the amount of time I have right now to train for swimming across Lake Ontario.  We are in a pandemic. I am of course sad for the pain, illness and suffering it has caused so many people.  I admit, I am likely ignorant to just how bad the past year and a half has been to many people.  However, I can’t lie, my reality has actually been alright.

I’ve had to close my business 3 times, for months at a time.  I’ve only worked 6 weeks in 2021.  This has been challenging, for many reasons.  

Financially, without a doubt- (I am FINE, I have food on the table and a roof over my head). Mentally, not being legal for me to do my craft and make a living- that has been hard to swallow. Not to mention the back and forth of being in my usual routine. Out of it, and back to it with short notice…

I try to avoid political stuff as best as possible, but I will say…there have been basically zero covid-19 outbreaks in salons (I am a hairstylist with my own business for those who don’t know) and us hairstylists have always had to keep a clean, safe and sanitary working environment.

It seems odd to me that us hairstylists are “non-essential”.  I know I provide way more that just a haircut.  My clients feel better after leaving my chair.  I think in a time like this, hair services would help immensely with mental health, and provide a healthy and safe connection to someone else…

We’ve mostly all grown our hair a bit longer, maybe a bit greyer, but in the grand scheme our hair will be there when it’s time for salons to reopen.

Anyways…My perspective on life is to look for the positive, and make the best of what we have. I enjoy being content with what exists, and try not to seek other “things” to make me feel complete.

I believe this mindset is what has allowed myself to remain happy throughout most of the pandemic.

Being out of work, has given me the time to shift my focus to the foundation I’ve created with my team. 

Instead of dwelling on the fact that I’m out of work, I’ve given myself another task to focus on, and that is tending to my other calling. 

Giving back, through sharing my experience as a recipient, and trying to educate others on the importance of organ donation, and what made my life better after my transplant.  For me, that is being active (swimming) and taking the best care of myself mentally and physically - honouring the new liver I have graciously received from a young hero who registered to become an organ donor. 

In my mind, in my world, this time I have has not been a burden.  I want to be sensitive to those who have lost family, been sick, or just had an unfair hard time during the pandemic.  At the same time, I think it’s healthy to acknowledge that there are people such as myself, who’ve made the most of the time away from their regular schedule and work life.

January cold dip with Zach. Photo: Dan Stenning

I feel fortunate to say I’m married to Zach who I’ve been spending more time with. He also has a similar perspective as I - don’t stress the things you can’t control and make the most of what you’ve got. His demeanour reminds me daily to stay in the moment. I realize I am in a good place to say more time with my husband has been good for me, I know that’s not the case for all couples and families.

Sometimes taking a step (or 3) away from the day to day can really allow you to see the big picture, and the silver linings.