Tag: Hull

A Good Day

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Last evening, we happened to take a look at this blog and realized that it’s been a while since we’ve actually posted something on here! It’s amazing how time flies!

Now, that doesn’t mean we haven’t been doing anything. Actually, the opposite. Mary and I are always putting stuff on the Facebook page and if you want to see the latest of what’s going on, you can always visit us there.

So, some of the highlights since the great wheelchair debacle:

We are plugging along with Teamwork’s Self Employment Program, every Tuesday and Thursday, and so far even with the snow, rain and ice, I think we’re becoming better than Canada Post, because we haven’t missed a class yet!

Beyond the SE Program at TW, Mary and I, along with my assistant Kristina and also help from Victoria, we are in the midst of the annual drudgery of doing T4s, (Yay) which is always a bit of a nightmare. If anyone thinks this is a simple process, think again. Things have to be checked and double-checked at every step, and inevitably there are always mistakes to be corrected, which can lead to ALL KINDS OF FUN! – Not!!!!!

However, there’s still lots of fun stuff to do, such as taking part in today’s “Biz Success Tips,” a business seminar and panel hosted by CEED (Centre for Entrepreneurship, Education and Development.) We got to hear from graduates of the “Plan to SucCEED” program and get first voice advice about everything from self-care to bookkeeping, to work-life balance, to setting and meeting realistic goals, and much more. The panel were all excellent speakers and very willing to share their personal experiences with the audience.

After the seminar, we made a short visit into the March of Dimes {MOD} office, (in the same building as CEED) to introduce ourselves and DisabilityPride.net. We had a nice chat with Beth Lynch, who is the Lead Conductor, of their Conductive Education program. During our conversation, Beth gave us two pieces of information to share. First, on Thursday, February 20, the MOD Bayers Road office is having an Open House, from 3pm-5pm; and second, they’ll be starting a Cerebral Palsy Mobility Pilot program, as well as a Free Balance and Mobility Program for Stroke Survivors, soon. So, If you’d like to know more, visit: www.marchofdimes.ca/ce

And with it being Valentine’s Day and all, we decided to celebrate a little by going out for our first “Business Lunch” at the Chameleon Café and Supper Club, where we had two excellent servers and we want to give a big shout out to Erin and her coworkers. We thanked them in person for their excellent service, but want to acknowledge them and he Chameleon Café, here too.

And of course, we want to wish all our readers, followers and supporters a happy Valentine’s Day!

Don’t forget to check in with us on Facebook. We love hearing from y’all!

Save Yourselves!

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By: Mary M. Wilson

Taking the ferry to Dartmouth today, we noticed the safety video was missing instructions for people who rely on wheelchairs and mobility aids. @hfxtransit should be aware that traditional life jackets and inflatable rafts are not useful for wheelchair users and should include instructions for our safety too!

The Precipitous Enemy…… Doubt!

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Today I became abundantly aware of how pernicious DOUBT is. – Doubt of self, Doubt of others, Doubt of the good that YOU KNOW TO BE TRUE!!! Lets confront doubt with everything we’ve got in us!!!!

Doubt hurts! Doubt can and often does destroy! STOP DOUBTING!!!! (I’m telling myself as much as anyone.)

Good “Full Inclusion” Discussion With Our NS Barristers Association!

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Thank you to ReachAbility NS and the NS Barristers’ Society for hosting the Disability and Inclusion Awareness Workshop yesterday!

There were so many amazing conversations and ideas! We look forward to seeing what comes next

 

(photo & news by: Mary M. Wilson)

Taking My Own Advice

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A few days ago, while talking to my attendant, I realized something about myself, that I need to work on. I realized that I have to take my own advice.

I have a couple people in my life who I often tell: “You can’t let your past control your present. You can’t blame people & things from your past on your life now. How you feel about your present is on you.”

As I said this, I realized I’m kind of doing that. I have a situation in my life that I’m currently very anxious about. I’m hoping it will work out but I’m not sure. Sometimes I’m very positive and very hopeful. Other times I feel like doom and gloom is all around me.

When I went to see my mental health counselor last week and he asked me how I was. I replied (partly to make him laugh [I love making people laugh and smile]): “I’m feeling a little bipolar these days.”

His response: “Up. Down. Riding the wave huh?”

Yet there’s a grain of truth in that statement. My emotions seem to be all over the map lately and I suddenly realized I always assume the negative.

So as I was talking to Kristina, I wondered out loud: “Why do I always assume the negative? Why do I always assume the worst?” Okay, maybe not always, but often.

I try to keep positive. I do, but it takes constant effort, constant reminders to myself. The outcome could be great, so why am I assuming the worst.

As we were talking about this, I realized that some of this comes from 30 + years of being married to a man who was always negative. His first reaction was always to assume the worst. For instance, if I had said to him: “Why don’t we go for a walk?” His response would be: “Well, we have nowhere to go! I don’t want to just go walking.” Or if I said: “Let’s go bowling.” His response would have been: “Nahhh! It’s probably not accessible. And besides, how are you going to bowl? I can’t even see the lanes. Nahhh!”

Others throughout my life have also added their own negativity with all their “You’ll never…(s)”

But as I often tell others, you can’t keep blaming your past for your present. So I’m just now realizing that I need to not let my past affect my future. How will I do this? I’m not sure, one step at a time.

If anyone has any advice, drop me a line! I don’t want to be a nervous wreck and I also don’t want to mess up potentially great things coming my way. I don’t want to assume the worst. I want to assume the best.