Puzzled: A New Year Ahead

Our 2023 Holiday Tree

Well hello again to all my readers.  It's been a little while since I last sat down to write a blog. 

Bill surprised me with this assortment of Ceaco Puzzles for my birthday, along with other personal gifts.  I really love all the vibrant colours and the 750 piece scenic one is my favourite. It's ignited some joy that I hope will stay around. We've actually donated several of our other puzzles that we did together, which I hope others are enjoying.  

These will take some time to do, so I'm actually excited to put on some coffehouse jazz music, make a nice cup of tea and sit down and work on these puzzles together over the holidays and into 2024.  Below is what the box looks like.

Ceaco Puzzle - 8 in total!

If I'm going to be totally honest, which is pretty much what you can always expect from me, my inspiration and passion about so many things has dwindled. There's been this void of desire along with on-going fogginess that I can't quite explain that more often than not on most days makes me feel really blah. Not blah blah blah (if you are a fan of Hotel Transylvania, you'll get the reference).  

I know what anxiety feels like and good ol' depression is no stranger either.  However, the feeling is different.  I'm a paradox of thought as it seems as though I am intune with my body, yet I also sense this strong feeling of being disconnected from it. 

I'm now 43, so maybe I'm going through some spiritual shedding.  I don't even know what that means exactly, but the phrase resonates. I also read recently a beautiful quote from writer, Dani Shapiro:"You can start your day over anytime." and that has really stuck in a  positive way. 

A daily reminder to myself and anyone else that might be going through challenges: Eat (balanced/mindfully - treat yourself too) Move (gently) and Rest (recharge). 

As I reflect, 2023 was filled with plenty of lessons as well as blessings.  It was also a pivotal time of honing in on emotional sobriety - my foundation for a happy and healthy existence. 

Living in more calm than entering into unnecessary chaos is a good place to be and what I continue to strive towards each and every day.

A special thank you to those who continue to have their arms open for me, their ears when I need to talk and of course, their hearts. 

~Until next time...

Rise Like A Phoenix: Q&A with Author, Steve Bottrill

On March 22, 1996, Chatham resident, Steve Bottrill, got into a terrible motor vehicle accident, which took a turn that no one saw coming. After being hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, and in a coma for 10 days, he was determined to find a way to tell the world that his time here wasn’t up yet.  A single tear drop saved his life. 

With a new lease on life, author, motivational speaker and exercise therapist, Steve Bottrill is sharing his journey in his book "Overcoming Impossible Odds-The Steve Bottrill Story" and inspiring others to live their best lives, no matter what odds are thrown at them. 

Enjoy my Q&A with author, Steve Bottrill below!  

Copyright Image: Steve Bottrill

1. It’s been many years since your motor vehicle accident, what are still some challenges that you face in your daily life?

I can’t see properly and my depth perception is not accurate, so I am not good at sports anymore. My reaction time is slower too since I can’t see. I am unable to move my eyeballs downward. 

As it is noticeable, I do look different.  I also have memory problems, but I do my best. Physically, I deal with chronic back pain, however moving my body in whatever way feels comfortable is still important to do. 

💠

2. There has always been an impossible beauty standard to uphold in our society, and obviously, your accident left a lot of scars.  Since you are often in front of many people with your presentations, do you feel any pressure to undergo any aesthetic treatments or are you content with your unique profile?

I don’t feel pressure to undergo surgery, although it would be nice. I have nerve damage in my eye, that cannot be fixed. 

I view myself as a very unique person, but of course, sometimes it is annoying to be seen by others as different and strange. 

💠

3. Are there any favourite spots in Chatham that you like to go to that just rejuvenate you after a long day? 

I really enjoy going out to eat at local restaurants for breakfast and dinner, particularly non-chained restaurants. 

My favourite cuisine is fish and chips.

💠

4. Finally, what can be found on your playlist when you’re exercising? It’s always interesting to know what people are listening to when they want that release of dopamine and serotonin from our bodies!

I like to exercise to AC/DC and heavier music. I enjoy dance music in the 125 bpm range.

I also have many Youtube videos that I've done to help others who want to exercise at their own pace and who may be dealing with injuries. Exercise is a great stress buster too!

For more information on Steve, check out the links below!

💜You can purchase Steve's book on Amazon

💜IG: @coma_to_inspiration

All about BEE-ing Safe: Wear A Mask

Today is a BEE-utiful day in Windsor and i'm out for a walk in our area.  Hard to breathe in this mask, but hi everyone!

Exercising & Recovery with VON Erie St. Clair Services

Many of you know what happened to my Dad 3 years ago. Life changed dramatically for all of us, but with the amazing on-going care of countless doctors and specialists here in Windsor, as well as the enormous outpouring love and support from our family, friends, and even the kindness of strangers, he beat the odds!

If you click on the link, you can hear some of my Dad's story and how VON Erie St. Clair has helped him in his recovery!

The VON SMART Program (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) is a research and evidence based exercise and fall prevention program provided by the VON Erie St. Clair. SMART is designed for community members 55+ who, regardless of current levels of ability, wish to maintain or are deficit in one or more of the following areas: upper/lower body strength, balance and flexibility. The SMART program is ideal for individuals with barriers to traditional exercise groups due to health issues, mobility restrictions and/or chronic disease.  All of our programs are client-focused, and tailored to the needs of participants.  We include an educational component within our exercise classes detailing falls prevention strategies and interventions to help reduce fall risks. 

If you or someone you love is in need of care and support, contact VON in any of the following areas: Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, Belle-River, Sarnia-Lambton, Pelee Island areas.

Please feel free to share.

*Video credit: Marvin Edward

Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Assistant

TEAM LEADER for SMART Exercise & Fall Prevention Program

(Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)

VON Canada

400 - 4520 Rhodes Dr.

Windsor, ON   N8W 5C2

Office: (519) 254-9301 Ext. 6240

Toll Free: 1-866-354-4866 Ext. 6240

East Gate Estates Walk: Awakening the Beauties

A few photos that I took while having a leisurely walk around East Gate Estates.
Is Spring finally here?

Enjoy!

All photos by Melissa F. Arditti 

Happiness & Progress: Ed Arditti

Sharing a recent photo that my mom took of my dad. :) 

A very happy moment here.