Jayla Schmidt, R. Psychologist

Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember those who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace.

We remember the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour Indian Residential School survivors, their families, and communities and to ensure the public commemoration of history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Sept. 30 is meant to be a day of reflection as well as a day of action.

* Learn which Treaty territory or Métis Region you live and work on.
* View the Canadian Encyclopedia interactive map that indicates the location of many residential schools in Canada.
* Explore Indigenous artists and purchase their works.
* Read books, poetry, or graphic novels by Indigenous people.
* Explore the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
* Engage in virtual or in-person events for Truth and Reconciliation Day.
* Wear an orange shirt to show support on September 30.

The truth is that many of us are so busy trying to move forward with our lives that we rarely take a moment to slow down and be at one with our thoughts. Plus, we often don’t recognize the importance of self-reflection and the impact it can have on our lives.

In my opinion, self-reflection is one of the best ways that you can shift your mindset, increase positivity in your life, and discover a greater connection to yourself.

Self-reflection can help you understand more about the way that you respond to situations, identify and explore your current stressors, and to find ways that you can deal with situations positively, instead of letting them consume you.

Today, take some time for self reflection and then consider how it has helped shape your mindset.

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! This celebration takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation.

Happy Mother’s Day

A Brief Look into the Evolution of a Mother's Love What is to follow is certainly not going to be found on some Hallmark Card nor is it written with Rose Colored Glasses. Rather, it is my attempt to outline what I have come to understand about a mother’s sacrifice and love through my own journey as a son, grandson, father, friend, as well as psych...