NormaWalton, Author at Norma Walton

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Breathing New Life into Your Home for Better Health, by Guest Author Caroline James

Posted on January 30, 2025January 30, 2025 by NormaWalton

The significance of cultivating a healthy home environment cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being. Small changes within our living spaces can have a profound impact on our lifestyle, promoting health and wellness in ways we might not immediately recognize. In this article, you’ll discover how a few simple adjustments can breathe new life into your home, creating a foundation for a healthier, happier life.

Simplifying Spaces

Decluttering and organizing your home can significantly decrease stress levels and foster a sense of peace. Starting with closets and moving on to cabinets and living spaces can create a more serene environment. Efficient storage solutions are key to maintaining this calm, preventing clutter from accumulating again. An organized home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to mental clarity and reduced anxiety.

Using Reverse Phone Lookup

A reverse phone lookup tool is a valuable resource for maintaining a healthy and secure home environment by helping you identify unknown callers and prevent potential scams. Whether it’s verifying the identity of a service provider or uncovering unsolicited calls, this tool offers peace of mind by keeping your household informed. For instance, you can get the 411 on the 514 area code to ensure that incoming calls from unfamiliar numbers in that region are legitimate, helping you protect your family from unwanted disruptions.

Greening Your Living Space

Introducing plants into your home serves dual purposes: purifying the air and enhancing your mental well-being. Opt for low-maintenance varieties that thrive indoors to ensure your green efforts are both beautiful and beneficial. Strategically placing plants around your living space can elevate the ambiance, purify the air, and connect you with nature, all of which contribute to a healthier living environment. These natural purifiers are a simple yet effective way to improve the air quality and aesthetics of your home.

Designating Relaxation Zones

Establishing areas in your home specifically designed for relaxation can greatly enhance your ability to unwind and recharge. Incorporating elements like comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and soothing decor can transform any corner of your home into a personal retreat. Whether it’s a reading area for your kids or a serene spot in your garden, these designated zones are essential for mental and emotional rejuvenation. The creation of such spaces encourages regular relaxation, fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Making your home more energy-efficient is beneficial for both your wallet and the environment. Simple upgrades, such as switching to LED bulbs, opting for energy-saving appliances, and improving home insulation, can lead to significant savings and reduce your carbon footprint. These changes not only lower utility bills but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly home. Investing in energy efficiency is a smart way to enhance your home’s comfort while promoting environmental stewardship.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Regularly replacing air filters is crucial for maintaining clean indoor air, which in turn supports respiratory health and comfort. Neglected filters can impair air circulation and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, affecting both your health and your energy bills. By choosing the right filters and changing them at the appropriate intervals, you can ensure that your home’s air is fresh and clean. This simple step is vital for safeguarding your family’s health and ensuring your home’s systems run efficiently.

Transitioning to Non-Toxic Cleaning

Switching to non-toxic cleaning supplies can drastically reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, making your home a safer environment. Traditional cleaning products often contain substances that can irritate the respiratory system and harm the ecosystem. By opting for natural cleaners or homemade solutions, you can achieve a sparkling clean home without the health risks. This switch not only protects your family’s health but also minimizes environmental impact.

Make your home healthier with easy changes like decluttering and adding plants. Boost well-being by improving air quality and energy efficiency. Prioritize health and happiness by embracing these strategies. Start today for a healthier, happier home and life.

Explore fresh perspectives on life, business, and creativity with Norma Walton, where insights inspire action!

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Smart Methods to Enhance Your Daily Vitality, by Guest Author Caroline James

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by NormaWalton

Maintaining a sense of well-being is more crucial than ever. While the challenges of modern life can be overwhelming, adopting practical strategies can significantly improve your daily experience. Whether it’s through career adjustments, community involvement, or taking a break from digital distractions, each action can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life. By focusing on emotional intelligence and creativity, you can foster deeper connections and personal growth. These approaches not only enhance mental health but also provide a foundation for resilience and positivity in the face of adversity.

Improving Well-Being Through Community Engagement

Participating in community activities can deepen your sense of purpose and connection. Engaging in initiatives that reflect your values allows you to contribute meaningfully while reinforcing your identity through shared experiences. This involvement enhances emotional awareness, helping to foster trust and genuine relationships. Choosing activities that align with your goals creates harmony between personal growth and community contributions, promoting a sense of balance. Such connections often lead to a greater feeling of fulfillment and enriched daily life.

Embrace Career Change for Enhanced Well-Being

If your current job leaves you feeling drained or stressed, it might be time to explore a career change. Transitioning to a new field can rejuvenate your enthusiasm for work and significantly improve your mental health. Check this out: By pursuing further education through online degree programs, you can gain new skills without disrupting your current responsibilities. For example, a degree in psychology not only expands your career options but also equips you to make a positive impact on others’ lives. This shift can lead to a healthier work-life balance, allowing more time for rest and personal interests, ultimately enhancing your overall well-being.

Take a Moment for a Digital Detox

In our fast-paced digital age, taking a break from screens can be a transformative way to reduce stress and enhance focus. By stepping away from the constant stream of notifications, you give your mind the chance to relax and rejuvenate, which can significantly improve mental health and help prevent burnout. Research suggests that minimizing digital distractions can boost concentration, allowing you to engage more deeply with tasks and increase productivity. Additionally, this pause from technology can ignite creativity and lead to innovative solutions in your work environment. Implementing digital detox practices, such as setting device-free times or limiting social media use, can help you cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Improving Well-Being Through Emotional Intelligence and Creativity

Creative expression and emotional intelligence work together to enhance overall well-being. Participating in creative activities sharpens self-awareness, helping you recognize and regulate emotions more effectively. This deeper understanding supports personal growth and strengthens empathy, improving the quality of your relationships. Developing these skills through creative outlets fosters meaningful connections and a greater sense of fulfillment. Blending creativity with emotional growth creates an enriching foundation for stronger and more harmonious relationships.

Boost Your Well-Being Amid Financial Stress

Financial stress can negatively impact physical health, often triggering issues like increased inflammation. The psychological strain of financial difficulties can exacerbate these effects, contributing to broader health challenges. Stress also erodes self-esteem, making it harder to cope with ongoing pressures. Building resilience and accessing supportive resources can help mitigate these outcomes. Focusing on stress management and strengthening social connections supports both mental and physical well-being.

Relying on Positivity in Challenging Times

Maintaining a positive mindset during tough times is vital for building mental resilience and fostering well-being. Embracing realistic optimism allows you to face challenges while staying focused on solutions and opportunities. A positive outlook can enhance creativity and problem-solving, making it an invaluable tool in moments of adversity. Practices like mindful meditation and gratitude journaling can help nurture a supportive and balanced mental state. By focusing on inner strength, you can turn difficult experiences into opportunities for growth and inspiration.

Engage in Creativity for Emotional Well-Being

Engaging in creative activities provides a therapeutic way to process emotions and improve mental well-being. Through writing, music, or art, you can express feelings that may be hard to put into words. This practice helps reduce anxiety, enhance mood, and promote a focused, flow-like state. Creativity also supports cognitive health and deepens self-awareness, offering a sense of purpose. Incorporating creative outlets into daily life can help navigate emotional challenges and foster a healthier mindset.

Adopting strategies that prioritize mental and emotional health can create meaningful changes in your overall well-being. Engaging in intentional activities fosters personal growth and enhances daily satisfaction. Small, consistent actions build a foundation for balance and fulfillment. These choices empower you to lead a life enriched with purpose and positivity. Every step forward adds to a more rewarding and harmonious existence.

Explore transformative insights and expert guidance on wellness, career transitions, and personal growth at Norma Walton’s Blog – your ultimate destination for reigniting your passion and embracing new beginnings!

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69 Minutes Outdoors

Posted on January 7, 2025January 7, 2025 by NormaWalton

According to WHOOP, each person should spend at least 69 minutes a day outside in nature. Yesterday I spent 113 minutes and it was glorious. WHOOP produces a wristband that my eldest son loves. For Christmas, his grandparents paid for a subscription for the year. He tracks the quality of his sleep, his recovery, his temperature, his heart rate, and his physical activity, to name a few metrics. It is an area of tremendous interest to him. It was my girlfriend in Germany, though, who told me about the 69 minute a day mandate. Thereafter I was reading the BBC and there was a whole article about how your mood elevates when you spend time in nature. I can attest that after a long hike in the woods yesterday, I was in a sunny frame of mind for the rest of the day.

KIVI Park in Sudbury is a 480 acre nature reserve. The initial tract of 300 acres was donated by Lily Fielding on her 100th birthday. She was a philanthropist who loved living in the Long Lake area of Sudbury and was passionate about the outdoors. Since then, it has expanded to include another 180 acres and three lakes, Crowley Lake, Linton Lake and Kivi Lake. Kivi means rock in Finnish, and confirms Sudbury’s presence as the northern gateway to the Canadian Shield.

My eldest daughter’s Bernese Mountain Dog named Rory absolutely loves the snow. She frolics, rolls, spins, puts her snout in it and stretches out her whole body so everything is touching the cold. In contrast, the two Yorkshire Terriers owned by my other three children have had to adapt to the cold. To their credit, they walk with me at least 40 minutes each day no matter the weather. Although their KIVI Park excursion was longer than usual, they enjoyed it and there wasn’t a shiver in sight.

One thing I notice about the north, having come from the city, is the complete lack of people. While hiking, I encountered two groups of two women, all four walking with ski poles; one fellow with an older dog; and one intrepid fellow who had spent three hours on his fat bike tooling around the lakes. That is all, and I was there for almost two hours. That sense of wilderness when you are alone with nature is serene and relaxing. There is a peace and calmness that settles in. The expression “commune with nature” is heard often, but when you actually experience it, it is so good for all aspects of your health.

69 minutes per day outdoors may seem like a lot, but then consider that each waking day contains 960 minutes if you assume 8 hours of sleep. 69 minutes out of 960 is only 7% of the time…that doesn’t seem like so much all of a sudden. I read an article on Medium about the power of spending one hour a day for a year doing something new. That is a total of 365 hours in a year. That is ample time to truly learn something or create a lasting habit or change your health or fitness or uplift your mood.

Living intentionally is about choosing when you will have relaxation, when you will incorporate a new activity and when you will keep to your routine. As we start 2025, the objective of at least 69 minutes outdoors every day is one I will embrace. I already love to hike outdoors, but now I have a specific time objective. My sister-in-law told me over Christmas that as long as we are dressed properly, winter walks are wonderful. Taking that advice and a page out of Rory’s book, I will also embrace the cold…even the negative 17 cold…because if she loves it that much, I have no doubt I can too.

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Guest Author Caroline James: Advocating for Health: Strategies to Make a Meaningful Impact in Your Community

Posted on November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 by NormaWalton

Are you driven by a deep commitment to health and eager to make a tangible difference in your community? Your passion can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, inspiring others to embrace healthier lifestyles. By channeling your enthusiasm into structured initiatives and useful action, you can foster a culture of wellness that benefits everyone. Whether it’s through business ventures, community activities, or educational programs, your efforts can create a ripple effect of positive health outcomes.

Transforming Your Passion into a Thriving Business

Turning your love for health into a business venture is a rewarding journey that begins with a strategic mindset. Treat your passion as a business by crafting a comprehensive plan and conducting thorough market research. This involves understanding your target audience, analyzing the competitive landscape, and engaging with experts to refine your financial projections. By approaching your passion with a business mindset, you can create a sustainable enterprise that not only fulfills your personal goals but also makes a positive impact on your community.

Starting a Walking Group

Creating a neighborhood walking group is a fantastic way to promote physical activity and strengthen community ties. By organizing regular walks, you provide a supportive environment where individuals of all fitness levels feel welcome. Consistency is key, as groups that maintain a schedule for over six months often see significant health benefits and increased participation. Adding social elements like coffee outings after walks can enhance group cohesion and foster a sense of belonging.

Building Community Through Gardening

Community gardens are a wonderful way to empower local residents to cultivate their own nutritious produce, enhancing both individual and communal well-being. These gardens offer a space for physical activity and mental health improvement. Participants tend to consume more fruits and vegetables, contributing to healthier dietary habits. If your area lacks such a garden, consider initiating one by rallying support from neighbors and local organizations.

Using Social Media For Awareness

Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness about health issues and encouraging healthy lifestyles. By sharing informative posts, videos, and infographics, you can educate your audience on topics like nutrition, exercise, mental health, and disease prevention. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok also allow for engaging interactions through live sessions, Q&A forums, and community challenges that inspire positive habits. Consistent and relatable content can motivate followers to adopt healthier practices while spreading awareness about critical health concerns to a broader audience.

Offering a Mobile Health Clinic

Creating a mobile health clinic to deliver on-site medical services to elderly communities can significantly enhance their access to healthcare. These clinics can provide vital services such as routine check-ups, chronic disease management, and vaccinations directly in their neighborhoods. Many elderly individuals face mobility challenges, making it difficult to visit traditional healthcare centers. Mobile clinics address their unique medical needs efficiently, improving their quality of life and reducing the burden on conventional healthcare systems.

Addressing Climate Change’s Health Impacts

As someone passionate about health, you have the power to raise awareness about the significant health impacts of climate change. By advocating for increased financing and implementation of climate adaptation strategies, you can help bridge the gap between current public adaptation finance flows and actual needs. Partnering with local governments to promote sustainable practices and disaster preparedness can also enhance community resilience. Engaging with local health systems and community organizations can amplify efforts to build climate-resilient health systems.

Your dedication to health can transform lives and communities. By implementing these strategies, you can inspire others to join you in building a healthier, more connected society. Your efforts can lead to lasting change, fostering environments where wellness is accessible to all.

Discover inspiring stories and expert advice on wellness, career transitions, and personal growth at Norma Walton’s Blog – your go-to resource for reigniting your spark and embracing new beginnings!

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16 Pounds Lighter

Posted on October 31, 2024October 31, 2024 by NormaWalton

Menopause hit in May along with six pounds of fat landing on my belly just in time for a big keynote presentation I was giving in Prince Edward Island. The video record of that presentation jumpstarted my commitment to figuring things out. Weight loss, here we come.

In March, I wrote a blog about intermittent fasting. I fast for 15 hours per day, typically from about 7 pm until about 10 am the next morning. Critically important, I also started Hormone Replacement Therapy in June, which has been a game changer.

Finally, I walk between 30 and 120 minutes a day. Oftentimes I bring the dogs. When I am fortunate, I bring a friend or one of my children. About once a week, my eldest daugher and I walk a couple of horses and a donkey. Sudbury has numerous hiking areas, so there are lots of spots to get lost in the woods. There is something good for the soul when you lose yourself in nature while exercising. I love to sweat and push myself, so when I have the luxury of time, I try to walk for at least 90 minutes at a brisk pace. This typically happens on the weekends. I like the quote that sweat is just fat crying. That feeling of sweaty exertion after a work out is a great feeling.

I am down the six pounds of belly fat along with another 10 pounds that had been hanging around for the past five years. Successful weight loss. It is invigorating to feel slimmer and for my clothes to hang nicer. For the first time, I bought three two-piece bathing suits this summer, and actually wore them. Just to be clear, they are not bikinis. My youngest daughter was kind enough to explain the innovation that is two-piece bathing suits with high bottoms that cover your belly. Before buying them, I broached the topic of how uncomfortable I was with the concept of wearing a two-piece, and one of my friends told me “Seriously. Get over it. At our age, who cares?” She was absolutely right.

Intermittent fasting, daily walking and HRT are now ingrained daily habits. Let’s see where these habits take me over the next few years. Hopefully each step will take me into the wilderness, lost in nature, and ultimately finding myself…with 16 less pounds to carry around.

Careers

Reignite Your Spark: Steps to Discover Exciting Career Opportunities, by Guest Author Caroline James

Posted on August 7, 2024August 7, 2024 by NormaWalton

Article by Guest Author: Caroline James

Feeling stuck in your current job can be like running on a treadmill: you’re moving but not going anywhere new or exciting. It’s easy to fall into the rhythm of the familiar, but when the drive to seek out new professional experiences calls, it’s time to step off the treadmill and pave a new path. Transitioning to a new career can be a daunting yet exhilarating challenge, and with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Norma Walton shares more insights:

Discover Your True Calling

The first step in your career transition is to thoroughly explore your interests, values, strengths, and skills. Understanding these core aspects can reveal exciting new career paths. Reflect on your favorite activities, cherished values, and areas where you excel, whether creative thinking, innovation, or interpersonal communication. These insights are crucial in molding a career that fits you well and provides fulfillment and energy.

Scour New Territories

Once you’ve identified your interests, explore various industries and roles that align with your passions and abilities. Research different sectors, pinpoint growth areas, and select roles matching your skills, focusing on what excites and motivates you. Many exciting possibilities await you, whether it’s the innovative realm of tech startups, the robust world of financial services, or the creative marketing field.

New Knowledge for New Beginnings

Earning a degree in a new field can significantly enhance your career options, opening doors to opportunities that demand specialized knowledge, such as a healthcare degree that empowers you to impact individual and family health positively. Researching online healthcare school options can provide the flexibility to balance your studies with existing job commitments, ensuring you can progress educationally without halting your professional life. This approach broadens your horizons and fits seamlessly into your current lifestyle, making it an ideal strategy for career advancement.

Guidance on Your New Path

Finding a mentor who has navigated their own career changes can be a game-changer. A mentor provides more than advice; they offer a lived experience that can guide and inspire you. They can give insider insights into industries, help you avoid common pitfalls, and cheer you on when the going gets tough. Their guidance can be a beacon as you navigate the uncertainties of changing careers.

Test the Waters

Gaining direct experience in a new field can significantly boost your confidence and resume. Consider freelancing or volunteering in the area you’re interested in. These opportunities offer hands-on experience and a taste of what your future career could entail, all without the commitment of a full-time position. They can also be a rich source of professional connections and practical skills to serve you well on your new career path.

Expert Advice When You Need It

Consulting with a career counselor can provide tailored advice and support as you explore new career opportunities. A career counselor can help you understand complex job markets, identify educational needs, and strategize your next moves. They are handy for providing objective feedback and helping you see where your skills and interests align with market needs.

Building Bridges

Networking is indispensable in today’s job market. Reach out to professionals in fields of interest to glean insights and advice. Attend industry meetups, join relevant forums online, and connect with alumni groups from your college. Each conversation can add to your understanding of the field and help you forge relationships that may lead to job opportunities in the future.

Stay the Course

Maintaining a positive attitude and being persistent is crucial in your job search. Career transitions rarely happen overnight, and resilience is critical to overcoming the inevitable challenges and rejections of venturing into new territories. Keep your end goals in sight and remind yourself why you embarked on this journey.

Embarking on a new career journey may be uncertain, but your commitment to change defines the many paths and promising outcomes you can achieve. Equipped with the right tools and attitudes, your transition into a new career can open doors to fulfilling and prosperous opportunities. This bold move can significantly enhance your professional and personal life. Embrace the challenge, and you may find a more satisfying and rewarding career within your reach.

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content at NormaWalton.Blog!

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Life Feels Better in a Wetsuit

Posted on July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 by NormaWalton

My eldest daughter and I started training to become certified in scuba diving on Sunday. We were at the Scuba Shop at 7:45 am and in Lake Ramsey by 10 am. With a short break around noon, we finished up at 2 pm. It was intense and hurt my brain, but after three hours of instruction, we took a dive with the instructor and saw a large bass and a school of perch. That was a completely different vista than anything I have experienced before and was utterly amazing.

My daughter picked up on the instruction far easier than I did, and my incompetence resulted in fits of laughter underwater…not recommended. For example, I offered my daughter my snorkel underwater instead of my octo, which again resulted in peals of laughter. Water up my nose, water up my daughter’s nose, and the ever-patient instructor Jason rolling his eyes while we regained our composure. It was an incredible mother-daughter experience.

The hardest part, by far, was putting on the wetsuit. Like a second skin, it took elbow grease to pull over our legs. Once we had it up to our torso, it became easier, although stripping it off in between to go to the washroom was a struggle. The BCD (Buoyancy Control Device, otherwise known as the jacket) contained weights to keep us from floating to the surface, and getting the right balance resulted in a lot of tipping underwater. The fins felt like an extension of our legs and we adapted easily to them, but the concept of breathing through your mouth and exhaling through your nose took a few hours to gel. Lake Ramsey was warm and we were able to continue through a bit of rain because there was no thunder or lightning.

The wetsuits drying on the hood of the truck reminds me of how we felt after diving. We were completely wiped out and starving. It took a total of seven hours, but the intensity of the underwater experience made it worth it. After dropping our tanks to the Scuba Shop, we headed straight to Wendy’s for cheeseburger combos. I am already counting down the days to the next dive.

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Intermittent Fasting…Ugh!

Posted on March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 by NormaWalton

My love of food is obvious to anyone who knows me. I always thoroughly enjoy eating out with family and friends. And a meal without dessert is nowhere near as much fun. Unfortunately as I age I cannot eat as much without seeing it land on my middle. I have resumed jogging after decades of avoiding it, upped my walking minutes per day, pushed myself to hike more frequently, incorporated push ups, sit ups, plank and wall sits into my weekly routine, yet still it creeps. So my best friend in Germany suggested intermittent fasting. Ugh!

https://www.atkins.com/how-it-works/blog/the-facts-behind-intermittent-fasting

The theory is that you want your body to utilize fat for fuel rather than the food you have just eaten, and that in doing so, it somehow cleanses your cells and permits you to live longer with less diseases. There have been studies in mice that show less food intake per day lengthens your life span. That reminds me of the fellow who goes to his doctor and asks him how to live a long life. The doctor says to quit smoking, drinking and eating fried food. The man asks if that will prolong his life. The doctor says “it will definitely feel longer.” I was at the optometrist the other day, who is incredibly healthy. He told me that we should stop eating when we feel 80% full because that is the trigger for enough food. Again, ugh!

So I am trying intermittent fasting to determine if it stops the weight creep. There are many ways to go about intermittent fasting. The easiest is 12 hours of fasting and 12 hours of eating. I could do that. The problem is that method apparently doesn’t have the same benefits as a longer fast. So you move to 14 hours of fasting and 10 hours of eating. Again, I could do that. Again, the problem is that method apparently doesn’t have the same benefits as a longer fast. Remember how much I love to eat and you start to see the problem. My girlfriend fasts for 16 hours and eats for 8 hours. I find that very difficult. By the time 16 hours is up, I am starving and focusing almost exclusively on food. The next school of thought is to fast for 24 hours at a time once or twice a week. Now we are just getting crazy!

So I have implemented the Simplify 15/9 plan. 15 hours of fasting and 9 hours of eating. We will see how it goes and whether the fasting plus all the increased physical activity can make the newly arrived belly fat disappear. Studies show that between 45 and 55 years of age, women gain an average of 11 pounds. Once more, ugh!

Norma Walton's photo of her three dogs enjoying the lake on the walk

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Wilderness Wander

Posted on September 4, 2023 by NormaWalton

Labour Day: the transition between summer and school…a bittersweet day by all accounts. Today in Sudbury it’s a scorcher. You can almost smell the asphalt melting. Fortunately I logged five kilometers of trails this morning before the sun was high in the sky. Rory Bear, Ace and RJ were along for the trek. I wandered into the woods rather than stay on the manicured path, and it was wonderful. Rustling leaves, sun dappling through the trees, and lots more to sense and see.

A photo of the sun reflecting off the lake taken by Norma Walton on her wilderness wander in Northern Ontario — Lake Laurentian Conservation Authority

Lake Laurentian Conservation Authority has an extensive trail system surrounding the university. Some paths are gravel; others are dedicated to cross country skiing; still more wander through the woods up close and personal with the trees. Sudbury is part of the Canadian Shield so rock is abundant, and it is in the Great Lakes Basin so has over 330 lakes in the municipality alone, not to mention in the surrounding communities. Scrambling over the rocks, making sure you have a toehold when you are climbing, and paying attention to the sounds of animals around you are all part of the wonder of hiking.

A photo of a map taken by Norma Walton that shows the Lake Laurentian Conservation Authority trail system in Northern Ontario on her Wilderness Wander — Trail Map

You can hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, or run the trails. They are one way and comprise about 20 kilometers in total. There are beaver dams and duck ponds, chickadees and perch. All manner of nature abounds. The Conservation Authority does a nice job of maintaining the paths, and they are rugged but manageable. There are various high points along the way where you have various vistas of the city. You can see for miles from various high rocks in the system.

Modern life is fast-paced and technology abounds. It is rare to be without the sound of technology – engines turning over, typing on a keyboard, whirring of the washing machine, and the dinging of bells. We drove to Sault Ste. Marie yesterday to see our boys play hockey, and along the way we encountered six Amish buggies with people inside who don’t embrace anything modern. That level of rejection is foreign to me, but I do seek a balance between no technology and technology everywhere. One place to find that balance is the woods. It is quiet but for the sounds of animals moving around; it is shaded; there is natural beauty everywhere; it is empty of people for the most part; and it permits time to ponder, to reflect, to enjoy your own thoughts at your own pace. That time is essential for me. I love company, but sometimes being alone is needed.

A photo taken by Norma Walton showing Sudbury in the distance with the Canadian Shield in front on her wilderness wander through Northern Ontairo — Vistas of the city

My wander through the wilderness today set the table for a day of serenity and calm. I imbibed the mood (and some of the mud) of the forest. It is a perfect frame of mind for feeling grateful for a wonderful summer and at the same time turning my mind to the pending start of the school year. It is a continual struggle to juggle health and fitness, work responsibilities, and relationships…a task which I find far easier to achieve in the summer when the days are long and the weather is inviting. It was a wonderful wilderness wander.

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LET THE GUILT GO

Posted on July 20, 2022July 20, 2022 by NormaWalton

Guest Post by Amy Mazur

So often as women we get consumed with our loved ones, our family and friends, and in our work. We pour every ounce of who we are and what we have to give into being the best possible mother; the dedicated wife; the reliable friend; the loyal daughter; the ideal employee. I could go on and on. We not only forget to take the time for ourselves but we also feel guilty for wanting/needing to. We develop this mentality that we would be wrong to say “No, I cannot (or won’t) do that right now”. We feel guilty for taking a 30-minute bath or leaving the kids for an hour to go to the gym or to go swimming. We think it selfish if we spend $100 at the salon or spend a couple days in the month not constantly doing for others, but instead reading a book or watching a show.

The problem with this mentality is that when we are not taking time for ourselves and recharging, we have less and less to give to our loved ones, to our friends and at work. This mentality needs to change. The guilt needs to be removed. The stigma of “me time” needs to be vanquished.

We need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of anyone else. Three years ago, after I had my second daughter, I was so blessed to be introduced to a group of women who call themselves FOMM, for Friends of Muskoka Midwives. In addition to supporting the Muskoka Midwives Clinic and helping to raise money for them, they also created an event for the mothers called “Fill Up Your Cup”. It was there that I realized just how much subconscious guilt I personally held for leaving my girls with ANYONE, for ANY REASON. I realized that I felt shame when I didn’t get the laundry done because I was exhausted and needed to nap with my baby. I desperately missed my friends because I wouldn’t leave the girls at home to go out even for a coffee and my friends did not always want me bringing my kids with me.

I share all of this because I feel it is so very important. I listened to other women and other mothers talk about all of their struggles and “shortcomings,” none of which were in fact shortcomings. I realized that all of us were just normal women and that we cannot be superwomen all the time. The number of women at that event that advocated for each other taking a breath and “filling up their cups” was empowering and life changing.

If anything I have said has resonated, please talk about it. Talk to anyone…even a stranger. Perhaps there is another mother at the park that you could chat with or a co-worker that seems to be just as exhausted as you are. You are allowed time for yourself; you NEED time to recharge and breathe. If you are empty, you cannot assist anyone else. Even if you just set aside 10 minutes a day where, sans a life-threatening situation, nobody can disrupt you or ask anything of you, that would be a good start.