 It is never too late to start over and build the life that you want!
 Sisu is a term that I have heard used many times in my life and that I have even seen commonly tattooed on many bodies in the Thunder Bay area. Just what does Sisu mean? And what can it tell us about resiliency and happiness?
 Every birth is unique. And every person’s feelings or story about their child’s birth is unique. If you are struggling with your memories of your childbirth, know that you are not alone. Many people need time and space to heal emotionally and physically from this life-changing experience, no matter how the birth unfolded.
 When you’ve been in a relationship for a while, it can be easy to forget to take time to do the little things. We get so busy working, taking care of children and ourselves, cleaning, and everything else, that this can lead to us drifting away from our partner.
By: Kelly Halonen, MSW, RSW  Have you ever tried boxing? I have found that it is a great way to get exercise and benefit my mental health. You can practice with a partner or do it on your own using a punching bag or just punching the air. Boxing can be great for any skill level.
By: Kristen Sohlman, MACP, RP  After having endured a challenging or difficult experience such as grief and loss, trauma, an accident, or a significant change in life such as retirement, major illness, or diagnosis of a degenerative disease, one may begin to question: What is the purpose and value of my life? Why is this important?
By: Kelly Graham, MSW, RSW  Maybe you’re having a bad day, maybe you’re watching the news and seeing all of the horrible things happening around the world, maybe you’re dealing with something heavy in your life; no matter what is happening, it’s okay to be sad.
We often get stuck in the mentality that we should be happy and suppress our sad feelings. Nobody is happy all of the time; it is normal to feel sad. Sadness is a human emotion. Being sad means that you are human. You are allowed to take time to be sad about whatever is making you feel that way. By: Cassandra Nordal  For those of you that don’t know, a Situationship is a romantic relationship that’s undefined or maybe even uncommitted. It is NOT the same as “friends with benefits.” It may be someone that you’ve been comfortably hooking up with for some period of time, or someone that has close intimacy with you but doesn’t refer to you as a partner. Sometimes, having undefined relationships is super fun, sexually satisfying, and liberating, even. Plus, a Situationship gives you time to get to know somebody without feeling pressured to make a big decision about commitment.
So how do you know if you’re in one? What’s the difference between an “open relationship” or “friends with benefits?” By: Kristen Sohlman, MACP, RP  Did you know that gardening helps to support positive mental health? Here is how!
By: Cassandra Nordal  Returning to work after a lay off or leave in general, is difficult. You add a pandemic onto that and well, how do we begin to function properly?
Seija Grant, MEd CP, RP  I regularly see clients who are struggling with day to day functioning because of their mental health, and are feeling emotionally overwhelmed. This happens to all of us at some point, and it often feels like making positive change can be impossible. I would like to remind you about the importance of ‘getting back to the basics’ as this can have a significant impact on your well-being and health. We frequently (as a society and as individuals) take these things for granted.
By: Laura Groulx, MSW, RSW  I talk to a lot of people. Like really talk. Typically, in my first meeting with a new client, I’ll ask what their goals are for counselling. As in, what is it that they are looking to change about themselves, or what can I support them through.
An answer I often encounter is this: I want to be happy. This is a big goal. What does this even mean?? By: Kristen Sohlman, MACP, RP  The experience of coping with difficult situations, significant changes in life, and other life challenges might leave you feeling low in mood and even hopeless. The challenge with feelings of hopelessness is that this feeling carries with it a certain reality: that things won’t get better, that it is not worth trying, and that you might as well just give up.
By: Kristen Sohlman, MACP, RP  Looking for some fun things to do online this long weekend? Here are a few ideas to try out!
By: Kelly Graham MSW, RSW  A dilemma that comes up as everyone continues to self-isolate is how to spend your time. One enjoyable activity that may help you feel better is sex, either with your partner, or (oh yes, we’re going there!) with yourself!
 The idea of surviving isolation with your partner may spur mixed emotions. We are with our partners because we fell in love, so much so, that we have committed ourselves to this other person completely. Well, maybe not completely. Let’s get real: We love our partners, but sometimes too much of a good thing is, as they say, too much. Relationships still require a sense of individuality and independence. We all need our space - space is healthy! However, we may be finding that we have less space from our partner when many of us are spending more time at home. Here are a few ideas on how to cope with increased togetherness:
By: Kelly Graham, MSW, RSW  Most pet owners know that pets aren’t just pets; they are part of the family. But why is that exactly?
As our attachment grows, we often begin to view our animal companion as having an important place within our lives and family dynamic. While our pet can be cute, there is more than just the cuteness factor that makes them play such a large role in our lives. A smile goes a long way – not just for other people, but for the person smiling too.   Marianne Wylie, MSW, RSW - being the little ray of sunshine that she is! The science of happiness tells us that being happy is basically... a choice.   The science of happiness tells us that being happy is basically... a choice. Yup, you heard me, a choice. As if it was that easy. But, if you’re struggling to make lemonade when it feels like all life hands you are lemons, you are not alone. Here are a couple things to keep in mind when you're struggling to see the sunshine among all that rain. You are wanted & you are needed Take a second and think about the most important people in your life. I guarantee you, whoever it is, they want to see you happy. Have you spent time with them lately? If you’re looking for a reason to be happy, this is the place to start. You can’t buy happiness Time to let go of the jealousy and materialistic longing. Happiness doesn’t come from having the nicest car, or the best clothes. Happiness comes from confidence and knowing your worth. Sleep more We know that sleep helps our body recover from the day and repair itself. Sleep helps us focus and be more productive. It turns out, sleep is also important for happiness. Allowing your brain to rest will make facing those tough emotions easier and more manageable. Happy people are healthier “Happy” habits include letting go of grudges, expressing gratitude, treating others with kindness and regarding your problems as challenges. Living in the present, waking up at the same time each morning, eating right and exercising are other “secrets” that happy people tend to embrace. Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. |
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OverviewNWO’s source for all things relationships, mental health, wellness, lifestyle, and pandemic support. Kelly Magazine is a mental health outreach initiative created by Kelly Mental Health and supported by Kelly Mental Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the community in the area of mental health.
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