Peace. It’s something we all strive to achieve within ourselves and hope for on a global scale. A concept so coveted, the United Nations felt compelled to establish a day of observance in 1981, and years later would go on to dedicate September 21st as the International Day of Peace. It stands for freedom from disturbance, which leaves room for […]

Everything you own, you once said “yes” to, whether you like it now or not. Stop and look around. What do you see? Whatever it is, it was once just a thought – an idea in someone’s mind. Your shoes, that lamp, or your outfit were all designed through a combination of ideas, thought out to create that exact product. […]

With us living in a world of extremes these days, I believe a timely shift in our collective way of thinking is in order; collective being the operative word. It’s commonly thought that somehow our individual decisions are our own and that the plights and problems of others are just that. Thinking, “It’s none of our business,” somehow also equates […]

The word trauma elicits visions of graphic ER injuries and wounds, but there’s another, quieter and less visible side to it filled with emotions, triggers, and responses that we’re finally hearing more about. Psychological trauma, as it’s known, comes in many forms, and seeking help from a professional who has successfully come through it is always the best treatment, especially […]

Brain fog…a lot of people get it, but why and what exactly is it? Pregnant women often affectionately refer to it as “mom brain,” others describe it as a feeling of disorganization and being unable to focus, and then there are those who experience it as a numbness like they’re simply going through the motions on default mode. The culprits […]

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Perhaps it’s something big like a feeling of not accomplishing as much in life as you thought you would or something as small as stressing over a to-do list for the coming week. Do commonplace things get the best of you, or are you someone that can recognize the importance of each emotion while continuing […]

When it comes to growing and gardening many seem to think they lack that certain something to be good with plants or that they need a sprawling property to cultivate a garden. Please throw those misconceptions aside. A sunlit windowsill, balcony, patio, porch, or yard can all help you bring some life and healthy goodness into your world, improve your […]

By Melanie Robitaille, Sr. Staff Writer and Graphic Designer Successfully converting your lifestyle to an eco-conscious one doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a budget-related, step-by-step process that evolves as our awareness grows, our demand increases, and newer solutions are brought to mainstream market. The great thing is that no matter your time or budget allowance, there are various levels of participation. […]

By Melanie Robitaille, Sr. Staff Writer and Graphic Designer Eleven years they said, eleven years before there’s no turning back; before we cross that line and push our planet to the brink of damage beyond repair. That was the message presented to the world during the United Nations General Assembly, a year ago already, where world leaders heard the message […]

A commentary by Melanie Robitaille, Sr. Staff Writer & Graphic Designer Spending time in the fast lane throttling toward our goals in life is certainly a necessity sometimes, but (and this is a big one), going too hard, too fast, for too long always results in loss. Whether it’s missing out on moments, or failing to stop before you crash, […]