June 2021: Stories for Remembering, Move for Your Mental Health - Canadian Men's Health Month is June

Have you ever watched “Antique Roadshow” before?  On this television show a group of experts visit a town and the locals bring in their treasures to have them appraised.  When you first start watching, it is pretty intriguing and shocking to see what some of the items are actually worth.  However, as you continue to watch, you may begin to realize that learning about how the object was made and the history around its creator is quite interesting too.  However, the most intriguing part of the whole thing, for me anyways, is when the person who is bringing the item for appraisal actually has a story associated with it.  Sometimes these stories are simply how they managed to snag this item at an antique show, but often and even more fascinating is when there is a family story associated with the item.  Hearing how the family used or didn’t use the item and what they named it and how they took care of it, is for me, the best part!

Something that I’ve been trying to do more deliberately this past year is journal.  Sometimes I’ve been using writing prompts to inspire me.  One of my colleagues, Joy Seunarine, who is a gifted writer and coach, has been posting little bits about her jewelry collection and what she recalls about the person and circumstances that she received it.  This is not meant to be about flaunting flashy baubles, but recalling the stories behind them.  At the end of the day, it is the stories that are the most interesting part.  I have begun to tell some family stories in my own journal about special items I received over the years, such as this precious quilt that my grandmother made.  While the items do not have a high monetary value, they do have sentimental value and special stories attached to them, some of which are intergenerational.  I often see my teens’ eyes glaze over if I begin to tell them one of these tales, but perhaps some day in the future they will be more interested (or maybe not).  In any case, I am enjoying the process of remembering the story and recording it.  Perhaps this will even make it easier to let go of some items as I declutter?  If you are a sentimental type of person, maybe you too would enjoy reflecting on the stories associated with special items that have kept you company in your home during the pandemic.
We continue to face uncertainty about when Ontario will open up for social gatherings and businesses This uncertainty is affecting everyone for many different reasons.  If you know of someone, in particular a male, who is feeling stressed or who is looking for tips to stay happy and healthy, read about Canadian Men's Health Month below.         

June is Canadian Men's Health Month!
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Did you know that men are more hesitant to get help for mental health difficulties and feel like they need to be seen as strong and “tough it out”?

Studies show that physical activity can help increase self-reported happiness and lower levels of sadness and loneliness, both in the short-term and later in life.

Why not get active, get informed & improve your mental health this June?

Attend a virtual speaker event with star athletes, experts, and professional broadcasters, join an easy fitness class and/or make a fun "Move Pledge"!

The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF) and Anxiety Canada have joined forces to create a new experience to improve the state of men’s mental health in Canada and inspire men to live healthier.

For more information or ideas