I will be honest — it was an incredibly low-key week for me as I am seeing the shift of many people and businesses into holiday mode, which can also translate into hibernation mode. The light at the end of the tunnel is that we start getting more daylight after Friday and that’s huge for me. I mentally start to feel better knowing we have turned that corner.

My podcast this week is with Leslie Scott from the Distress Centre of Ottawa. We both felt it was timely for her to come in and speak about the reality surrounding the calls the Centre receives at this time of year and what it’s like to be on the other end, answering those calls. The Centre runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — even during natural disasters like the 1998 ice storm and the recent tornados when power was out for days. I feel that this episode will appeal to two very different audiences. Leslie is able to take us through the types of callers, situations, and outreach that occur on any given day, and how they are able to offer support. It’s an incredibly difficult time of the year for many.  We also spend quite a bit of time talking about the recruitment, training, and selection of volunteers. At times during the podcast I had to sit and reflect on the courage it takes people to reach out and ask for help, and the responsibility taken on by the person answering the call. The podcast goes live, as always, on Thursday.

Please remember to like, share, and comment on whichever platform you are listening. I am learning that this medium requires engagement to move itself forward. Your support means the world to me. I can now also be found on Spotify and Stitcher. The most recent episode featured Senators’ General Manager Pierre Dorion.

Also, for those who may have missed last week’s newsletter and who aren’t following me on social media, I did want to send out the new “Awaken A Better You Wellness Cruise” video again. I have spent quite a bit of time figuring out the logistics of the experts and the added bonus of having them with us. There are opportunities to try something new, branch out, shift your thinking, move your body, and feel great while still enjoying all aspects of a five-star river cruise along one of the most historic routes. Please reach out if you have any questions. There are 150 spots on this cruise and I’m hoping one of them has your name on it. 😊

Please take this opportunity to visit the “Brand Ambassador” page of my website. The other day I found myself re-watching the Natural Food Pantry videos for tips & tricks on the common cold. There are also some cool ideas for products or maybe gifts to try if you are thinking outside the box.

Once I finish writing this update, I will start the process of taking down all of our Chanukah decorations, organize all the gifts leaving the house, and begin the process of locating all the family winter sports gear (or lack of it). We will be heading to Mont Tremblant to ski as a family over the holidays.

This is a heads-up that I will not be releasing my newsletter next Monday. I too, will be trying to decompress and stay off the phone and computer to enjoy some much-needed quality time with the kids. I am grateful and I do hope that every one of you reading this can feel warmth, love, and friendship over this holiday season. Please reach out, if you need an ear, a friend, and an outlet.

Much love,
Lianne xo