This is a reminder that pausing from the chaos of our days, even just five minutes, can bring a lot of benefits.

Writer Denise Chong joined me to talk about her latest book *Out of Darkness*, domestic violence, and the troubling way many victims are still perceived.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please see the resources below.

https://sheltersafe.ca/ - Sheltersafe - Canada
https://kidshelpphone.ca/need-help-now-text-us/ - Kids Help Phone - Canada
https://www.ctvnews.ca/w5/here-s-who-to-contact-if-you-need-help-dealing-with-domestic-violence-in-canada-1.5188182 - see this article for more support broken down by province.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/programs/family-violence-prevention-services/programs/ndvh#:~:text=Accessibility,and%20the%20U.S.%20Virgin%20Islands. - National Domestic Violence Hotline - US

Our mental health can be harmed by how others treat us, which is why  Awareness and Heritage Months are important to our mental health.

Sometimes we tell ourselves “I have no choice” because it’s easier than having to consider what can happen if you choose

Sometimes you need to ask yourself the question, “Why do I do that?”

Award-winning Canadian journalist Sally Armstrong joined me to discuss the new book she co-authored, some amazing women who have made a difference and what drives her to cover war zones and oppression.

What are you putting off today that you’ll have to deal with tomorrow? What are you doing that you’ll pay for a decade from now? In this episode, I address these considerations and disclose my issue with shoe laces.

We have lots of distractions in our lives and they come from a variety of sources. How can you block them out? Which ones should you let distract you?

What you eat and drink is important to your health, but so is the content you read online, listen to on the radio, and share on social media. In this episode, I talk about making changes to lower your stress and fuel your ability to solve daily problems.

Self-care takes many forms, but what you do to care for yourself in the moment, shouldn’t come at the expense of your long-term well-being.