Electronic Walkabout

Episode summary introduction:

There are so many times in life we hear the expression “You have the cart before the horse”.  This holds true for some many things except for one, planning for retirement.  Something so important we always take for granted.  Take a walk with us as we share some thoughts about how to approach retirement to allow us to really live the way we were meant to in our golden years. 

Topics discussed in this episode:

The plan is the key to a happy retirement, make yours with this in mind:

• The best time to start planning for retirement?
• What to consider when making a retirement plan?
• Reviewing your retirement plan?
• The best age to retire?
• Dealing with the transition from work to retirement. 
• Why are so many people ill prepared to deal with retirement?
• Money can’t buy happiness but it can set us up for a happy retirement, make it a solid plan. 

Walkabout takeaways:

A retirement plan needs some care thought:

• Make your plan flexible without compromising the lifestyle you want.
• Estimate how much you will need to spend so you don’t compromise your style of living.
• Aim to be debt free in retirement.
• As you get closer to retirement, you should gradually adjust your investment portfolio to take on less risk and protect what you have.
• Part of your plan needs to focus on a healthy lifestyle, take care of yourself or all that hard work you have put in is for nothing,
• Retirement is not easy for everyone. Retirement is a big event that will cause stress.  Ease into it to make your transition as seamless as possible.  This means staying busy along with being healthy.
• Finally, You deserve a happy retirement, don’t take planning for it for granted. 

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca.

“Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!”

Episode summary introduction:

Living a perfect life means never having to apologize. Unfortunately our lives are far from perfect & apologies can pop up like road signs. A simple social etiquette can be far from simple. Join us as we put the power of apologies into perspective to make them easier.  

Topics discussed in this episode:

Whenever you find yourself in a situation that may or may not need an apology use this information to put it into perspective:

• What apologies mean to us?
• How we feel when we don’t receive an apology owed to us.
• Should you confront someone that owes you an apology when they haven’t.
• How apologies relate to our integrity.
• Why do some have a hard time apologizing?
• Can you make someone apologize?
• Is it an apology without sincerity?
• When both parties should apologize.
• Over apologizing?

Walkabout takeaways:

There is no doubt you will be considering an apology in the near future.  Consider this to make it easier:

• Decide right away if an apology is necessary in the situation;
• Make the apology in a timely fashion, it will not be perceived as sincere if one waits too long to apologize, there will be a point of no return;
• At times, action will be required past an apology as a display of sincerity, simply saying “I’m sorry.” may not be enough;
• Don’t try to explain the reason for your action that gave rise to the apology, this will take away from the apology and make it appear insincere;
• Understanding when to make an apology speaks to our reputation, it is just a means of doing the right thing in a timely manner that will allow a relationship to continue to grow and move forward.  

This episode’s good news story belongs to TC.  On February 27, 2024 his first audio book was released.  For those who like books but don’t like turning pages. 

Esprit De Corpse-Life Lessons from a Community of Law Enforcement

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca.

“Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!”

Episode summary introduction:

One of the biggest gifts we have been given is the gift of music.  It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It can motivate us, make us happy, make us sad and in the end make a beautiful collection that will be the soundtrack of our life.  Maddog & TC share how music has made a difference in their lives to get the most out of this gift.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Prepare to dig deep in your own music vault and let it wonder when you hear the sounds of these words:

• Musical influences growing up.
• The influence of music is in our lives.
• Different genres of music.
• Our first concert?
• Favorite bands?

Walkabout takeaways:

Take some time and think about those songs that have become a part of your life.  Music can do so many things for us, a gift never to be taken for granted:

• It elevates the mood. 
• It reduces stress. 
• It relieves symptoms of depression. 
• It stimulates memories. 
• It manages pain. 
• It eases pain.
• It helps people eat less. 
• It increases workout endurance.

Explore how music has improved your well-being or a loved one.  It is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

https://www.northshore.org/healthy-you/9-health-benefits-of-music/ 

“Music can also have a healing power,  it has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”     

Elton John, who says we should never be afraid of saying three simple words: “I need help.”



Check out Maddog’s son, AJ Bergin, and his band “The Astral Prophets”. His music really takes you places.  The Astral Prophets - Bio

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca.

“Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!”

Episode summary introduction:

This episode we tackle one of life’s constant challenges, dealing with our mistakes. Often believed, by some, as a sign of weakness or a source of embarrassment.  If viewed  in the proper light they can be a catalyst for personal growth and development. 

Join us as we find a path that lets us view mistakes as gifts that, at times, will be the gift that keeps on giving. 

 Topics discussed in this episode:

As we journey we talk about for the following sign posts: 

• Why are we afraid to make mistakes?
• What are some of the consequences of making mistakes?
• What are some of the considerations to manage our mistakes?
• Do perfectionists make mistakes?

Walkabout takeaways:

Always look at your mistakes in a positive life.  Something, always good, will come of it:

• We will all make mistakes and it is what we do with them that will make the difference to you and other people.
• Own your mistakes and take actions to remedy them.
• Always look for the lessons in any mistake so that you can learn from it and move on. This will make it easier to deal with mistakes in the future.
• Some mistakes you will need help with to manage, do not be afraid to ask, pretty good chances your not the first to make this particular mistake;
• Always look at your mistakes in a positive fashion,
• And finally, share what you have learned with others so they don’t make the same mistakes as you.  

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at  www.ewalkabout.ca.

“Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!”

Episode summary introduction:

Technology, with the best of intentions, was meant to give us  a better life.  One place it has fallen short is in the way we communicate.  Join TC & Maddog as they send you on a path to understand technology’s shortcomings with communication and give guidance on how to better communicate in our relationships. 

Topics discussed in this episode:

Understanding pitfalls allows us to understand when we can count on technology and when not as it relates to communication.  Consider these topics: 

• What are some of the challenges that exist when we rely on our technology to communicate?
• How big is this gap when it comes to communication as a result of relying on technology?
• What types of other communications have been affected as a result of the use of technology to communicate?
• Has this really helped the growth of our personal relationships in any way?
• What are some of the steps we can take to ensure our communication has been received and understood? 

Walkabout takeaways:

Communicating effectively comes with practice and sincerity.  Don’t leave this to chance; consider this to help:

• Remember technology can be our friend in most cases but remember when it’s not welcome.  When it comes to personal relationships, take the time to practice face to face communication. 

• We need to learn how to unplug to plug back into our relationships.  Pick a day you can enjoy a technology free day for your family.  It will be amazing what memories you have just by doing this.

• Leave nothing to chance, if you must text or email follow up to ensure your message is received. It will ensure strong communication and leave little room for embarrassment as a result of a misunderstanding. 

• Don’t let technology interfere with your ability to communicate effectively in your relationships. It shows you care about the relationships and serves to foster that relationship.

• Nothing is better than face to face communication, take every opportunity you can to make this happen. 

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca.

“Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!”

Episode summary introduction:

This episode focuses on the emotion of guilt and how it plays a part in our lives. Oftentimes there is no need to feel guilty, it is simply not ours to carry.  During the times we do own the guilt it is important to learn how to manage so it does not take control of our life. 

Topics discussed in this episode:

During this trek TC & Maddog examine how guilt enters our lives and share thoughts on how to manage it.  Joins as we talk about:

• What is guilt?
• What causes guilt?
• Why do we feel guilty when we have no reason to?
• Is it vicarious guilt?
• How do we reduce the amount of guilt that we feel?
• Is it healthy to have some guilt in our life?

Walkabout takeaways:

There is no question that guilt will always be a part of our lives.  It is one emotion that plays on us at the best of times.  When you find that guilt is getting you down consider the following:

• Acknowledge it exists. 
• Eliminate negative self-talk. 
• Find out if there's a reason to feel guilty. 
• Remind yourself of all that you do. 
• Realize it's OK to have needs. 
• Establish boundaries. 
• Make amends. 
• Understand what you can control.

Always look at guilt from a positive perspective.  It  sends the message we can do better in the future and set us up for future success. 

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca.

Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!

Episode summary introduction:

A good reputation is never given the attention it deserves.  Join us as we talk about the importance of a “gold standard” reputation in both our professional and personal relationships.  A solid reputation will have an influence on our happiness and success in life.  

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How did you learn this?
• What are the elements of a good reputation?
• How fragile is a reputation?
• How do we maintain or keep our reputation intact?
• Should we worry about our reputation or is it just a byproduct of who we are?
• What should we do if we tarnish or damage our reputation?

Walkabout takeaways:

It is always a good idea to take inventory of the state of our reputation.  Something this fragile needs constant attention. Be alive to the steps you can take to keep your reputation strong:

• Be introspective and honest with yourself. As hard as it might be at times, think through what you did and why you did it. 
• Be sincere with others. 
• Do what you say. 
• Be authentic in your professional relationships. 
• Remember social media. 
• Listen first, talk second. 
• Accept responsibility. 
• Be personal.

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca,

Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!

A Door to Self Improvement

Episode summary introduction:

We welcome a new member to our E-Walabout, James “Maddog” Bergin.  Maddog joins TC as they take a journey to explore the nuances of resolutions.  We indulge in resolutions as part of our New Year’s eve ritual but statistically struggle to see them through.  Resolutions do have a benefit and can be a door to self improvement.  It begs questions as to why we make them, what we look to improve and how do we set ourselves up to successfully keep them.

Topics discussed in this episode:

As we talk about resolutions we hit the following milestones:

• Why would anyone make a resolution?
• What type of resolutions are being made?
• Financial Wellness
• What is the main reason you think that they are not kept?
• Who are the resolutions made for, the person who makes them or someone(s) else?
• What are some of the best steps that can be taken to see our resolutions to the end?

Walkabout takeaways:

Resolutions can be made at any time, we don’t need to wait for a new year. The next time you set your sights to any type of self improvement here are a few things that may lend to your success:

• Be picky about your resolutions. 
• Plan your resolution. 
• Set very specific goals. 
• Don't take on too much. 
• Choose a new resolution.
• Identify accountability partners for support.
• Give your resolution time to become a habit.

Don’t think of your resolution as another burden you need to carry. When you are successful in keeping the resolutions it will take stress off of your life and give you energy to take on something new.  

Self improvement is a continual effort and needs to be developed as a lifetime or living habit so that we can get the most out of our lives.  

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca.

Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!

Episode summary introduction:

We welcome Brock Adams who offers a fantastic way to look at religion.  As we travel through this world we must always strive to find a sound body and sound mind which includes spiritual health.  Religion has opened so many doors and made our lives whole as we navigate this crazy world of ours.  Join us as we explore what it can do for you and is yours for the taking.  

Topics discussed in this episode:

Brock shares how religion became a part of his life and how he shares it with others, concentrating on:

• How religion was introduced to Brock;
• Brock’s motivation to share with others;
• How does religion help us to live better lives;
• Promoting spiritual health;
• Challenges when sharing religion;
• Religion and sports.

Walkabout takeaways:

Remember, there are so many things that we have in our lives that will make our lives better, religion is only one.  Take some time and realize what it may do for you:

• Religion will have something for everyone, find out what it means to you;
• Spiritual growth is so important for our mental health, always keep this in mind;
• When you are trying to find that motivation in your life, include in your life an aspect of spiritual growth;
• Find a religion that works for you and use it to live the best life you can.

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca, or follow us on Twitter @MikeChronicles   or   Scott Wilkins.

Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!

Apologies:  Please forgive us as you listen to this episode.  There was difficulty with TC’s mic.  This has been corrected for future episodes. 

Episode summary introduction:

Good morning everyone, today we take a journey with another guest, Ian Parks,  who shares with us the importance of volunteering in our community.  There are so many positive things that volunteering can do for our life.  Truly, volunteers make the world go round. 

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why volunteer?
• What got you into volunteering?
• How important is volunteering to our communities?
• How do you find Life/Work balance when you choose to volunteer?
• What has been your biggest challenge as a volunteer?
• What has been most rewarding for you as a volunteer?
• What advice can you give someone who wants to volunteer or is already volunteering? 

Walkabout takeaways:

When setting your sights on being a volunteer, a few things to consider:

• The more we give, the happier we feel;
• Volunteering increases self-confidence. 
• When you volunteer, you are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment;
• Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity.
• And, when volunteering, maintain a balance. 

More about E-Walkabout:

To learn more about Electronic Walkabout visit us at   www.ewalkabout.ca, or follow us on Twitter @MikeChronicles   or   Scott Wilkins.

Remember to take advantage of the moment before the moment takes advantage of you!

Apologies:  Please forgive us as you listen to this episode.  There was difficulty with TC’s mic.  This has been corrected for future episodes.