November Light - November Newsletter

The other day I ran into my neighbour, Dr. Richard Hopkins, Emeritus from University of British Columbia School of Library Archival & Information Studies and we started chatting about books. I admitted that I usually am reading several books at once. To my surprise, he said he also jumps between reading material! When he told me this, I felt a weight lift. This casual conversation reminded me to celebrate walking away from unfinished business.

If you didn’t stick with your goal to read War and Peace this October, that doesn’t make you a bad person! If the experience wasn’t enjoyable or rewarding, don’t admonish yourself...just pick a new title and return to the book when it calls to you. Likewise, if you have personal ambitions that are extremely painful to work towards, give yourself a break! The path of self-improvement should be an enjoyable one. If you aren’t happy, take a step back and evaluate your methods and try something new instead...take up harmonica! If you are called back to your original plan, you will restart with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose at a later time.

Dr. Hopkins also reminded me that people who read several titles at once usually read more overall than those who muscle through unpleasant reading experiences. So this November, lighten up, put down your heavy burden and pick up something new.

Diwali is an extremely important holiday in India. It is traditional for practitioners to light clay lamps outside their home as symbolic protection from the forces of darkness. There are a number of traditions associated with Diwali, including extensive cleaning, worship and feasting. Many create colourful rangoli on the floor of their homes, designs made from coloured powders or sand.

This year at Green & Green, we created a special Diwali Gift Box with Johnnie Walker Scotch (the Indian way)! This is a wonderful way to celebrate friends or family members celebrating Diwali this year.

This year we cannot gather on Remembrance Day. However, we are still able to honour Canadian veterans, their sacrifices and those who continue to serve our country. Here are some acts of remembrance you can do with your family as we approach November 11th.

1) Talk to your Kids: War and violence are perplexing topics for children and adults alike. If you feel it is appropriate, take time over the next few weeks to discuss why global conflicts arise. You can discuss why wars start, whether they are justified, and current global conflicts. You can talk about the bravery of those who fought for Canadians in World War 1 and 2.

2) Watch the Legion Livestream on Facebook Live: The Royal Canadian Legion will be broadcasting the National Remembrance Day ceremony on Facebook Live. Make sure to tune in and share an intimate moment of silence in your home with viewers across the country.

3) Visit War Memorials: You probably pass by war memorials regularly in your city, but take some time over the weekend to learn about the events and people being commemorated and consider their contributions. In the presence of loved ones, pay homage to those who fought for the freedoms. At major monuments, wreaths will be preplaced, so you will be able to lay poppies or flowers beside them in tribute.

Do you feel that chill in the air? The holiday season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your holiday party. Due to gatherings restrictions, festive events might take place in the virtual realm, but that doesn’t have to dilute the delight! Check out our tips for the best ways to plan an office party online.

Office sharing can still be fun! Read about SNACK HEROS' tips on safe and snacky ways to show your care around the office. Let's bring the yummies back to the office pantry.

In the spirit of Diwali, alleviate your burden this November. Usher in purifying and energizing lights and invite love and warmth into your heart and home.

Happy Diwali.
All my very best,