Month: December 2024

Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“It’s never too late for a new beginning in your life.’’ – Joyce Meyer

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, a collective sense of anticipation fills the air. The New Year is a time of reflection, renewal and reinvention. It’s a chance to turn the page, start fresh and embrace new opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore how the New Year symbolizes new beginnings, the opening of new chapters and the adoption of fresh perspectives. Let’s dive into the significance of these themes and offer practical tips to help you make the most of this transformative time.

The New Year brings a sense of excitement and possibility. It’s a time when we can reflect on our past experiences and look forward to what’s ahead. This year let’s approach our goals with confidence and determination.

Embracing New Beginnings

The concept of new beginnings is deeply fixed in the human soul. It represents hope, change and the possibility of a better future. As we turn the page on another year, we find ourselves at the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. This transition offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on our past experiences and set the stage for future growth. But what does it truly mean to embrace a new beginning?

The Power of a Clean Slate

The New Year offers a symbolic clean slate, allowing us to leave behind past mistakes and regrets. This act of letting go can be incredibly liberating, freeing us from the burdens of the past.

Unlike resolutions, which can often feel boring or difficult to continue, setting intentions is about focusing on how you want to feel and what you want to experience in the coming year. This approach is more flexible and forgiving, allowing for growth and change.

Opening a New Chapter

Every New Year is like a new chapter in the book of life. It’s an opportunity to write your story with intention and purpose.

Reflecting Your Past

Before you can move forward, it’s essential to reflect on the past year. What were your successes? What challenges did you face? This reflection can provide valuable insights and guide your next steps.

Unlike intentions, goals are specific and measurable. They provide a roadmap for the year ahead, helping you stay focused and motivated.

Goal-Setting

Consider setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For instance, instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” a SMART goal would be, “I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week, for the next three months.”

Adopting a New Perspective

A new perspective can transform how we see the world and ourselves. It can open doors to opportunities we never imagined.

Shifting Your Mindset

Embracing change with an open mind can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences.

Gratitude is another way to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. It can enhance our well-being and improve our outlook on life. As we move forward, let’s carry with us a spirit of gratitude. Take a moment each day to appreciate the good things in your life, big and small. Gratitude can transform our perspective and fill our hearts with joy.

The Power of Perspective

Imagine facing a challenging situation at work. Instead of viewing it as a setback, consider it an opportunity to learn and grow. This shift in perspective can change your approach and lead to positive outcomes.

Connecting with Others

The New Year is also a wonderful time to strengthen our bonds with others. Reach out to old friends, make new connections and cherish the relationships that bring light to your life. Share your hopes and dreams with loved ones and support them in theirs.

Conclusion

As we step into the new year, let’s embrace the possibilities it holds. Whether it’s starting new, writing a new chapter or adopting a fresh perspective, the New Year is a time for growth and transformation. 

Remember, it’s not just about making resolutions, but about creating a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. So take a moment to reflect, set your intentions and welcome the new year with open arms.

By embracing new beginnings, opening new chapters and adopting new perspectives, we can make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead. Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy and endless possibilities.

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care.

Cristina Crescenzo (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

If I am being honest, I have feared that the kind of love Shakespeare and Austen wrote about doesn’t exist, at least not in the world I know today. Maybe, in the eras when those words were written, all-consuming love and the sacrifices one made in pursuing it was a reality for someone. However, centuries later, we have lost our ability to appreciate the simple things in life and the true wonder of human interaction. It is a changed world out there. Chivalry in its purest form has become obsolete, and yes, that’s not technically bad because we have come to really cherish and learn so much more about the world and ourselves through independence. But whether you want to admit it or not, there is still something about Romeo and Juliet and the ability to have a love so powerful that you would die for it. It is a story we keep returning to continuously through the centuries, so there must be some truth and value in it today. For instance, I know many parents would put their lives on the line for their children or soldiers who die for civilians who would only ever be strangers to them, but people do those things because we can love. 

One of the most extraordinary things about being alive is our ability to feel, and though you could say all emotions have meaning, I think we can agree that one, in particular, is the most meaningful, and that is love. Having the capacity to love and be loved in return really does make even the hardest of days a little more tolerable. I know as well as anybody that on those days when you feel low, you become blind to all the good things life can offer, even if you do see something beautiful, like a happy couple on the bus. You might feel a little bitter and resentful, and this is okay. However, if you can take yourself out of the equation and realize there is a lot about this world that is sad, dark and genuinely unfair. It is actually quite remarkable that these two people could feel true joy, especially when there are times, as humans, we can be cruel to each other, self-absorbed and deceitful. It was nice for me in that moment to feel peace and have faith in humanity. At the end of the day, some say it’s a fool’s errand to build the foundation of your hopes on tales from long ago, especially one where it does end quite tragically. Still, I can’t help but wonder if their story came to pass based on a set of beliefs William Shakespeare had himself and that he learned long ago, just like I am learning in the present, that loving another person besides yourself is the most profound blessing that we can receive in our lifetime and all the other lives to come. It is inevitable. 

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I am just a 24-year-old finishing her English bachelor’s degree at Simon Fraser University who loves to read and write in order to help someone in some small way. I will also always advocate for mental health and disabled causes through the written word, and Low Entropy lets me do just that.

Lauren Long (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

William Shakespeare said “All the world’s a stage” in As You Like It. The world is indeed a stage, but it means different things to different people. 

For me as a pole dancer, it means a form of dance that I love and am really good at after trying different kinds as a teenager that I didn’t enjoy the way I do pole dancing. 

A stage is nothing without people to share it with. More than that, a stage is meaningless if you don’t have a group of people by your side who not only love this art form the same way you do, but also share every step of your training journey with you, from your wins to those days where you totally tank a move that you have done a hundred times before. 

I have been pole dancing for five years now, and I have met some of the most amazing human beings in the pole community in that time. The more firmly entrenched I’ve become in the world of pole dancing, the more people I meet and the more I spread my message about The Empowered Pole Dance Project. I have had a few people say no to being a part of the project for various reasons, but the majority have said yes.  

I do follow people that I know on Instagram, but the lion’s share are pole dancers who I have met through the project or whose routines I have seen, or people who have heard about me through a mutual acquaintance. I find myself constantly in awe of their tricks and choreographies! 

Pole dancers need a lot of strength, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. We need the physical strength of our bodies to be able to lift ourselves and hang onto the pole, the mental strength that concentration requires, and the emotional strength to shut out the words of the naysayers and those who don’t understand what it is we do and that there’s more to it than what they think. Additionally, we need that emotional strength to tap into the emotions that guide our choreographies and our bodies through dance. 

I’m 33 years old, and I know there is still so much more for me to accomplish in my pole dancing career. Every training session brings a new challenge, and I have learned to love the sweat and burn of my muscles before and after training, even when the sweat affects my grip and I slide down the pole like the squirrels used to slide down the post of our bird feeder after my parents put Vaseline on it to keep them out! 

Prior to writing this article, I had a dream that I was back in high school and teaching pole dance to my classmates. I know, without a doubt, that had pole dancing and other aerial arts been a thing in my town when I was pre-teen and then a teenager, I would have done it all through my school years and into university. I wish with all my heart that there had been something like this here when I was growing up, because pole dancing has given me body confidence as well as the self-esteem and assertiveness that I didn’t have as a teenager. 

Pole dancing has helped me grow more comfortable with saying no and setting boundaries, whereas before I would let people walk all over me and bend over backwards to please them. Pole dancing isn’t just an art form, it offers great clarity and you can see things in your life and things that have happened to you in a different light that you might have before. 

One thing that I still really struggle with, even after five years of pole dancing and hearing other people’s stories, is how people treat pole dancers. It doesn’t matter if it’s complete strangers or family members, I’ve heard some pretty nasty comments and I’ve had the people I’ve interviewed tell me about things that have been said to them. 

And yet, despite all the bigotry, hate and shaming we receive, we keep dancing. We have learned to be strong in every sense and we’re not going to let some small-minded people take away the enjoyment that comes from what we do or let them mold us into some cookie-cutter image that they want instead of being our authentic selves. 

I’ve already tried to be someone I’m not, and you know something? Looking back now, I hated every minute of it. I hated being so desperately unhappy and seeing that my unhappiness was making people who wanted me to be miserable happy. 

Pole dancing has taught me to be my authentic self, and I may have lost people because of that, but I’ve gained people who love and accept all parts of me. 

The pole dancing community is growing, and this stage we’re on? It’s open to anyone who wants to join. 

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Born and raised in Quesnel, BC, Lauren Long is a strong advocate for mental health and well-being, as well as being a major Swiftie and a role model for positive body image. She believes in the value of truth, and that truth matters. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the pole, on the training mats or curled up with a good book.

Grace Song (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Gratitude is a cornerstone of a meaningful life—a powerful force that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It enriches our lives and strengthens our relationships. For me, gratitude also deepens my connection with God. As someone who believes in the importance of faith, I have found that practicing gratitude not only enhances my spiritual journey, but also allows me to appreciate the beauty of life in profound ways. Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion, but a practice woven into the fabric of my daily life.

The simplest way that I find to show gratitude is through words. As a Christian, I refer to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which states, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I try to start and end each day by giving thanks to God for everything that He has done. This also helps set a positive and thankful mood for the rest of my day—whether I am thanking someone for holding the door, a bus driver for their service or a loved one for their generosity, I make it a point to express my appreciation verbally. For some, a heartfelt “thank you” may seem minute, but it has the power to brighten one’s day by acknowledging their efforts, however small. Plus, I believe that the more you are thankful, the more thankful things will be provided to you. Ultimately, good karma is just as real as bad karma, and I want as much good karma as I can get.

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion, it is also something we can do. One of the most meaningful ways that I express my thankfulness is by giving back to others. In the Bible, Jesus exemplified the spirit of service throughout His life, and His teachings inspire me from Matthew 20:28: “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Serving others is my way of acknowledging the blessings that I have received and sharing them with those in need. Whether it is volunteering for a non-profit organization and serving dinner to vulnerable youth each Thursday, helping a neighbour out with groceries, supporting a friend struggling through their studies, or donating to causes that I care about, acts of service allow me to channel my gratitude into action. I find it a tangible way of saying, “Thank you, God, for giving me enough to share with others,” and extending the gratitude I feel into the world, creating a ripple effect of positivity and kindness towards others.

Journaling is one of the most transformative practices in my expression of gratitude. Each night, I set aside 10-15 minutes to reflect on my day and write down three things that I am grateful for. These can range from small joys (having a friend buy me a morning coffee) to monumental achievements (passing my licensing exams). When I write, I am often reminded of Psalms 107:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” This practice helps me shift my perspective, even on the most difficult and dreadful of days. By focusing on what went well, I am reminded that, even amid challenges, there are many things to be thankful for. Journaling has been a key component of my residency journey as I battle through imposter syndrome while feeling extremely privileged to provide care to my vulnerable patients. Over time, my gratitude journal has become a treasure trove of positivity, a record of blessings that I can revisit whenever I need a reminder. 

Gratitude is a practice that enriches every aspect of life. Whether it is through words, actions, reflection or giving back, showing gratitude helps me cultivate abundant joy. It deepens my connections with others and reminds me of the beauty in even the simplest moments. I will continue to strive to nurture a spirit of thankfulness that honours God and blesses those around me. As I continue my own journey, I hope to inspire others to find their own ways of showing gratitude and experiencing the profound joy that it brings. 

And to you reader, thank you for taking time out of your day to read my post. I challenge you to reflect on the ways and how often that you show gratitude. Being grateful has really changed my perspective on life for the better, especially while working/learning in healthcare, and I am sure that it will for you too! 

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Leave your thoughts for Grace in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

Fátima Lima (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Happiness is pretty simple: someone to love, something to do, something to look forward to.” – Rita Mae Brown

I’ve often wished this idea were more specific. For me, art has been all these things—a source of solace, meaning and connection in chaos. It’s my favorite thing because it helps me make sense of life and, perhaps, myself. Looking back, I realize I’ve been so caught up in the endless demands of daily life, constantly spinning the wheel, that I’ve neglected deeper, more essential feelings. We get so busy surviving that we forget to connect with what truly matters.

I once thought I’d have life figured out by now. Instead, I often find myself wondering: Why do I wake up and leave my bed every morning? What am I doing here? Even in the midst of routines, these questions linger, like background noise that never fades. Staying busy doesn’t make them disappear.

Art has always been my way to navigate this uncertainty. For as long as I can remember, it’s been my anchor. One of my earliest memories is sitting in my parents’ bedroom at eight years old, carefully developing photos in an improvised darkroom, using a blanket to shield that sacred moment from any light. My dad taught me the intricacies of photography and those hours we spent together—learning, experimenting—left a lasting mark. Those were moments of connection, not just with him but with something bigger that felt meaningful.

Now, in what some might call a midlife crisis, I look back on those times with longing. The past few years have been hard—COVID and everything that came with it. Sometimes it feels like art is the only light in an endless tunnel. Watching films, reading books, writing, listening to music—all of it gives me hope when everything else feels uncertain. I turn to stories because they provide something reality doesn’t: a clear structure, a resolution. How simple it seems—a world with a script. But the real world is far messier, less predictable.

In these stories, I see fragments of myself in the characters—their struggles with loneliness, heartbreak and doubt resonate deeply. Creative expression mirrors the chaos of existence but also offers a kind of map, a way to explore my own unresolved questions, even if it doesn’t provide all the answers.

But art can only point the way; it doesn’t create the path. Life isn’t a rehearsal or a still life from a museum, waiting to be interpreted—it’s happening right now, messy and immediate. I need to engage with it, take risks, live without waiting for life to assemble itself into meaning. Creativity can guide me, but I can’t let it keep me on the sidelines, safe and observing from a distance.

And yet, there are moments when art stops me in my tracks—a beautiful film, the feeling of writing, street graffiti, the warmth of music on a rainy day. These moments remind me of art’s power to stitch together the fragments, to make sense of things even when life feels disconnected. But when the music fades and the credits roll, the world keeps moving and I’m still here, piecing together my purpose.

If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that I’d give anything for one more moment with my dad—sitting together, beers in hand, listening to the warm crackle of Glenn Miller on vinyl. No outside noise, no worries, just being. Those were the moments that made life feel whole, even when everything else felt fragmented. Art preserves these fleeting, sacred moments; it captures them like photographs in a darkroom and gives them back to us when we need them most.

Now, I wonder if my kids will look back on moments they shared with me. Will they feel the same connection I did? Will art anchor them, the way it anchors me? I hope so. Time never stops, after all—it links me to the past and holds my hope for the future, connecting me to the person I’m still becoming.

Maybe art doesn’t need to provide all the answers—it’s enough that it reminds me to keep asking. I wish the air wasn’t so heavy in my lungs and that the quotation I used at the start of this piece offered clearer instructions to guide a soul like mine. Existence is messy and imperfect, and without art, I don’t know where I’d be. But for now, this reflection is enough. It’s not perfect—life rarely is—but it’s mine and that’s enough.

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My name is Fátima Lima and writing is my therapy. I believe art makes us better people, offering countless ways to reflect on today’s world, as well as the past and future. I live in New Brunswick, Canada and I work daily with a multicultural settlement agency. What I love most about collaborating with Low Entropy is the freedom to explore subjects I’m passionate about in my own voice.

Rowan Sanan (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

As a musician, I tend to find music in the most unlikely of places. The slightly out-of-sync turn signals in a lineup of cars becomes a polyrhythm. Bird calls become unique melodies. I think it’s important to stop and appreciate these little things, as hard as it is sometimes, because we all get caught up in daily cycles: get up, get ready, go to school or work, come home, go to bed, and get right back up again. It’s hard to stop and smell the roses, if you will. Art and beauty shouldn’t be confined to museums and galleries, after all. We see it all the time in nature, architecture, other urban spaces and in the very interactions we have with other people. Art in society is a perfect way to shift our perspectives in order to shift our attitudes and the ways we see and appreciate the world. 

Artists themselves are incredible at creating meaning from the ordinary and everyday. They observe the world and have the talent to transform it into extraordinary scenes with new meanings. A very common muse for these artists is nature itself—landscapes, seasons and animals offer infinite sources of inspiration that can be shaped and moulded in many ways. Nature itself is an always-changing work of art as well. Think of the ways that people go cloud-gazing, determining images in the clouds and in the empty spaces between them. This is one of the clearest ways in which we can see art and beauty in a world that is always changing, growing and shifting. 

Artists creating meaning in their art also bring about aspects of expression and connection. Art forms are often able to transcend language barriers in many cases and can connect people all across the globe through shared experiences and common interest. It helps us to understand our own lives and the lives of other people, fostering empathy and bridging divides. When the entire world is filled with these connections, it can lead to great things, especially in public spaces. 

Art in public spaces is a great way to find beauty through the intersections of culture and community. Think about the murals, graffiti and street art that you can always see when walking around downtown. Maybe you’ve seen a sculpture or statue that resonated with you, or a street performer busking on the corner by a mall entrance. These things allow us to engage with the culture around us in everyday settings, fostering community through art. Shared experiences and the different perspectives we can get through those experiences are important for the development of community and belonging. Art in public spaces is also a venue for cultural and creative expression where everybody can be a potential audience member. 

Speaking of everybody being an audience member, art in the in-person and live formats are important to experience. It is human nature to desire connection, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is through the world of art: maybe through theatre, dance, music, or physical art. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital in many ways, it is vital to emphasize human presence and experience, which includes art made by the people around us. 

Sometimes, the imperfections in our lives and the world can be art in and of themselves. Life is full of these imperfections—messiness, loss, change—but these things can give life depth. Embracing these flaws and showcasing them through our art can show authenticity in our lives and in the human experience, especially when it reflects the beauty in the vast universe around us. Humans are flawed—the art that reflects us doesn’t have to be pristine and perfect all of the time. 

I believe that art in the world around us can also be used to reinterpret the world itself. Art has always been a tool used for challenging injustice—protest art and music, revolutionary theatre, and activist photography to name a few. Art can offer us a lens through which we can view the world that allows us to reflect, reconsidering and redefining the societal norms that shape our world. 

It’s incredibly challenging to see the world through such optimistic lenses in times where optimism might often feel impossible. However, seeing the world like this can still bring peace and togetherness, if only for a moment. Everybody has the capability to be an artist through this way of thinking—life is a constant performance, and continually unfolds with all of us as participants in the narrative of the universe. Viewing life in this way can make it feel like something that is truly worthwhile to preserve and appreciate. 

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Rowan is a university student who loves to write books and poetry, read all kinds of books and spend time with his family and pets.

Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

My family is so precious and valuable to me—both those who are still roaming the earth and those who have passed away. I always talk about my family because they’re the most loving, caring, supportive and selfless people I know. They’ve gotten me through the darkest of days and they’ve been by my side since I saw the world for the first time 30 years ago.

 

My entire world would be dysfunctional without them. I wouldn’t know what to do and I’d barely know how to live anymore. I’m a very sensitive, emotional and expressive person, but their unconditional love makes me feel as though I can overcome any obstacle, fight my fears and move mountains. And yes, my pets are also included. I do believe that my family (and fur friends) unconditional love has a big impact on me in the most beautiful way possible.

 

My family matters because we’re creating everlasting memories that I can replay in my mind any time I so choose. They are my calm, my peace, my serenity and they keep me grounded.

 

We share endless jokes and there’s always lots of laughter between us so our family gatherings are never dull. We enjoy each other’s company whether it’s a quick visit or an entire day spent together. We cherish those moments because time doesn’t stand still for anybody nor is it ever promised.

 

My family members are capable of making everyone see the beauty that life has to offer—even those who have lost their vision can feel life’s beauty through conversations held with my loved ones.

 

My mom is such a magical person and though she lost both her husband and her mother, she hasn’t lost hope and still encourages those to spread love and kindness. She’s my guiding light, the sun, the moon and the stars. She loves profoundly and anyone can feel her positive and peaceful presence. She always reminds me of how much I am loved by her. She was, she is and she will always be my mom. I will never forget all the things she taught me. I’m so lucky to be my mother’s daughter. She’s my seed of hope and she’s always navigating through life with my best interest in mind. She, like me, is a very sensitive and emotional woman so her ability to show me love and kindness to my fragile heart is such a gift. She’s so courageous and her strength is admirable. She is incredibly humble. There was never any judgement on her part and she’s shown me nothing but grace and respect my whole life.

 

My late father was a man of few words, but me being his daughter made him speak louder than life. He didn’t open up much to people nor was he very expressive, but when it came to me, his emotions rose from the earth and wrapped themselves around me like a warm embrace. His words of wisdom, his love, his care, his support, his guidance and everything in between came flooding in because he knew I always needed comfort and reassurance from him. He used to call me “Monkey”—one of many nicknames he gave me. He’d always tell me how much he loved me and how he found it hard to get mad at me even when I made a bad decision or did something stupid. He knew that I needed forgiveness instead of punishment and that made a world of difference. His ability to show me what love is made me believe that love was easy, that it could never hurt and that it will always be there. He was, he is and he will always be my dad. I will never forget all the things he taught me. I will be forever grateful because being his daughter also taught him to be patient, to listen and to be the best man and greatest father there will ever be. He showed me nothing but respect and he put me up on a pedestal every single day. The love and care he gave me is the same level of love and care he wanted to see my life partner give me. My father would always remind me that I was the love of his life and his whole entire world; he is the first man I ever loved and I’m so lucky to be my father’s daughter.

 

My older brother is an intelligent, determined, loving and caring guy. He’s rough around the edges and gives me tough love but he’s always guided me in the right direction. He’s taught me many things and he’s reminded me that his intentions are always good. He’s passionate and puts his all into things. I truly look up to him and I’m proud of the man he’s become.

 

My family matters because they’ve never left my side even when life chewed them up and spat them out—they never gave me reason to believe that they’d ever leave me but they gave me every reason to believe that perfection exists among them . . . in their hearts and in their souls. I would be nothing without them.

 

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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.

Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox

Family is the cornerstone of our existence. It’s where many of us learn to love, to laugh and to tackle life’s hurdles together. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget just how much our families mean to us. They’re often the ones who’ve been there through thick and thin, sharing our joys and sorrows. When we think about what truly matters, our family often comes to mind first. Let’s explore why family is at the core of our gratitude and how it shapes our lives in ways we might not always realize.

The Unbreakable Bond, Unconditional Love

There’s something magical about the love people share with family. It’s a love that doesn’t come with conditions or expectations. Whether we’re at our best or our worst, our family is often there, arms wide open, ready to hold us.

A Support System Like No Other

Life can be unpredictable, but family can provide a constant source of support. They’re our cheerleaders when we succeed and our shoulder to cry on when we fail. This unconditional support can give us the courage to dream big.

Shared Experiences

Some of our most treasured memories are those we create with our families. From yearly vacations to celebrating festivals together to simple Sunday dinners, these shared experiences can be the most memorable times of our lives. They become stories we tell and retell, while laughing together.

Traditions That Bind Us

Family traditions, big or small, can give us a sense of belonging. They create a rhythm to our lives and connect us to our roots. Whether it’s a special holiday ritual or a funny family saying, these traditions become part of our identity.

Valuable Life Lessons

Our families are usually our first and most important teachers. They guide us through life’s challenges, sharing wisdom gained from their own experiences. From learning to tie our shoes to navigate complex decisions in our lives, family is often there at every step we take in our journey.

Learning to Let Go

Family relationships aren’t always perfect. We argue, we disagree, we sometimes hurt each other. But family can also teach us the invaluable lesson of forgiveness. It’s within these bonds that we might learn to let go of grudges and heal together.

Growing Stronger Through Challenges

Every family faces challenges, but it’s how we overcome them that matters. These difficult times often bring us closer, teaching us the true meaning of unconditional love.

Tales of Unique Personalities

Each family member brings their unique personality to the table. There are individual differences as well. This diversity can teach us us to appreciate different perspectives and to love people for who they are, not who we want them to be.

The Joy of Giving

Family provides countless opportunities to practice selflessness. Whether it’s helping with homework, cooking a meal or simply lending an ear, these acts of service strengthen our bonds and fill our hearts with joy.

Celebrating Each Other’s Successes

There’s a special kind of happiness that comes from seeing our loved ones succeed. Family gives us the chance to experience this joy regularly, reminding us that life is richer when we celebrate together. 

Passing Down Stories

Our family history is a treasure with intriguing stories, connecting us to our past and shaping our future. These tales of success, struggle and everyday life can give us a sense of continuity and belonging.

Appreciating What We Have

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to take our families for granted. But when we pause to appreciate the love, support and joy they can bring, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Expressing Our Thanks

Let’s make it a habit to express our gratitude to our family members. Not all of us are lucky to meet their family or have them as a constant source of support. I live in a whole different continent away from my family, which makes it difficult to meet them, but when you can, giving  a “thank you” note or a heartfelt hug or even a thoughtful gesture can go a long way in strengthening our bonds and nurturing a culture of appreciation within our families. 

We should never forget to count our blessings, and having a wonderful family is the topmost blessing that one can have in their life. So today, let’s reach out to our loved ones, tell them how much they mean to us and thank them for being our family. Thank you!

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care.

Olivia Alberton (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I think it is safe to say that we have all been told or have heard that we “should be grateful” for what we have. Things such as waking up, getting out of bed, our good health and having a roof over our heads are just a few common examples referenced. All of which are important. However, sometimes it feels easy to forget the things we take for granted, and rather dwell on all the negative aspects of our lives. This is something that frequently happens to me. Despite my best efforts, sustaining gratitude is easier said than done. How does one sustain gratitude and why does it seem so difficult some days?  

One reason for this difficulty connects to social media. Through apps such as Instagram, Facebook and even LinkedIn, we are constantly viewing what “success” our peers are achieving. Posts on LinkedIn showing how Sarah got a new job, engagement photos of Ben on Facebook and travel photos that Jen posted on Instagram are things you see when you scroll. It is natural for you to start comparing your life to theirs. We know that social media is just a highlight reel and people only post what they want you to see. Despite this, it is hard not to compare your life to theirs. Negative thoughts can creep in and make a home for themselves in your mind—“They’re doing better than me,” “I wish I could travel where she went,” “I’m nowhere near being engaged,” “She’s prettier than me,” “I’m so behind”—and once they are settled, little room is left for the good, sadly.

When you are in this mindset, it can be difficult to get out and remember all the things you should be grateful for. You do start to take things for granted and have a woe-is-me attitude, because social media is a tool that can be dangerous for your mental health. To combat this, I believe taking breaks from scrolling can greatly improve your mind. I partake in a social media cleanse from time to time, and it does make a difference. When I eliminate that scrolling, I cannot compare myself to others and I focus solely on my path. The less distraction and comparison, the more I focus on myself and think about what I have to be grateful for. 

In tandem with social media comes constant messages of buying more. Specifically, on TikTok there are videos of the newest items, hauls from clothing stores and, most recently, the “It Girl Christmas Wishlist” offering ideas of what to purchase. Seeing this type of content persuades some into believing that we “need” these things, because if we pass on them, we are missing out. We start to focus more on what we do not have, rather than on what we do have. We live in a very consumeristic and materialistic society, which makes it easier to lose sight of how unimportant keeping up with trends is.

In my experience, buying that newest thing only supplies a limited period of gratification. I believe it is important to move past buying the latest things and focus on everything you already have. Maybe it is also important to think about why buying that purse or coat makes you feel good; dig deep to see if buying is trying to fill a void. When you begin to focus on what you already have, you focus on the good in your life, making it easier to sustain gratitude. 

Some studies state that when you practice gratitude, it reduces stress, depression and anxiety, which is amazing. As mentioned, limiting distractions from social media and ignoring messages from consumer culture can eliminate all that noise in your life and bring it back down to the important things. Another good way to sustain gratitude is to write down three things you are grateful for each morning. The Five-Minute Journal has this exercise; however, one could simply use a notebook. Starting your day off thinking about gratitude puts you in a positive mindset, which is a great way to start your day. Also, if things are feeling heavy on a day, take a moment, breathe and think about all the good.

With this being said, it is equally important to realize that sustaining gratitude can be difficult because life is difficult. Some days it will be easier than others, and that is okay. Give yourself grace while trying to sustain gratitude.  

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Olivia is a McMaster University graduate with a combined honours in English & cultural studies and history. She loves to read, write and, of course, drink coffee.