JustMOMsensations

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Is it wrong to tell kids that their future is limitless?

So many of us tell our kids “you can be anything you want to be when you grow up”. But can they? The first time I told my daughter she had limits was during the naming of Catholic Pope Francis in 2013. She was 8 and asked if she could be Pope one day. I told her females are not allowed to be head of the Catholic Church. I answered her “why” with my own bias; “because some people think tradition is more important than equality”. I’ve watched businesses, young parents, grandparents all decide what toys are for girls and which for boys. I guess girls don’t grow up to drive cars or build buildings. Perhaps men don’t become Fathers or caregivers. If that is true, it is a waste of time for girls to play with cars or blocks or for boys to like dolls. We tell them they can be ANYTHING when they grow up, yet we limit their play as children. If their future is limitless, why don’t we limit our children less? We teach our kids to be kind to all people. Not to be a

Who is Serving Who?

My generation didn’t grow up with much formal teaching or structure around giving back. Oh sure, my parents, who didn’t have much, would share the abundance of their vegetable garden with neighbours who had less. That was just my parents being especially kind, or so I thought. I didn’t know then that service and sharing with your neighbour was a way of life for their generation. People born in the depression and raising kids post World War II understood the true value of things. Those who had little to lose, lost nothing by sharing. Somewhere in the 1980s and 90s, we became more about receiving, amassing and even judging those who had less. Labels became “a thing”. Two pairs of boots that looked exactly the same would not hold the same value socially, if one had a “prestigious label” and a bigger price tag. When did the label on something become more important than the quality of something? When meeting new people we often ask questions that label them instead of

2016 is about CONNECTION

For many years, my family and I have served charities and community assistance – behind the scenes . That is how we like it. Not only because we believe true giving receives no recognition or reward, but because OUR karma requires us to be humble while serving those who might have a greater need than us. We aren’t rich. We aren’t excessive with loads of food or belongings going to waste if we don’t share. Like my 8-year old says; “we share because we care”. This fall a cause called #THECLOTHINGDRIVE consumed us. Its purpose to help provide a starting wardrobe for the GTA’s share of 25,000 Syrian refugees coming to Canada this winter. We came out from behind the scenes because it was necessary to gather much needed support. My motivation to throw my skills, time and presence to this cause was a deep belief it was about MUCH more than clothes. It was just the first step of many, needed to help newcomers integrate in Canada. At this particular time – those who

What it’s like, when #kindnessislouder

I have had the most extraordinary month. I have not worked this hard, this many hours since I was 30 years old – and yet I feel invigorated. I was one of nearly 6,000 volunteers helping clothe Syrian refugees coming to the GTA. While I participated as one of the drivers of the cause, I have never witnessed the level of empowerment all volunteers felt and acted on to drive this cause forward. In just four weeks, we went from zero to: Over 30, 000 articles of clothing. Nearly 6,000 active volunteers from getting the word out, donating clothing, to sorting, cleaning, inventory and various business services – there was no ego in this giving. More than 20 media spots through TV, radio, print and internet news. All of the infrastructure required to support a cause of this magnitude. A free storefront open for business, where families can shop for their own clothing in privacy. Over 60 people with starting wardrobes, ready to integrate into their new communities. Thou

White Christian Lady with White Kids, on Racism

What do I know about racism? I know I feel outrage for a Muslim woman who was attacked , reportedly by two Caucasian 20-something men in Toronto on November 16 th , following the ISIS attacks of the previous weekend in Europe and the Middle East. It was reported she was picking up her children from school. How must her kids have felt as they watched their Mother being taken to hospital? How do her kids feel safe after that? I know my stomach churns with the knowledge that the Peterborough Mosque was set on fire that same weekend. Over $100,000 was raised in just over 24 hours for the repairs – but that does not change the fact that hate lit a match of fear in a place of worship. I don’t know what it is like to walk down the street tense, guarded, in fear someone could act on their hate for what my appearance represents to them. Wolf calls from men as I walked by did not give me any idea what it’s like to be afraid for my safety because I look differen

Terror Can’t Live in a House of Love

As with 9/11, this last week weighs heavily on so many of us. Obviously all of the ISIS attacks and the humans lost, families mourning are top of mind. Each day my heart gets heavier when hate and rhetoric spew from people in my own circles, out of what I believe can only be mishandled fear. I have actively and passionately thrown facts and love in the face of each hurl of bigotry and ignorance I witness. I believe we can neutralize negativity with extreme light and love. Yet in the wake of these efforts remains a lingering disappointment for some of the people I have respected and cared about throughout my life. I won’t be quiet to sidestep conflict any longer. I won’t accept excuses of age, fear and statements like “people don’t change – no point in arguing”. There is a HUGE point to argue. Terrorists rely on fear, divisiveness and hate to facilitate their goals. Terror can’t live in a house of love. I refuse to be afraid of ISIS. They are radical e