As I was doing my daily scan of news, interesting tidbits etc…I came across this interesting question. I am sad to say I was not nearly as creative as the gentlemen who answered below. Keeping our minds actively engaged is just as important as honing our physical selves, so how would you answer this question. Don’t jump ahead or you will ruin it.

What would you do?

You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.

2. An old friend who once saved your life.

3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car? Think before you continue reading. Continue reading →

I walked out of my apartment building this morning and it was so beautiful outside. I couldn’t help but notice the snow sparkles.  I had to show my son the sparkling top layer of the snow.  I have been enjoying so much the morning sunrise.  We are so fortunate to see the sunrise on the way to work!  I am driving and I look at the pink sky.  Yes, there is beauty in winter….that’s for sure.  I don’t forget the fact that I have to scrape the windshield, warm up the car, and put layers of clothes, but as I look at the sunrise and listen to some music on the way to work, my attitude changes and I set a nice tone for my day.

I guess I am trying to talk about inspiration.  Isn’t it inspiration that we are all looking for in our day, in our experiences, and interactions with people?  I know I am.  When I read, I want to read something that moves me.  If I listen to music, I want the music to get to me, I want to feel it.  I am referring to experiences that touch me on a deep level.  At the end of the day, these are the experiences which bring meaning to my life.  Sometimes I think that my life is about connections—with family, friends, and people in general.  My interactions would not be meaningful to me unless I felt connected with my loved ones on a deeper level.  At least this is how I am and I am aware that people are different.  And it is all good.

I don’t know about you, but I know that I was never taught to be gentle to myself, to be kind to myself, to be self-compassionate.  I read an article recently addressing self-compassion and it made me think.  I started asking myself “Do I give myself a break sometimes? Do I beat myself up for my faults?”  Continue reading →

Red River College is fortunate to be able to provide a wide range of Wellness supports for staff and students (though access varies from one campus to another).

This month the Wellness Blog turns the spotlight on Chaplaincy Care.  As noted in the College’s Day Planner:

Students and staff may drop by or phone Chaplaincy Care and speak with chaplains (representing various denominations) regarding personal concerns, relationships, stress, crisis situations, life issues, values, spirituality, grief or change, self-esteem, addictions, or any other concerns.  Chaplaincy Care’s volunteer chaplains serve people of all races, beliefs and cultures.  They are here to provide students and staff with personal support, encouragement, empowerment, hope and can facilitate study groups.

Chaplaincy Care is for students and staff looking for a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.  They provide complete confidentiality and a safe place for support and conversation as you work through life issues, stress, relationships or spiritual questions. They also provide a crisis ”Care Line”, available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The cell phone # is:  898-2686. 

They also maintain a prayer room (A-223 on NDC) for quiet, personal prayer, meditation, renewal or reading. The room is available between 7:00 a.m. to midnight, whenever the college is open. If you want more information about these services and those who provide them, please check out the College’s website.