Back From the Sun

Jodi and I got back from our trip to Florida last night.  We had an amazing time and managed to squeeze in a lot of activities in a week.  I am not sure how Jodi found the energy but, she kept us moving the whole time.  We had a great time with Bernie and Karen.  It was so nice to catch up with them and hopefully we will have a chance to go back next year.

It was a good week for me mentally overall.  Being in the sun really helped my mood.  I did shut down a few times and it probably affected the general vibe a bit at times.  I still have a long way to go in terms of controlling my mood..  I find it hard to think outside of my own mind and see how my mood may affect others.  Although it may be difficult,  I have to make a better effort to be less selfish and try to enjoy being in the moment and not allow my mood to affect others.  I have come a long way in social settings but, can continue to work on that aspect.

We came home to a wonderful sight.  Our front lawn had no snow on it which I was ecstatic about.  There is still snow around but, it is a sign that I will be back to work soon.  I would say we would be back full time in two weeks just after Easter as everything should be thawed out by then.  I know we will have a few days before then down in places like Etobicoke which will be a good way to ease back in to things.  I am looking forward to the routine again.  I have some apprehension but, a healthy apprehension as compared to years gone by.  I know I can do it and just have to take it one day at a time.  April is often the most challenging month as it takes a while for body and mind to adjust to the long days.  I am really looking forward to it though and will do some yard work at our place to familiarize myself a bit with some of what we do again.

I was watching CTV News at noon and their segment called Talkback Toronto.  The question of the day was whether Canada should continue its mission overseas against ISIS.  I have thought about it a lot lately.  I find that often society's answer to conflict is to confront it rather than to understand it.  If our only approach to terrorism is to combat it with military tactics, then I fear we will be going around in circles and more innocent lives will be lost.  To lessen the impact of terrorism, I think it is important that leaders around the world look at the root causes of it.  If you think a tree in your yard is a terrible problem, you simply don't cut it down.  You would look at alternate solutions.  What is the soil and root systems like? Does it need to be thinned out? How does it affect the surrounding landscape? Is it getting enough sunlight and air flow?  The same approach can be taken with terrorism.  What is the root of the problem? Why do individuals become terrorists? What causes their hatred? Why do they believe they are acting out as part of a faith?  Is their room for healing? Can their be discussions with terrorist organizations to come to peaceful resolutions? I think the solution world powers have always taken is militaristic when it comes to terrorism but, yet there are still terrorism after decades upon decades of innocence being lost in the fight.  I am not saying that terrorism should be ignored and no line of defense should be taken against such acts.  I am simply saying that I believe there needs to be a different approach in terms of stemming the tide for generations to come.

I am still apprehensive about appearing on television.  I like my anonymity but, hope it will help in some way.  I have faith that the AMI crew will do a great job with the segment.  I still have some doubts.  Will people judge? Did I say the right  things? Did I do a good job? I think a lot of my nerves are natural and I am sure it will work out fine.

I just finished reading Rob Lilwalls' book Walking Home From Mongolia .  I started reading it over a year a go but, never got back to it.  The trip to Florida turned out to be a great opportunity to catch up on some reading.  I love reading but, I have not done much of it lately.  Finishing his book reminded me of how a well written book can take you a way to far off places and make you feel like part of the adventure.  I highly recommend reading it. Rob has a wonderful way of capturing the scope of their trials and tribulations along the way.  It also proves what people can do with hard work and a steadfast determination.  There is also a documentary of their trek which I hope to order in the coming months.

Think I will do some work outside as it is a beautiful day.  Spring brings with it renewed strength and optimism.  Hope this finds you well.  Take care,  Shawn.


Fount of mercy, call back the one who flees from you.
Draw towards you the one who attempts to escape.
Lift up the one who has fallen.
Support the one who is standing.
Guide the one who is on a journey.

Thomas Aquinas