From the Editor

While I enjoy February, the cold makes it tempting to hibernate and wish for warmer days ahead. It always brings to mind my Grandmother’s wise advise “don’t wish your life away!” and it reminds me to be present and embrace all that February has to offer.

One opportunity is Valentine’s Day, while it is traditionally about romance, it’s a wonderful time just to spend with loved ones – family, friends, siblings, pets or simply pamper yourself. One of my favourite valentine’s activities is to host a home spa day for friends - facial masks, hand, foot and skin treatments, indulge in finger foods, snacks and ‘feel good’ endorphin producing chocolate treats and sweets. Or simply invite friends over to cozy up with fuzzy socks, giggle over a movie or guilty pleasure TV show while sipping tea, hot cocoa or maybe an adult beverage? Send friends home with a decadent bath fizzie or shower bomb to indulge in when they get home, helps lift everyone’s mood and fight the February blahs.

Valentine’s can also give you the chance to brighten someone’s day with a handwritten note in the mail (how wonderful to receive real mail amid the bills and junk mail.) Spread some sunshine this February, grab a few note cards you’ve got hanging around and write to someone in your life for no reason than to make them smile. Or you could brighten the life of a stranger… an armed forces member, veteran, or senior perhaps?

www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/contact-us/write-troops.html www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/classroom/postcard-for-peace/veteranshealthcare-facilities www.sendingsunshine.ca/

February also brings Family Day and with it, lots of community events to bring families together and strengthen bonds with children, parents, grandparents. Setting aside time for the family to enjoy some winter activities can create memories that last a lifetime. While Family day wasn’t a thing in my day, I do have fond memories of visits to the local skating rink or toboggan thrills on local hills. Sadly, these days my shoulders and knees are not as cooperative to ‘outdoor active’ as they once were, so I indulge in game nights as a way to spend time together.

However you choose to enjoy February, I hope you embrace and spread the love!