Hello Everyone:

It is the Labour Day long weekend – which marks the end of the summer here. Where has this year gone? With the outcome of the pandemic still unknown, it still seems hard to believe that this year is already two-thirds over. Perhaps that is a good thing. I am sure many of us are looking towards 2021 and putting this year behind us. So many changes, so many adjustments and nothing really being the same no matter how we try to be ‘normal’. While I see those suffering from mental illness (like my mother and her Alzheimer’s) being very badly affected, I find that there is a lot of heightened anxiety, depression, and fatigue no matter our best intentions. Even the most sane of us are going insane – and sometimes I don’t think we even know how much we are being affected by the pandemic. Someone told me that their hairdresser was commenting how much more white hair people seemed to have now. Mental stress – quietly coming out of our heads!

I think in the end, even though we are moving forward, doing our best to enjoy and live our lives the best way we know how – it is the lack of “having something to really look forward to”. Other than what we are doing day to day. It seems a little crazy but sometimes I think I am busier than ever juggling through all of this. I think a lot us feel that way.

So we carry on. I have been going down to my office when I can, still seeing clients and friends. Going to patios while we have good weather and golfing. It has been well over a decade since I have golfed this much! Trying to keep fit and healthy. Walking with friends and doing a little yoga. Keeping supportive of each other to avoid gaining that “Covid-19”. Yikes. Being careful and cautious. And of course, wearing a mask while indoors – I think I have over a dozen – one in every colour to co-ordinate with my outfits. Have to have some fun!! 🙂

I had my annual mammogram and things are good. One more year of tamoxifen – that will be 10 years on that stuff. I think that will be a little bit of a mental shock – it has been a little bit of a crutch – protection against possible recurrence. I am going to have another MRI to make sure that the implant is OK – since there has been the risk of these textured ones potentially causing cancer. Have to stay vigilant.

I know how blessed I am to have all of you in my life. I feel it and am so grateful. I want to continue to try and make a difference in the world and in the lives of those I hold dear. A dear Warrior said to me recently that “your kindness defines you”. I certainly hope I can continue on that path.

Keep healthy, happy and safe. Hugs and lots of love. Winnie, the Warrior XOXO