A few years ago we were recovering from a pandemic, at the time nurses were lauded for their dedication and “heroic” efforts to care for the many who were sick in the various sectors of health.

Public Health is the foundation of the health care system, as its programs, studies, and initiatives are based on population health and, in its work, it balances the competing priorities of transforming health to be diverse, inclusive, and equitable (DEI). It’s a hard road to travel when short-sighted policies are funneled from politicians regarding Safe Injection Sites, while the staff know that these safe areas may not end all overdoses. Still, there are greater opportunities to advise substance users of the various treatment methods available. Wait times in so many parts of the healthcare system are related to DEI challenges indeed very real road blocks.

This calendar year has been tumultuous to say the least, as we had a federal election, avoided a second federal election, and found that free trade with our southerly neighbour is not so open and transparent. We also, quite a few actually, changed our travel plans and spent our precious Canadian dollars at home or outside the borders of the USA. This is our choice and it has affected American tourism with the loss of billions of dollars, now the gap in value of the US dollar may also be a factor; the talk of my social circle is no thanks we’re staying home or heading to the Caribbean or Europe.

Now the whole world seems to be in transition, whether it’s weather events, war, civil wars, terrorism, or all types of factions that don’t like the status quo. The affiliations that have been in place for decades seem to be undergoing rapid change.

As a citizen, my role is to show up for elections and be mindful of diversity, inclusivity, and equity. More awareness is necessary, though I have cultivated a pattern of not watching the news for hours on end. The bleed it leads is tiresome, even weather alerts are tedious after a while. I live in a snowbelt area. If I look out and can’t see the trees due to snow, I stay in until the weather quiets. So far, most of the roads surrounding our location have been closed for almost three days. It helps that I’m retired. I did my time of driving in stormy weather to work, and now it just has to be walkable—my dog has his needs. May you have a prosperous 2026. Namaste.

Categories: Uncategorized

Paula M

Retired Registered Nurse (Non-practicing) Storyteller, Healer, Scribe, Transformational Leader