Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Rest
Letting go of guilt around rest takes practice. Start by reminding yourself of these truths:
- Your worth is not tied to productivity. You are valuable simply because you are you—not because of what you achieve.
- Rest allows you to give more fully. By caring for yourself first, you’re better able to show up for loved ones with more presence and patience.
- You’re not “falling behind.” You’re living with a condition that requires a different pace. Resting is not losing time—it’s aligning with your body’s needs.
Practical steps to release guilt include setting affirmations like: “Rest is my right. Rest heals me.” or journaling about your emotions when you choose rest. Over time, these practices help replace self-criticism with self-compassion.
Creating a Rest-Friendly Lifestyle
Embracing rest without shame also means intentionally weaving it into daily life. Here are a few strategies:
- Schedule rest breaks. Just as you would an appointment, block time in your calendar for short breaks, naps, or relaxation.
- Practice mindful rest. Instead of scrolling through your phone, engage in restorative activities such as deep breathing, listening to calming music, or lying down with a warm compress.
- Set boundaries. Learn to say “no” without apology. Protecting your energy is not selfish—it’s necessary.
- Communicate openly. Explain to friends and family why rest is essential for your health. Often, loved ones will be more understanding than you imagine.
Embracing Rest as Empowerment
Releasing guilt and embracing rest is ultimately about empowerment. It means trusting your body, honoring your needs, and refusing to let external expectations dictate your worth. Rest is not something you need to “earn.” It’s a basic human need—and for fibromates, a central part of healing.
When you give yourself permission to rest without shame, you reclaim your power from guilt. You step into a life guided not by unrealistic demands but by compassion, wisdom, and balance. And in that space of rest, true healing can begin to unfold.
Energy Pacing and Spoon Theory in Action: A Guide for Fibro Warriors by Irene Roth
Living with chronic illness, like fibromyalgia or other invisible conditions, often feels like walking a tightrope between what you want to do and what your body can actually handle. For many, the concept of energy pacing becomes essential. It’s a way to honor your limits while still living a fulfilling life. At the heart of this approach is the Spoon Theory, a metaphor that has helped countless individuals visualize their energy reserves and plan their days thoughtfully.
Spoon Theory was coined by Christine Miserandino, who used spoons to describe the finite energy people with chronic illnesses have each day. In this analogy, healthy individuals might have a seemingly endless supply of “spoons” — the units of energy needed to complete daily tasks. For someone with a chronic illness, spoons are limited. Every activity, from showering to grocery shopping, costs a spoon. Once your spoons are gone, exhaustion or symptom flare-ups can occur.
The beauty of Spoon Theory lies in its simplicity. It helps friends, family, and coworkers understand that fatigue is not laziness or avoidance; it’s a matter of managing limited resources wisely.
Energy pacing is the strategy of allocating your limited spoons throughout the day to prevent overexertion and setbacks. It’s about working with your body rather than against it. Here’s how it looks in action:
Each morning, take a moment to mentally inventory your energy. How many spoons do you have today? This can change depending on sleep quality, stress, weather, or symptoms. Being mindful of your baseline allows for realistic planning.
Not all tasks carry equal importance. Identify which activities are non-negotiable and which can wait. For instance, attending a medical appointment might take priority over organizing your closet. Use your spoons where they matter most.
Here are a few ways to do this:
Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps
Instead of tackling a big task in one go, break it down into smaller steps. Doing dishes, for example, might be divided into washing, drying, and putting items away across the day. Small increments help avoid burning through your spoons too quickly.
Build in Rest Periods
Pacing isn’t just about conserving energy for tasks; it’s also about scheduling rest proactively. Naps, quiet time, or short walks can replenish energy levels and prevent the dreaded crash that comes from pushing too hard.
Track and Adjust
Keeping a journal or digital tracker can help you notice patterns. Which activities drain you the most? Are there times of day when you have more energy? This feedback is invaluable for fine-tuning your pacing strategy.
Here’s an example to bring the points in focus from this blog.
Imagine a fibro warrior named Sara. She wakes up with six spoons. Showering costs one spoon, preparing breakfast two spoons, and a short walk three spoons. Without pacing, she might try to clean the house after her walk, quickly running out of energy and triggering a flare-up. Instead, Sara might choose to do light tidying in 10-minute increments across several days, preserving spoons for activities that bring her joy, like reading or spending time with family.
Energy pacing and Spoon Theory aren’t just physical tools—they’re empowering. They give control back to those living with chronic illness, validating limits while encouraging intentional, meaningful activity. By accepting that energy is a precious, finite resource, you can reduce guilt and frustration, focusing instead on what truly matters.
Living with limited energy can be challenging, but Spoon Theory and energy pacing transform how we navigate daily life. By consciously managing spoons and strategically planning activities, fibro warriors can protect their well-being, avoid crashes, and still enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The goal isn’t to do everything; it’s to do what matters most, with balance and self-compassion.
Sober Me Up-Capillary Wave-free-Burlington
Sober Me Workshop-Capillary Wave
Oct 7 @ 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Save your free spot here:
This workshop offers a comprehensive guide to starting and sustaining a sober life. Participants will gain a clear understanding of sobriety's benefits, address common misconceptions, and walk away with immediate, actionable steps they can implement right away. We will provide a complete resource guide for finding professional help and support, including information on AA, SMART Recovery, and coaching services.You will learn how to build a strong support network and create a positive environment by setting healthy boundaries. The workshop concludes with action planning, ensuring you leave with a personalized sobriety roadmap for lasting recovery.
Monday, September 29, 2025
Pumpkin Giveaway-Burlington
Save your spot here:
Free Pumpkin Giveaway! Join us Oct 4th, 12–3PM for pumpkins, face painting, treats, music, hay bale photos, raffles & more!
Realty World Legacy, Brokerage
1505 Guelph Line #13 Burlington, ON L7P 3B6Join us on Saturday, October 4th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for our Pumpkin Giveaway! This community celebration is the perfect way to kick off the fall season, and best of all—it’s completely free!
What to Expect:
Free pumpkins for you to take home (while supplies last)
Live music to set the fall mood
Face painting for the kids
Fall-themed photo ops with hay bales and pumpkins and more
Raffle prizes to be won
Treats and a hot drinks station to keep you cozy
Plus even more seasonal fun for the whole family!
Bring your loved ones, snap some festive photos, and enjoy an afternoon filled with autumn magic. 
Doors open at noon sharp. Pumpkins first come first serve while supplies last
Location: Realty World Legacy - 1505 Guelph Line, Burlington
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4th | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Admission is free—just bring your fall spirit and a smile. We can’t wait to see you there! No sign up needed to get a pumpkin - signing up helps us with how many we need!
Friday, September 26, 2025
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Elemental Rhythm Breakthrough Experience-Ray Lugo
An evening of music, breathwork, and meditation; a space to reset, release, and reconnect with yourself.
On September 28th, I’ll be facilitating a 90min journey @sadhanaburlington
Together, we’ll explore the power of the breath to unlock clarity, deepen presence, and invite transformation.
When the rhythm meets the breath, breakthroughs happen.
Sadhana Yoga Studio, 1233 Dillon Road, Burlington ON
Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 5:00–7:00 pm
to reserve your spot in my bio
@elementalrhythm
Join us for a transformative breathwork workshop: The Elemental
Rhythm Breakthrough Experience. This wellness workshop allows you
to discover the healing power of breathwork, meditation, and
music—tools designed to help you release stress, gain clarity, and
reconnect with your inner self.
Whether you're seeking inner peace, personal growth, or simply a
moment of self-care, this workshop provides everything you need to
restore balance and thrive.
Come and experience the magic of healing, connection, and
renewal. Take a deep breath, reset your mind, and nourish your
body.
Let’s heal, grow, and breathe together.
Rhythm Breakthrough Experience. This wellness workshop allows you
to discover the healing power of breathwork, meditation, and
music—tools designed to help you release stress, gain clarity, and
reconnect with your inner self.
Whether you're seeking inner peace, personal growth, or simply a
moment of self-care, this workshop provides everything you need to
restore balance and thrive.
Come and experience the magic of healing, connection, and
renewal. Take a deep breath, reset your mind, and nourish your
body.
Let’s heal, grow, and breathe together.
Orange Shirt Day: A Walk for Reconciliation and Peace-Spencer Smith Park
Sept. 30 is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad. As part of Orange Shirt Day, residents can come to Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd) to reflect, where local indigenous people will host a Walk for Reconciliation and Peace. Opening remarks will begin at 5:00 p.m., from the pavilion at the east end of the park with a reflective walk to follow along the Waterfront Trail ending at Beachway Park for a Tobacco Ceremony.
Participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins if they have them.
This is a free event. No registration is required.
All residents are encouraged to learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples with their unique cultures, traditions, communities and histories. Resources can be found to support your learning journey.
Join the local urban Indigenous community for a Walk for Reconciliation and Peace at Spencer Smith Park. Inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, we gather to honour Survivors of residential schools and those who never returned home.
Program highlights:
• Opening remarks at 5 p.m. (pavilion)
• Walk for Reconciliation and Peace along the Waterfront Trail
• Tobacco Ceremony at Beachway Park
This is a time to reflect, listen, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. All are welcome to attend. Wear your orange shirts and moccasins if you have them.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
The Women's Centre of Halton-September workshops
New workshops for September:
Thursday, September 4
Discussing Crossroads in the Second Half of Life 4-Week Series
(Belinda is so passionate and her series has been ongoing for quite some time)
SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Diamond Art Positive Words Coaster Workshop
Monday, September 15
Assertive Communication: Finding our Voice and Saying Hard Things with Angela -we all know how fantastic she is :)
SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 @ 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Buzzing Connections (Business)-Online (Amanda is absolutely amazing)
SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Self Esteem 6-Week Series For Women-Online (Amanda is absolutely amazing-phenomenal workshop-I have taken it twice)
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Fall Vision Board Workshop
SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Healthy Relationships Workshop
SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 @ 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Women’s Wellness Circle: An Intuitive Awakening Experience
Monday, September 29
Awaken Your Purpose: A Sacred Journey To Align With Your True Calling-Lorie (she is one of a kind)
------and much more!!
Get To Know Your CMHA (on zoom)
Hi Everyone,
We are happy to present a new series: Get To Know Your CMHA (on zoom)
Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Topic: Crisis Programs
Monday, September 22, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Topic: Recovery College
Monday, September 29, 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Topic: Call-In Counselling
Please see fliers attached for more details. Zoom links will be sent on the morning of each group.
Your Peer Mentor Team
Assistive Devices Program
Assistive Devices Program
Learn how you can get help paying for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program
For more info:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program
Overview
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, like wheelchairs and hearing aids.
The ADP also helps cover the cost of specialized supplies, such as those used with ostomies.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must:
- be an Ontario resident
- have a valid Ontario health card
- have a disability requiring the equipment or supplies for 6 months or longer
We do not consider your income.
Other organizations that help
If you can’t afford to pay your share of the cost, you can contact one of the following volunteer and charity organizations about additional support:
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