Deena

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

I made a piece of artwork that turned out amazing.

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

I am going to show myself extra kindness by treating myself with gentleness and not comparing myself to others. I will celebrate my accomplishments and be proud of them, instead of criticizing myself. I will be more understanding and compassionate towards myself, and remind myself daily that I am enough just the way I am.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

I am so grateful for my health!

Banff

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

I am extremely proud of all of my volunteer work with the restoration project at the Old Banff Cemetery.

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

I’m going to embrace Nadine Stair’s poem, “If I had my life to live over”. She was 85 years old when she wrote it:

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

Put simply, I am grateful for my incredible friends and colleagues.

“If I had my life to live over, I’d dare to make more mistakes next time. I’d relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been on this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I’d have fewer imaginary ones. You see, I’m one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d have nothing else. Just moments. One after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I’ve been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had my life to live over, I’d start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would travel lighter next time. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.”

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

So proud of the progress my 9-year old and I have made! We’ve tackled some challenges together and formed an even stronger bond. Here’s to more growth and memories in the future!

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

I am trying to journal each day and celebrate the small wins. I want to take more time to show up for myself so I am not depleted when I need to be there for my son and other loved ones.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

Making better choices to be a more well–rounded person and to show myself more kindness and love.

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

I received a promotion at work, I put myself out there and met a new group of friends, and I took some art classes I’ve always wanted to take.

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

I will have more patience with myself. I will enjoy every day and whatever life brings my way.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

I’m grateful for my health, my family and my partner.

Calgary

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

I learned new things about myself and what I’m capable of. I’m proud of myself for learning to celebrate small wins in life.

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

By doing random acts of kindness. I’d love to start a project called “acts of generosity”. It could be a form of cash or just words – to appreciate all the people and ask them to pay it forward.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

I’m grateful for my family, my friends, and my job.

Calgary

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

Proud to say my son and I made it through a tough time with the invasion of my motherland, and came out even stronger. Our love and resilience conquered any obstacle that came our way.

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

Volunteering and helping other people who are in need.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

Grateful to Canada for welcoming us with with open arms. Now we have a peaceful life.

Calgary

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of my son. We had a difficult delivery, full of stress and chaos but now I have my beautiful baby boy who is happy and healthy!

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

Patience. I need to know that not everything has to be perfect, life is messy and that’s ok! Allowing myself to take each moment in and be grateful for all that this life has to offer.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for my family! They keep me grounded and although stressful at times, I couldn’t imagine my life without each and every one of them. They make me a better person!

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

Celebrating some exciting achievements! My son recently graduated high school and got admitted into university. This is a huge milestone and I couldn’t be prouder of him. Additionally, my daughter purchased her first car, which is always an exciting moment. Finally, I made the decision to transition from my teaching career to leadership and I am eager to see what the future holds in this new role.

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

I will keep practicing gratitude and self–care.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

Everything. I am especially grateful for my family’s health.

Debra

Calgary

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

I was there for a close friend during her cancer journey – from accompanying her to chemotherapy appointments to being a shoulder to lean on. Happy to say she’s now cancer–free and thriving!

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

Just enjoy life and treat others the way I want to be treated.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

I’m grateful for my family and health.

Calgary

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

I am starting to form a connection with my older brother again.

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

I am planning to give myself more grace in my reactions. I want to work on my trauma triggers to reduce the frequency that trauma is triggered in my life.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

My friends who I mutually support. They support me when I need it and they support me. Without the mutual mental health support, our lives would be very different.

Looking back at 2022, what are some accomplishments, big or small, that you are most proud of?

Proud to say I’ve made a big personal change! I’ve learned to accept others’ choices, even if they’re different from what I would choose. Accepting others’ choices doesn’t mean I have to agree with them, but it has greatly reduced my stress and helped me to be more open–minded. It’s a valuable lesson that has made a positive impact on my life.

How are you planning to show yourself more kindness in 2023?

I will show myself more kindness by continuing to remind myself that people aren’t avoiding me. I need to accept that they aren’t able to call or see me sometimes, and that doesn’t mean they don’t like me.

As we enter 2023, what are you most grateful for?

Feeling grateful for a newfound peace of mind! Life is so much better when you’re calm and in control.