Here in North America, we love iced tea. June 10 is National Iced Tea Day — part of National Iced Tea Month in the United States and Canada. To celebrate, today’s post looks at the history of this refreshing summer drink. And, as a bonus, I share my simple iced tea recipe.
The Sunday Spark – Empathy puts problems in perspective
When wildfires 3000 kilometres away disrupted my travel plans this week, it provided a lesson in how empathy can help us keep our own problems in perspective.
In addition to thoughts on empathy, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark looks at the power of mindset, the slippery slope of weight-loss drugs, and the loosening of Ontario’s recycling regulations.
Skillfully sharing bad news – How to Share podcast
Our greatest personal growth opportunities are often hidden behind life’s challenges. Figuring out how to communicate unpleasant news adds a layer of complexity to difficult situations. I recently chatted about sharing bad news with Wynne Leon on an episode of her How to Share podcast.
May 2025 roundup – Great reads and goals update
June is here, although we’re still waiting for the weather to warm up consistently here in southern Ontario. In addition to my goals update, my May 2025 roundup has terrific posts on the wisdom of age, making light of our technological challenges, and reclaiming our hope and joy.
The Sunday Spark – Say something nice today…and every day
It’s Say Something Nice Day. Celebrated every June 1, the purpose of the day is to elevate spirits and spread positivity through compliments and kind words. Learn more in today’s Sunday Spark, along with learnings about longevity and healthy aging, and a board game designed to encourage responsible fashion choices.
How sustainable living helps in uncertain economic times
Economic uncertainty is shaping up to be the financial theme of 2025. Inflation, unemployment, tariffs and unpredictable interest rates make it difficult to plan with any confidence. Today’s post features 10 ways sustainable living can help you weather uncertain economic times.
The Sunday Spark – Oops! AI did it again!
Earlier this week, a news report highlighted the perils of blindly relying on artificial intelligence. In this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark, I consider the impact of AI on our future. Plus: a big birthday for the metric system, taxing low-value Chinese goods, the cost of an American-made iPhone, and simplifying healthy snacking.
12 ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable
The post discusses the sustainable practices necessary for reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which generates significant carbon emissions and waste. It offers 12 actionable tips to cultivate a sustainable wardrobe, including buying less, choosing quality over quantity, supporting ethical brands, and extending the life of clothing through care and repairs.
Spring reading update – The road to 1000 books
May is National Get Caught Reading Month in the United States. It’s a time to celebrate the joy of reading. It has also been a year since I announced my ambitious retirement goal of reading 1000 books. What better way to celebrate than a spring reading update!
The Sunday Spark – Gratitude, growth and the reverse bucket list
When I heard the term reverse bucket list for the first time this week, I was intrigued. Not being a fan of the term bucket list, I needed to know more. Find out what I learned in this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark.