InsightForLivingCanada

Can You Take a Hint?

by Robyn Roste

You know how some people are naturally good at all the things you tend to struggle with?

Well, I can’t take a hint.

But let me clarify. When I really try to read between the lines, or concentrate on what a person could probably mean by what he’s saying or doing, then I can sometimes guess at what is not said. But I’m not naturally inclined to think anything past exactly what is said.

A Better Way

by Robyn Roste

Have you ever tried to learn something on your own?

When I think of picking up skills, I think of the time I tried to learn French. I collected DIY books and CDs and set myself up to master this language in a matter of months. The books promised results and I fully expected them.

Imagine my surprise when things didn’t go as planned! I found the French instructions difficult to follow and I became confused. I tried and tried but eventually became frustrated and quit. However, before completely losing hope I applied for a French immersion course.

When Disease is the Teacher and You are the Student, Part 2

by Edith Friesen

In Part I, Edith Friesen wrote of how her life was flipped upside down after being diagnosed with Lupus. Here is Part II of her compelling story.

When Disease is the Teacher and You are the Student, Part 1

by Edith Friesen

It has been a while since I’ve written anything. A lot has happened in the past year, and my whole life has been flipped upside down.

It all started when a rash appeared on my face at the age of 13, shortly after my family moved to B.C. from a small town in Manitoba. Hair loss was the second symptom, but seeing as I was in my “transitioning years,” I didn’t think much of it. After all, it’s normal for the body to go a little crazy during puberty, right?

Intentional Influence

by Robyn Roste

I have an expressive face, but apart from that I tend not to show a lot of outward emotion. I think and feel as much as the next person, but often I’m slow to let others in on what my thoughts and feelings actually are.

And regardless of my actual feelings, people tend to take me as aloof, rude, disinterested, snobby, distracted, uncaring, etc. Harsh. My reserved nature is probably rooted in personality and being an introvert, and it’s something I never used to think about it.

You Say You Love, But Do You Really?

by Robyn Roste

In the late 1990s I was practically obsessed with obtaining Sampler CDs. I loved discovering new and obscure music, so I picked up as many as possible. And the fact they were substantially cheaper than regular CDs didn’t hurt either.

Some of the Samplers were awful, but many were good. One in particular impacted me more than I realized. The album artwork is fuzzy and the band’s name long gone, but the chorus of one song still rings in my head and make me think: you must love yourself before anybody else can.