Welcome back, dear readers!
In my family, we’ve always tried to be open about mental health. I have loved ones who have faced mental health challenges and sought treatment, and we’ve never kept it a secret. When someone asks why we’re so open about it, I respond with this: if they broke their arm and went to a doctor, would we keep that a secret? Mental health should be no different. It’s a medical issue, not a weakness. Dr. Jennifer Perras of the Elgin Counselling & Mediation Centre once told me, “Everyone should speak to a therapist at least once a year, even if everything seems okay, just like an annual check- up with your family doctor.” Wise words, and a reminder that ending the stigma around mental health starts with treating it as we would any other health issue – openly and without judgment. Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of REAL Living magazine. If you have questions, comments, or story ideas, drop me a line at geoff@villagerpublications.com. I’d love to hear from you. We’ll see you again for our next issue in May, which will mark our 6th anniversary! Until then, take care and show yourself and others a little love.
We’re thrilled to be delivering REAL Living magazine to you once again. If you missed our November issue, don’t worry — you’re not alone. The Canada Post strike meant that we distributed that issue at pick-up points around the county instead of mailing it out. But we’re delighted to say Canada Post is back in action, and we’re back in your mailboxes! If you missed the November issue and want to take a
peek, it’s still available online at villagerpublications.com. Now, with February upon us, love is in the air and so is the smell of chocolate! Valentine’s Day serves as a timely reminder to show our partners just how much they mean to us. And while grand gestures on February 14th are lovely, let’s not forget that love and appreciation should be year-round commitments. A daily dose of kindness, humour, and maybe the occasional surprise coffee or treat, all go a long way. That said, don’t skimp on the roses or heart-shaped goodies this Valentine’s Day. It’s tradition, after all! This month, I’ve also been reflecting on mental health. Watching Bell’s Let’s Talk commercials got me thinking about how attitudes around mental health have changed over the years. When I was growing up, people often kept their struggles bottled up. Seeking help was seen as a sign of weakness, and admitting to it? Almost unheard of. Times have changed, but not enough.
16 COMPASS TRAIL | PORT STANLEY, ONTARIO
1 + 2 BEDS LUXURY LAKESIDE RENTAL LIVING
LAKE VIEWS ROOFTOP PATIO LUXURY FINISHES AMENITIES
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com www . domusdev . com | call or text 519.870.1335 | mmescia @ domusdev . com AVAILABLE SUMMER 2025
Page 2 Real Living • Winter 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs