Ruby Dalvina

Dear reader, Let’s admit it: Staying fit in Canada is a different kind of challenge. One day, you’re walking through golden autumn leaves in leggings, feeling like a fitness goddess. The next, you’re scraping snow off your car in -25°C, wondering if shovelling counts as cardio (spoiler: it does). Between our moody weather, long winters, and generous poutine portions, keeping up with fitness can feel like trying to jog through maple syrup. But here’s the twist: being fit doesn’t have to look like a six-pack or a TikTok dance routine. It can be joyful, gentle, Canadian, and even… cozy. Let’s talk about how to embrace fitness in a way that fits your life, your climate, and your values—without turning it into a punishment. Why Fitness Matters (Even When It’s Freezing) According to ParticipACTION, a Canadian non-profit promoting physical activity, only 16% of adults and 39% of kids meet the recommended activity levels. That’s not to shame anyone—it’s to highlight how easy it is to fall into...

  Dear reader, If you’ve ever wondered where kindness hides in a big city, I want to take you to a place where it lives, breathes, and quietly changes lives every day. There are organizations that serve — and then there are organizations that heal. NeighbourLink North York is one of those rare few. When I first came across their work, it felt like discovering a quiet light that had been glowing steadily, often unnoticed, in the corner of a city buzzing with busyness. But once you see it — truly see it — it’s impossible to forget. And even harder not to admire. Founded in 1994, NeighbourLink North York began with one simple yet radical mission: “To support vulnerable residents of North York with compassion, dignity, and hope.” What started as a grassroots outreach from caring community members has now evolved into a fully established nonprofit that touches hundreds of lives each year — from newcomers and seniors to single mothers and struggling families. “Kindness is never loud, but...

Dear reader, There’s a certain irony in writing about work-life balance while half-dressed in pajamas, with one hand typing and the other fishing toast out of a burning toaster. (Yes, the burnt toast is real.) That moment summed it up for me: our lives aren’t really “balanced”—they’re blended, blurred, and baked into the same 24 hours. We’re constantly toggling between spreadsheets and soul-care, deadlines and dinner dates. One minute you’re answering a client email, the next you’re wondering if watering your plants counts as self-care (spoiler: it does). Let’s have a real conversation—not a polished, Pinterest-perfect one—about what work-life balance truly means in 2025.  Spoiler: it’s not about finding a flawless 50/50 split. It’s about learning how to live fully without losing yourself in the process. Welcome to the wild circus of modern life, where our work sometimes feels like the main act, and our personal lives are backstage, waving desperately for attention. You’re not alon...

Dear Readers, I hope you’re all doing well and finding peace in your everyday lives, even amidst the noise of modern living. I want to begin by sharing something personal: Recently, my church pastor kindly recommended that I attend a mental health training seminar. I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I’m so grateful I attended. The session opened my eyes to the deep emotional battles people fight silently, and the importance of educating ourselves with compassion, not just curiosity. Mental health is no longer a topic we can afford to whisper about. It’s time we speak with wisdom, listen without judgment, and extend kindness like lifelines. What Is Mental Health, Really? Mental health is about how we think, feel, and behave. It’s not just the absence of a disorder—it’s the presence of peace, balance, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. Tip: Just like we monitor our physical health, we must check in on our mental well-being. Ask yourself regularly: How am I really doing today—emotion...