Posts

“I’m Fine”—When Silence Feels Safer Than the Truth

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  “I’m Fine”—When Silence Feels Safer Than the Truth By Ruby Dalvina Dear Readers, There’s something I’ve been reflecting on lately—something many of us carry quietly but rarely name. It’s that moment when someone asks, “How are you?” and we respond with a soft, automatic “I’m fine,” even when we’re not. Not because we want to lie. But because, in that moment, the truth feels… unsafe. Too heavy. Too complex. Too vulnerable to unwrap in passing conversation. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—saying “I’m fine” with a smile that hides storms, not out of deception, but out of self-preservation. Why We Say “I’m Fine” When We’re Not Sociologists and psychologists agree: emotional safety plays a huge role in whether we express our true feelings. Vulnerability can be terrifying—especially in a world where strength is often misdefined as stoicism. According to a 2023 report from the American Psychological Association, 63% of adults admit they avoid sharing th...

When Life Betrays You: A Deep Dive into Broken Trust, Lost Faith, and the Loneliest Chapters of the Human Heart

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By Ruby Dalvina Blog:  rubyelitedalvina.blogspot.com Dear beautiful souls, If you’re reading this and your heart is heavy — like it’s carrying the weight of a hundred betrayals, broken promises, unanswered prayers, and sleepless nights — I want to say this: You are not alone, even when it feels like you absolutely are. This blog is for you — the one who trusted too much, hoped too hard, believed in the goodness of people (especially your own blood), only to be met with silence, selfishness, or betrayal. It’s for the one who once clung to God like breath, only to now ask, “Are You even there?” It’s for those who stare at the ceiling at 3 AM, whispering, “What’s the purpose of all this?” I’ve been there. I know that emotional numbness wrapped in a smile. I know the quiet agony of questioning whether you’ve wasted the most valuable years of your life loving the wrong people, defending the ungrateful, and giving yourself away like your heart was a clearance sale. Let’s talk. When Life ...

🍝 Taste of Little Italy: The Festival That Turns Toronto into One Giant Patio Party 🇮🇹

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  🍷 Warning: This event may cause temporary Italian accent, excessive use of the 🤌 emoji, and the inexplicable need to argue about whose nonna makes the best sauce. Buona fortuna! 🇮🇹 By: Ruby Dalvina 

Why You Absolutely Must Experience the Taste of North York Festival This June!

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  Dear readers, If your taste buds are feeling a little underappreciated lately—or if your social life could use a cultural jolt, music, food, and laughter—then drop everything and mark your calendars: June 6–8, 2025, Taste of North York is back for its 3rd delicious round, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it. I’ve had the joy of attending this vibrant community food festival for the past two years, and let me tell you—it’s one of those rare events that not only fills your belly, but fills your heart. And yes, your Instagram feed too. It’s happening at Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St.)—a perfect spot for the magic that unfolds when families, friends, cultures, cuisines, artists, and music all collide in the best way possible. What to Expect This Year (And Why You’ll Love It) NeighbourLink North York—the brilliant community force behind this festival—is hosting its 3rd annual Taste of North York and it’s bigger, brighter, and more belly-rumbling than ever. From Korean bulgogi ...

“Fitness in Flannel: How to Stay Active (and Sane) in the Great Canadian Shuffle”

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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...

Where Kindness Lives: A Heartfelt Tribute to NeighbourLink North York

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  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...

“Balancing Acts & Burnt Toast: A Real Talk on Work-Life Balance”

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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...