What brought you joy today?

[SaskAlliecat]

The sun was shining today, the temperature was a comfortable -2C and there was only a slight breeze so everyone seemed to have the same idea - get outside while we still can. I enjoyed the messages someone placed on the pathway in chalk which served as a warm reminder to be socially responsible as we are out maintaining our mental and physical health. The province called a state of emergency on Wednesday and then tightened restrictions even further yesterday as our numbers of infected cases are starting to rise quickly. So far we still have low numbers in comparison to some of the more densely populated areas of the country and with the aggressive stance the province is taking to try and flatten the curve, we're hoping these aggressive measures will help to slow the spread of the virus. The schools only officially closed yesterday, but most kids have been home all week so it was nice to see families walking together, kids running with their mom, lots of people walking their dogs and a large herd of deer enjoying a snack on the golf course. I did my best to maintain a 2 metre distance from everyone and am so glad that I got out. It helped to lift my spirits after a mentally draining week at work. My job is still considered an essential service so I spend all day interacting with people and their pets, washing my hands even more than I usually do (which is very often already!), trying to stop touching my face (I knew I was a face toucher but Wow, I do this a lot!), and adjusting to our changing day to day operations as needed to keep our staff and clients safe while still caring for their pets.

During this time of great unknown, it is so important to take care of ourselves, however that may look. For me, it is taking time to recenter myself as often as needed - by getting outside for a run, practicing mindful meditation, not fretting about things that are out of my control, and sometimes just stopping to take some nice, deep breaths. Be safe, be kind to yourself, and try to do something today that brings you joy.

[Hidden]

Great post Sask AC we should all take a little bit of that and be kinder, more mindful of others whilst we still have that chance

👍

[lexi6 Graduate10]

Lovely photos Saska and I love those chalked messages. Thank you for being there for our pets too, who are such a comfort to us. My boy is due his monthly arthritis injection tomorrow which really improves his mobility and we have been asked to sanitise our hands when we arrive and again before we touch the EFTPOS machine, would be awful if you guys weren’t around and I know what you mean about the face touching 🤦🏼‍♀️ See I’ve done it again! Keep well.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to lexi6]

I’m glad they are still able to provide your boy his injection. It is so important for his comfort. We’re taking it a week at a time, at times a day at a time as to what we can and cannot provide during this difficult time.

[David_G]

Thanks SaskAlliecat you and your colleagues do a great job for all of us, especially now we need our pets for company!😻🐶🐱🐹🐰

I went out for a run yesterday: lots of runners out there keeping a safe distance apart but shouting hello and waving as they passed👋👍

That kind of companionship, feeling part of our running community and the joy of being outside (when we can) will get us through these dark days🙂

Good luck everyone, take care and stay safe!

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Lovely post Saska. That looks gorgeous.

As I’m not running atm, the thing that’s bringing me most joy is my garden. I spent hours in it yesterday and loved it 🌸🌻🌹🙂 Also, simple pleasures like having our morning coffee and afternoon tea outside with my husband with the sun shining on us. Lovely it was 🤗🌞

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

That sounds so lovely! Enjoy those simple pleasures and spending some time outside in your garden.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Lovely post, keep safe and healthy. Went for a lovely long walk in the hills then continued packing up house - best bit, hubby realised he had to start packing too as removal is only 8 days away. 🤗

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

I saw your post about your hike. The view was spectacular! Packing up house isn’t fun but at least you now have some help 😉

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Lovely post Sask. Great to hear from you. 😀 Look after yourself won’t you? It’s important we all stay upbeat whilst being socially distant, and being able to get out and walk or run is such a tonic isn’t it? ❤️

My dog thinks it’s Christmas. She’s never been walked so much! 🐾 🐕

Stay safe and keep running and posting. 🏃‍♀️👍

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I’m glad Flossie is enjoying all the extra walks. The positive side effect of this challenging situation is the quality time we get to spend with our immediate family and pets.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Absolutely. ❤️

[Lavender1962 Graduate10]

Beautifully written post! Thank you for providing an essential service! The chalk messages are great to see - bright and inspiring. It’s great that you were able to spend time outside.

I’ve been trying to get outside and walk every day and having been doing some running on the treadmill. Our schools closed a week ago Friday and downtown started looking empty this Monday.

As you say, self care is important! It’s something that is a work in progress for me with ups and downs. Your post acts as an inspiration and reminder! Take care Sask! 🤗

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Lavender1962]

Getting that all important vitamin D therapy is so important. I felt a little weird going out to the public pathway initially to run but seeing everyone out enjoying the sun and walking the edge of the path as we pass helped to reinstate my faith in everyone. There will always be those who refuse to take precautions and the police are still trying to figure out how to deal with the new regulations regarding fines that go with it but maybe it will make some think twice.

[Decker]

Great post Sask. I feel for you having to go into work during this crisis. My hat is off to you and all the front line workers. I really felt for the grocery cashiers yesterday too. And I have some friends and family who are paramedics, directly facing the crisis. Without you all, we would be sliding into chaos. I am a face toucher too and did not know it until I had to pay attention on the subway. It is so hard not to! Or not to lean on things. I am a leaner too. The sun was shining here yesterday and I’m hoping today as well. Still dark now while I prep for my long run. It does feel like it could be the last one I do if they do if they shut us fully down. It will be a solitary run maybe seeing just a few people that I’ll be giving a wide berth to. I have new music and podcasts lined up for this too. Our schools were closed last week and I’ve been wfh since then too. But our run group are trying to make the most of it and have everyone post their daily efforts kind of how we do here. All the best and stay safe.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

Enjoy that long run. I don’t know how I would cope if I couldn’t get out for that. Running on the treadmill definitely isn’t as therapeutic. But fingers crossed solo runs can still be a go.

I was thinking about all the cashiers yesterday. I know how many people I interact with in a day and it is a drop in the bucket compared to them. I feel for them but they are so vital in this time. I hope they realize how valuable they are. The next time I’m out, I will make sure to thank them for what they do.

And the healthcare and frontline workers! Wow. They have such a tough job in the best of times. I can only imagine how much more challenging it is now. I see the ugly side of people when they are stressed and do not feel in control of their pet’s healthcare. I can just imagine the pressure the frontline workers are under now with so much being out of people’s control. But for every challenging person to deal with there are so many more who are respectful and understanding.

[Jell6 Graduate10]

Lovely thoughtful post 😊

I am also still working ( constantly it seems) and had to buy a hair band last week as I was so aware of stray curls.!!!

Keep enjoying the runs , and I hope you and your family remain well 😘

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Allie, great post, and good to hear that you are fitting some running in to lift your spirit whilst continuing to provide essential support with your work.

Those chalked messages are a reminder that we are a strong caring society and we will get through this.

My joy today will be my yoga session, and working in the garden. I have a card and flowers were delivered from my daughter yesterday. Ooh and little slab of posh chocolate to share with Mr Bbr later.❤

Take good care of you and yours.

😊xxx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

This year’s milestone birthday for you will be one you won’t forget I’m sure, just not for the reasons we wish. Both myself and my husband have coworkers that are supposed to be getting married this year. One is supposed to be getting married next month. They cannot have more than 25 people and with travel restricted, it sounds like they will be live streaming the wedding instead. Not what they had hoped for but at this point, it hasn’t been fully canceled. So tough for them.

Enjoy your yoga session and time out in your garden. You are so kind to share your chocolate with Mr. Bbr. I’m not sure if I’m that kind 😆 but chocolate is my weakness.

[Hidden]

My joy today was that I did my first 10 miles today and I like you enjoy mindfulness and see running as a part of this. Loved the way you wrote the last paragraph. Take care

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yay! Congrats on your 10 mile run! It is such a great feeling of accomplishment reaching that goal. When we start our running journey, it seems so far away but then suddenly we are there and it is so achievable.

I just started practicing mindfulness meditation 2 months ago to help with my stress and blood pressure and am amazed at how it has helped. I am so glad I am developing my practice especially now with all that is going on. I like to think it is keeping me grounded where I would normally be spiralling.

[Hidden in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Headspace is a super app. There are some wonderful podcasts too under Don't Tell Me The Score from BBC Sounds which I think you'll really benefit from.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I have the Calm app that I used to use when I was dealing with chronic tailbone pain. I had also downloaded the Headspace app but I haven't used them yet because the instructor of the online course I took wanted us to work on non guided meditation during the eight week course. It is through a veterinary group so she has tailored it it to our profession and the challenges we face daily and she felt it was important we could meditate anywhere anytime without any devices. As I build my practice, I will likely incorporate some of these other methods though. I will have to check out the podcast. Thanks!

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thats fantastic! GTFC 👏🏻

[Granspeed Graduate10]

Lovely. Thank you. My joy today was still being able to go to the seafront with OH and stroll along, soaking up the sun and listening to the sea on the shingle. If nothing else, this horror is teaching us again to savour every moment as unique. Take care.

Are you in Saskatchewan? Television last night here had a good program about Saskatoon and the history of the area, and I thought of you. 😄

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Granspeed]

That sounds like a perfect way to spend some quality time with your OH. Nothing like the sounds of the sea to help bring peace. I grew up on the north coast of British Columbia and miss the sounds and smells of the coast. You are correct though. I am in Saskatchewan now. I spent 8 years in University in Saskatoon and still love that city. It feels like a second home to me, although it has changed a lot in the 20 years I've been gone. I'm now in the southern part of the province but have found the beauty they have there (although I really miss the trees and clear lakes found in northern Saskatchewan and the north coast of BC). That is so sweet that you thought of me 😊. I like CE this community and how it brings people together from all over the world.

[Granspeed Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Multi-years ago we spent a summer in Vancouver - long before it grew to a city of skyscrapers. We could have stayed forever, we loved it so. About 10 years ago we took a nostalgic train trip from Vancouver to Jasper and then eventually to Calgary and on to see my sister in Buffalo. So we avidly watch any tv about Canada! And I imagine you running in your trail pictures. 😄 But I wouldn’t be up to the winters now, for sure. 🤣

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Granspeed]

In University, I took the train home one Christmas. It was a great trip from Saskatchewan all the way to northern BC. Then they changed it to an day and a half layover in Jasper.. Tough for a young woman to do on her own and just too long to get home. I'm glad I got to experience it when I did though. It was a nice way to travel.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Well done SaskAlliecat. Nice day here too.

[Fishypieface Graduate10]

Take care of you Sask, doing the wonderful job that you do xx