Nancy Wales

Show a Little Kindness

A good friend of mine often tests my word skills by sharing the “word of the day” from the Word Trivia website. One unfamiliar word recently added to my vocabulary is “fabulist.” If it is new to you, think of Aesop, the author of Aesop’s Fables. A fabulist is a storyteller who crafts short moral tales, often using animals with human traits to bring lessons to life.

One quote widely attributed to Aesop is, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” While it does not come from a specific fable, it reflects the moral spirit that runs through his tales.

That sentiment resonates deeply as we mark World Kindness Day offering a gentle reminder that kindness is a universal value, transcending borders, cultures, and religions.

The intent of World Kindness Day is to encourage individuals, communities, and organizations to perform acts of kindness, big or small, creating a global, ripple effect of goodwill.

So, what small act of kindness can you do today, and every day, to help nurture a spirit of generosity, creating 365 days of kindness?

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some, oh, but just for every, every everyone.
— What the World Needs Now, Dionne Warwick

 -Sister Nancy Wales, csj

You can find many great resources here.

Image: Kelly Sikkema @kellysikkema / Unsplash

Always Remember

Charlie Mackesy has just released his sequel to his inspirational offerings of wisdom in The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. His newest words of truth are to be found in The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm. An initial read highlights several well-to-be-remembered quotes.

One quite applicable quote to recall as we celebrate November 11th is:

“Whatever happens if I lose you?

We are forever even if I’m not here,”

said the Horse.

November 11th is rightfully called Remembrance Day, a day to give thanks for those who have given their lives or, in some ways, a portion of their quality of life to preserve our freedoms.

May we take time to remember these veterans  with gratitude, to honor their courage, and to carry forward their legacy of peace, hope, and love. The very qualities Mackesy so beautifully reminds us to cherish through his words and whimsical drawings.

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

Image: Klemen Vrankar @klemenvrankar/Unsplash

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We Can Do So Much Together

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Helen Keller once reminded us, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Those words perfectly echo Fidelity Canada’s message: “Accelerate your Dreams.”

That connection came to mind after a wonderful experience I had recently. I learned about an ambitious dream taking shape right here in the Old East Village — a dream that is already inspiring so many. The amazing team at the Cross-Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC[1]) first imagined this project, and now it is becoming a reality on a newly purchased piece of land.

CTV’s Gerry Dewan shared a great story about it in his article, “An opportunity for London to lead with vision’: Doorways to Dreams capital campaign is launched,” [2]published online this past May.

In short, CCLC is tackling one of the biggest challenges newcomers face when they arrive: finding a home. As they explain on their website, “For newcomers, home is the first step toward building a new life. Doorways to Dreams isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a safe place for newcomers and their families to settle and thrive.”[3]

To make this dream come true, CCLC is reaching out to partners and community members to help raise its $2-million share of the building costs. Each contribution counts, whether large or small, and together, we can make a lasting difference. The project goal is to open the new Doorways to Dreams building in 2028, providing a true home base for new beginnings.

Let’s work together to tackle the housing shortage and make this bold dream a reality. Together we can provide a safe haven for newcomers and many other Londoners who need safe and affordable housing.

What We’re Building, Together

Located at 763-773 Dundas Street, CCLC’s Doorways to Dreams development for newcomers and many other Londoners who need safe and affordable housing will feature:

  • 247 one, two and three-bedroom units  

  • A 6-storey building and 24-storey high-rise tower with an energy-efficient design

  • At least 30% (or approximately 75) affordable units

  • 22% (approximately 54) accessible units

  • Underground parking, on-site laundry, gym facilities, meeting rooms, space for community-based programs, commercial space, and a health and wellness centre.

 https://www.lcclc.org/doorways-to-dreams

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Cherish the Good

Once again, I received my inspiration for a blog contribution from a product tagline. In this case, it was one by the well known cereal company, Quaker Oats. The voice-over proudly asserts,”Cherish the good.” 

In my opinion, the tagline is an excellent and much needed reminder as we approach Thanksgiving weekend. Bombarded by a constant barrage of the television screen flashing “Breaking News”, our hearts and minds yearn for sanity breaks. To retain a sense of hope, in our chaotic world, there is a desire within us to bring balance to our lives by noticing the numerous signs of good news. We witness or experience gestures of kindness, numerous blessings of compassion, or the ongoing support of family and friendship.  To stay relatively calm these days we need to become more conscious of the sprinkles of goodness which are apparent, if only we paid heed.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us open our eyes to see the blessings which surrounds us and cherish the good.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: Joseph Gonzalez @miracletwentyone/Ann @ann10 Unsplash

Today is a Day Like No Otter

A colleague recently gifted me a card with the delightful pun, “Today is a Day Like No Otter”.  I proudly displayed it on my office door. The otter, a graceful, joyful and light-hearted creature, became a small but meaningful symbol in my daily routine. It reflected my quiet wish that anyone who passed by my office door might catch a moment of laughter, lightness, or peace.

As professor Google tells us, otters are symbols of adaptability, simple joys, and a life lived in balance. Becoming aware of that fact, I felt only right to share my little spark of cheer. I passed the card on to a hospital receptionist, inviting her to replace her usual "Back in 5 minutes" sign when it was not applicable. When she is clearly present it offers her an opportunity  to brighten someone’s day. This was my small way of sharing a little joy with ott-ers.

So may this playful creature serve as a gentle reminder and a chance to share your joy with ott-ers ;).

“Just as the otter finds play in every wave, we should find joy in every moment.”

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: mana5280/Jim @iqsphotographyUnsplash