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International Human Rights Day

December 10 marks International Human Rights Day. It is a time to familiarize ourselves with and recognize the rights that everyone is entitled to as a human, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or social status.

This day was created after the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. It was the first legal document that advocated for fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The United Nations website indicates that the themes of this year are Equality and Article 1 of the UDHR that states “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

Additionally, they promote the idea that the path to a more fair society that addresses poverty, inequality and discrimination is by adopting measures that are grounded in human rights. You can find more information on their website International Human Rights Day.  

Explore additional resources below:

Human Rights Day Information & Resources For Kids 

Universal Declaration Of Human Rights Timeline 

11 Books To Read For Human Rights Day

What Are The Universal Human Rights? – Benedetta Berti | YouTube

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Nearly 15 percent of the world’s population has some kind of disability according to the World Health Organization. And yet, this population is underrepresented in the media and in our communities.  

December 3, is an annual day of observance started in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly to “promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.” 

The United Nations indicates that “Even under normal circumstances, persons with disabilities are less likely to access health care, education, employment and to participate in the community. An integrated approach is required to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind.”

Here are some ways for us all to help recognize this day and work towards inclusion for people of all abilities:

  • Only boost disabled creators content on social media platforms like TikTok, 
  • Educate yourself on our history and civil rights movements in regards to people with disabilities
  • Think about the ways in which the things you do can be more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities, at work, in your personal life, and online.

You can learn more with the resources below:

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities 

How We Can All Celebrate The International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Stories | International Day Of People With Disability 

See The Ability In Disability | YouTube

15 Best Books About Disability To Add To Your TBR List

Building Bridges

We live in a world that has become quite polarized. 

Despite the frustration that can come from interactions, there are positive things to learn from differing perspectives. Have you ever noticed that when you meet someone with a different viewpoint in person, rather than online, you have more empathy for their point of view? Taking the anonymity out of an interaction can help the other side seem more real.

Some guidelines for embracing diversity:

Have an open mind: If someone has a different outlook than you, take the time to hear them out and try to understand where they are coming from.

Show empathy: Try to get to know the person better without judgement.

Challenge stereotypes: Become more aware of the language you use to describe others. Is it accurate?

Share your beliefs: Try to share in a way that is non-judgemental to those with different beliefs.  Help people understand where you are coming from.

Accepting others as they are:

  • Increases your own personal growth.
  • Decreases resentments as you can focus on what is positive instead of what is negative.
  • Brings about closeness with others
  • Allows you to let go of control of the situation

Embracing the diversity in our society is how we can learn and grow. By accepting each other regardless of our differences, we can find ways to connect genuinely.

Embracing differences might mean trying to understand different opinions without judgement.  And it can be challenging as others might not be as dedicated to making changes as you are. 

At the end of the day, we are all human. We all experience fears, joys, and laughter in our own way. 

We may not all be the same, but that’s why it’s even more important to acknowledge and embrace these differences. They are what makes everyone special. 

You can explore these resources to learn more: 

Empathy – Accept Other For Who They Are

6 Steps For Building An Inclusive Workplace

11 Books To Read If You Want To Be A More Inclusive Leader

Teaching Kindness And Acceptance Toward Differences | For Parents 

How To Seek Out And Celebrate Diversity In And Out Of Your Community

Feeling Stuck in Life?

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you worked, you continued to stay stuck in the same spot in life?

It can almost feel like you are stuck living on autopilot.

Routine and consistency don’t have to be perceived in a poor light.

It all comes down to the mindset we have behind our life and actions.  

Regain Your Power

Large goals simply are the outcome of many mini-goals.

Now, when you work towards mini-goals, you may not see significant results on a day-to-day basis. 

That does not mean your hard work isn’t paying off.

It simply means you have to measure your work on a different scale.

Instead of comparing your progress on a weekly basis – you may have to compare your progress on a monthly basis. 

Sometimes the smallest changes can guide us towards a newfound confidence. 

Love What You Do

You can get back in touch with yourself by doing what you love and by being yourself. 

If you’ve been putting something off for far too long – now is the time to jump back in. 

Getting back into the swing of doing things for ourselves can change our outlook on life. 

Keep in mind – it can be just as easy to procrastinate on activities we love as it is to procrastinate on activities we fear. 

The longer we procrastinate on anything in life, the harder it can be to take the plunge.

No matter what we say or do, time is going to pass.

We might as well spend our days doing things that make us happy. 

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The Power Of Bucket Lists

Goals come in many forms. 

We have big goals we’d like to accomplish in the next few years, mini-goals we’d like to accomplish every few days and then we have those dream goals we’d like to accomplish “one day.”

You know what? 

That “one day” goal may feel out of reach right now – but you are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. 

Did you know that we are much more likely to accomplish goals that are written down? 

Writing down goals or dreams can help make them feel more tangible and within reach.

Creating a dream list – also known as a bucket list can be a fun way to map out our goals, no matter how big or small they may be. 

There Are No Limits

You can do anything you set your mind to.

You have the power to create a life you love. 

Never stop thinking about and imagining all the endless possibilities.

Joy + Satisfaction 

How great do you feel after crossing something big off your list? 

Pretty great, right?!

Bucket lists are designed to bring joy and satisfaction. 

Every time we cross something off our list, it signifies a new milestone.

A New Sense Of Purpose

Bucket lists are a great way to map out the activities and experiences we want for ourselves. 

Don’t be afraid to dream!

Sitting down and reflecting on what you really want can give you a new sense of purpose. 

The future is bigger and brighter than any of us can imagine. 

You have the power to open your door to opportunities. 

“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.”– Michael Korda

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Ready to Become a Better Sleeper?

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Falling asleep is one thing. Staying asleep is something else. 

Our habits are the key to getting a good night’s rest night after night. Keep on reading to learn more. 

Reduce Light And Noise 

Light and movement are common disrupters of sleep. 

To block out the light, you can invest in some blackout curtains or an eye mask. 

When it comes to reducing noise, you can use earplugs or experiment with white noise. 

Playing soothing sounds can block out any unwanted noise and keep your mind calm before bed. 

Sleep Hygiene

Your evening habits have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep. 

It’s very important to listen to your body and allow it to wind down appropriately before bed. 

Most of us can’t walk through the front door at the end of the day and fall asleep right away. Most of us need to participate in some sort of relaxing activity first.

It may take some time to find an activity you like – however you can try journaling, reading a book or soaking in the tub. 

Follow A Sleep Schedule 

Our bodies thrive on routine – so having a consistent schedule both on the weekdays and weekends is so important. 

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can train your body, so it will anticipate when it’s time for bed.

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Join us November 13th for a Celebration for World Kindness Day

Join us for a fun outdoor celebration of World Kindness Day, Saturday November 13th at 12pm-2pm.

This will be held outside of our Wellness Center (1531 Pearl St), rain or shine.

Join Jen Champion and friends  for yoga tips, guided meditation, and a sound meditation

There will also be raffles for prizes as well as tea and snacks.

Contact: jchampion@vistapsych.com with any questions