In Pursuit of Balanced Collaboration

All Posts, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals
Do you find it hard to collaborate with people on the other side of an issue? You might be wondering, “why would I collaborate with someone I don’t agree with?”. Well, the answer is simple.  That’s how we co-exist.  Further, that’s how we progress. The world is full of differences in opinions, beliefs, needs, wants, etc.  Because we can benefit from finding common ground, we must collaborate beyond just our allies. Take a Seat Collaboration is about more than working with people on the same side of an issue.  It’s about finding a seat at the same table as your “opposition”.  If we are all in this together, then solutions must come from all sides. How can we meet in in the middle if we’re forced to take sides? Triple…
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How to Think and Act Globally for the Greater Good

How to Think and Act Globally for the Greater Good

Featured, Sustainable Development Goals
Do you think and act globally in your local community?  Years ago, I caught on to the practice of fair trade.  Knowing deep down free trade is not fair for many global citizens, I looked for a different way to do business. It was through the fair trade movement that I was able to breathe new life into Simply Sustainable, and connect with communities near and far. Back in 2010 when I was making a major shift, I invested in a small batch of handicrafts from a neighbouring community in Guatemala, where I was living at the time. I packed a duffle bag full of goodies, and set forth for the North where I would exhibit them alongside my handmade jewelry at fairs and festivals during summer months. For me, it…
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Sustainability Sweet Spot

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Ever tried to fit a square peg into a round hole?  How about a round peg into a square hole?  I have, and the results are amazing. You see, I always believed myself to be a round peg.  And after researching the term a little bit deeper, it's all so clear. The origins of the idiom are attributed to the 19th-century British philosopher and cleric Sydney Smith who uses the word “misfit” to define the peg.  Of course, that makes sense – mis-fit. Another part of the example I found quite interesting – “trying to combine two things that do not belong or fit together”.  That one triggered an interesting memory. The Big Question It was fourth year of university, and as I was standing in front of the students in…
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My vision was blurry, but my purpose is clear

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At the end of 2014 I posted How’s your Vision? I think it’s safe for me to admit that mine was a bit blurry. I wrote that post on December 31st, 2014. I was going full force ahead, wind at my back, embracing a new way for a Simply Sustainable life. That was of course until I went to Cuba in January and had to explain what exactly I did for a living. It wasn’t hard due to a language barrier, my Spanish skills are quite good. It was due to the fact that I really didn’t know where I was going or exactly how I would get there. I knew that I wanted to share and connect; to teach and learn, but I didn't fully know how I would do…
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Romancing the Revolution

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It’s easier to assume a status quo style of life if you’ve never been exposed to the alternative, faced with the opportunity to go in a different direction. For me, doing things differently has pretty much been second nature.  It’s a blessing and a curse to take the road less traveled – near every single time.  Yet, when I’m at the crossroads, the paved way doesn’t quite convince me. My leap of faith therefore leads me off the beaten track, with each new adventure an experience to be had.  Over the years this has taught me lessons, brought me joy, anxiety, fear, love, hate, relief, amongst other sentiments.  Although, above all, it kept me believing – in me. Once I hit my twenties, life was starting to bloom.  A lot…
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How’s your Vision?

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The more people I talk with, the more apparent it becomes.  There is a shift in the workforce around my region where artists and entrepreneurs are choosing an autonomous career path.  With good reason – becoming a sole proprietor has many benefits and is an amazing learning experience.  However, for as many good reasons as there are to go independent, there are definitely a few things that need to be considered before handing in a letter of resignation or investing another year into your existing business. Before making a list of pros and cons, you should clearly understand what it is you're doing and why.  In past blogs I talked about finding purpose in what you do, and now I am suggesting you ask yourself why are you doing it? …
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Satisfy your Soul

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September is an exciting month. With my birthday at the beginning, followed by an annual trip to Ottawa for Folkfest shortly after, I’ve got a lot to celebrate. Truthfully – I feel as though I grow into myself a little bit more each year. Looking at books about birthdays, reading into my astrological sign over the years & learning about my Mayan sign while traveling have all led me to conclude that I am a lot like they describe. Sure, there are some generalizations that can apply to many – but at the core – I can really relate to what is written. It wasn’t always this way. There was a time when I went off course, turned into someone else to please others, but luckily – I found my…
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