Wednesday, 08 September, 2010      

ELCOME TO THE WINTER ISSUE OF WELL. I live in the country (sort of). Returning home from a morning walk one Saturday morning not long ago, I could see our house from half a kilometer away. Smoke rising from the chimney was a picture that spoke volumes to me. Mostly notably was the thought that Christmas is right around the corner and a warm, comfortable home is where we want to be — visiting with friends and family, especially with those who have been away at school or who live in another city.

Take the people we love and care about out of lives and what would we have but a lot of things (toys and stuff), and nobody to share it with. Take all the stuff out of our lives but leave those we love and I believe we would still be happy — maybe even more than we are now. Travel to any poor country (Nepal for example) and tourists constantly comment, "They seem so happy and content and yet they have so little." Is all consumerism here in the west to be avoided at all costs? We know the answer to that is no, but we are also aware that 'nothing (no thing) makes one happy'. Like just about everything in life, it is all about balance.

This Christmas, let us all try and find that balance by purchasing a little less but spending more time with one another. I might even add, go for a long walk with your loved ones. Not only will it help you avoid the dreaded 'I ate way too much this holiday season' experience, but also it will provide you with quality exercise and quality time with one another.

One final thought on giving and getting: if you really want to feel good this Christmas, consider giving or doing something for those less fortunate (see Christmas Story in the Total Wellness section). Bishop Desmond Tutu said, "Do your little bit of good where you can; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

I want to give special mention to Rob Dyke, one of the key people at Speakwell. For the past number of months, Rob has been working hard with our software company, MK2 Business Solutions, to re-tool not only our website but also our Circle Canada tracking tool. Like us, you have experienced inconsistent delivery when trying to log on to record your steps. To that end, we will be changing to a new host in a matter of weeks and that will solve that problem. We greatly appreciate your patience.

By January 1st, our new Circle Canada will be launched. You will be able to design your own route, including starting and finishing points. There will also be a new feature (a surprise for you) that we are excited about. Be sure to check it out! For those of you who love the old format, rest assured, your steps will be saved and you will still be able to complete the existing route.

The New Year will see an expanded Speaker's Bureau. We have some excellent speakers coming on board so please recommend us to your HR director at work. As always, we invite your contributions to our WELL Newsletter and appreciate you sending it on to friends. Welcome all of our new subscribers! We hope that you find this 'Winter edition' fun and informative and that you continue to think about how you and those around you can live well.

The entire Speakwell team wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, well lived 2009.

:: Peter Mason