Hope.

Hope. I think we could all use a bit of this right now…
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As of 12:01 this morning, the Ontario government has mandated gyms to shut down once again. In the past two years, Maitri Fitness has been forced to close for 5 months, then 9 months, and here we are again. While I am in an incredibly fortunate position of having another job to support me through all this, the impact this has had on the business that brings me so much joy has been truly devastating. I feel such a wide range of emotions both personally and professionally, but if I had to label the most prominent one, it would probably be despair.

I’ve let myself feel that, deeply, the past few days, but seeing these words this morning reminded me that we all can, and will, get through this again (thanks Brené Brown for always having the words to lift me up). The resiliency of human beings that I’ve witnessed throughout this pandemic is astonishing, and with a little hope, I know we can all keep fighting through.

My hope for all of us is that we can remember to be kind to one another. Have compassion for everyone around you, knowing that we are all uniquely impacted by this pandemic. Just because you perceive your struggles as being worse than someone else’s, does not mean that they are not entitled to feel what they feel. Have openness to viewpoints that challenge your beliefs. Just because someone does not share the same opinion as you does not make them the enemy; you might even learn something from them. Have faith that people are doing the best they can with the resources they have. And above all else, have love for YOU. Prioritize your health, both physically and mentally, because you are the most important thing.
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Sending hope and love to all of you small businesses owners, students, parents and any other human struggling through yet another shut down.