Forward MARCH!

We march on, ever forward into the blank canvas of our lives. It seems like a blank canvas this month anyway. The end of the eight month investigation into the Mission community brought its rewards. More than changing or healing anything in this city, my efforts changed and healed me.

Springing ahead, I perceive another eight month enquiry ahead. This time though it is a little different. This time it is deeply personal and even more public than ever before. The possible way this could take form is so varied. Following is a sketchy outline that several of us have looked forward into a dream of community evolution. I have shared it with several organizations and presented to the social planning commission. I wonder how it fits into your life currently? What we focus on expands.

March

Learning and Education

- Power of Introspection

April

Environment and Sustainability

-Power of Knowing what to keep and what to let go

May

Local business highlights

- Power to Tolerate

June

Health

Power to merge and accommodate... adjust

July

Family

Power to discern and discriminate

August

Sports and Recreation

Power to decide and act.

September

Heritage

Power to face

October

Arts/trades

Power to co-operate

What will your life bring by November 1st? What will mine? Perhaps we are in for some big changes that will encourage us all to drop our differences and connect to common ground and see the diamonds in the rough, the sparkle will come out and we will all feel a little closer to Home. People say, "If only Mission could work together better they would be such an amazing town". There would be more funding, more good will, less depression, more understanding. The youth in Speak and be Heard we saying the cliques at school were unbearable. People judged each other so harshly. One thing that Speak and Be Heard brought up was the "Pain" in myself, and in the community. It is healthy, for once seen, then it can be addressed and set free. If it is always under cover it festers and becomes increasingly uncomfortable until it is finally recognized. The youth are the ones who feel it, see it and need avenues to express their joy and sorrows in a safe place.