How’s your January been going?
The typical Canadian person will often say, “fine”, which if quoting from the movie, Italian Job, means freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional.
The reality is that we don’t like communicating our junk, so “fine” is a safe answer. However, what it really says is, “I don’t want or trust you to be that close”. At times it can be a fair answer, and I would agree that some information is “TMI”. But to be a real and close community, we need to be willing to allow a bit more than a “fine” response.
We were recently brought into a situation where the impact of what happened was clearly visible on my countenance. Saying, “I’m fine” would be an insult to the intelligence of the person asking. Although information is sensitive, there were discrete ways in which my wife and
I could communicate without exposing unnecessary information and people. What was interesting is that through our honest response, immediate support was not only expressed, but we heard how others have navigated their own difficult situations.
In this month’s edition I would like to make a particular mention of the newly founded “Bragg Creek Foundation”. You can read about the formal celebration of their transformed community presence on page 11. This organization has helped the Bragg Creek Community navigate through some of the instances where “fine” was the veneer covering the impact of trauma. To be a true community, we need to be willing to allow honesty to be part of our response. We also need to create time to allow room for someone to give an honest answer. You will be amazed at who may come alongside to support you in your journey, helping you get back on your feet. Isn’t that true love?
Happy Valentines
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
