Thank God it's Friday! It's time for me to grab my camera bag, head to parts unknown, and record vlog segments for TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. Hopefully, I'll avoid the ever-present battle raging between Canada and the USA.
My initial gut feeling is to head to Calgary's Farmers Market to vlog a stroll through both locations. Calgary has one of the best Farmers Markets in Western Canada, and even if you don't buy anything, it is always a great experience.
Something else deeper inside is calling me, though. Alberta has been my home since I was born, with a few brief stops along the way, which is beginning to wear down my ability to function relatively journalistically.
Don't get me wrong. I could sit and write stories of retirement and the wonderful art of being a senior, from bowling to lawn darts, for years to come and probably be very successful in doing so. The problem is that is not how my brain is programmed.
Having experienced years of mental illness and PTSD, I have found that my brain now benefits from continuous intellectual and visual stimulation. Living in a rural environment provides a serene atmosphere that rejuvenates the senses and supports effective writing on various topics. However, it lacks the ongoing dynamic interactions with people, ideas, and surroundings that are essential for me to excel as the writer I aspire to be.
During my time in Toronto, I discovered the powerful influence of stimulation on my creative process. Whether factual or fictional, written stories flowed effortlessly from my mind to paper or typewriter. It was as if the words manifested from nowhere into remarkable works transcending time and space, reality and delusion.
The reality is that I require both resources. Seeking ways to satisfy an active mind can be compared to searching for a specific flavour in a store with numerous options. I watch channels like Johnny Strides, The Ken Continuum, and TSHODS to gather insights from their continuous exploration of the Metro area; however, this alone is insufficient. My writing stems from a more profound meaning and carries a greater purpose than merely reminiscing.
My country home provides a unique opportunity to relax and recharge. It evokes an idealised vision of a simpler life that many aspire to but often find difficult to attain. With no noise, crowds, or towering buildings, one is presented with a vast open skyline symbolising boundless potential and infinity of purpose.
Living in a world that often does not acknowledge the strength of individuals with mental illness can be challenging, as it is unfamiliar with what broader society typically considers typical or normative behaviour. My healing occurred because I permitted my mind to achieve whatever it aimed for within reason and followed where my imagination directed me to innovate.
The decision is now clear: I must balance the serene tranquillity of Castor, Alberta, with the dynamic flow of people, ideas, and activities in Toronto. Though many have commented that this is a crazy endeavour, I embrace it, as my aspirations aim high.
Don't forget to stop by the Calgary Farmers Market when you get a chance and support your local businesses. Home - Calgary Farmers' Market
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