2 days ago
Pellerin: How to be a joyful Canadian — Diane Sims leads the way
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It's common to call activists such as Diane Sims 'happy warriors,' and while I don't disagree, I want to suggest an amendment. It's not so much that she's happy. It's that she's joyful and grateful. Or as she says, quoting my favourite Benedictine monk, the great David Steindl-Rast, she's joyful because she has gratitude in her heart.
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Diane Sims is someone who is open about her connection to the Divine. I do not wish to take anything away from that, simply to add that you don't need religious belief to experience gratitude and joy and live a purposeful, satisfying and happy life — in spite of any challenges that may be in your way.
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Every time she faces a new difficulty, Sims reacts with renewed determination. And jokes — she has a wicked sense of humour. Every time she goes in for a medical procedure, which is distressingly often, she thanks doctors and nurses for what they do to help her. I tried to thank her for our phone conversation, and she insisted on thanking me. What she preaches, she lives to the fullest.
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Yes, there is pain in her voice, But it's never as loud as her smile.
