The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 5 - 40

LIFESTYLE
6 THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR
We're often reminded that no, the pandemic isn't over yet. Luckily there's still a
lot we can appreciate about how far we've come and how much better things are
compared to the past few years.
THE GYM
Even for people who like going to the gym, there's a lot to dislike
about the experience. It's expensive and busy and smells bad.
But back when we couldn't go to the gym, it became much
harder to stay in shape and in fact, many of us didn't. For all
the challenges going to the gym presents, it's much better than
having to buy bigger clothes again.
THE GROCERY STORE
The next time you're in line at the grocery store and the
person in front of you is taking forever, think back to the
spring of 2020 when we had to line up outside of the store
and wait for an hour to even get through the doors. Now
the old guy holding up the checkout line by rummaging in
his overstuffed wallet for a loyalty card doesn't seem so bad.
THE DENTIST
FLYING
Most people do not enjoy going to the dentist. At
best, you're going to experience some discomfort. But
remember when you couldn't go even if you really needed
to? It's worth keeping that in mind while you're going in for
regular checkups and cleanings, and hopefully preventing
the need for more intensive procedures. You are going in
for your regular checkups and cleanings, right?
COMMUTING
Before the pandemic, commuting was viewed as a
necessary evil. But commuting serves an important
mental purpose, functioning as a bookend to the workday
and allowing people to decompress on the way home by
reading on the train or singing in the car. While working
from home many even started doing a fake commute by
going for a walk or bike ride after work. We can appreciate
the importance of getting that time to ourselves each day,
even if it is in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Complaining about flying used to be one of the most overdone
premises for stand-up comedians, right up there with the
differences between men and women. Inadequate legroom, bad
food, long lines, lost luggage-there's a lot of bad there. Despite
that, we've all experienced how much worse it is to not be able
to fly at all, leading to cancelled vacations and missed weddings.
Yes, the food is still bad, but at least you can finally visit the
Grand Canyon.
SMALL TALK
People love to disparage the idea of small talk, accusing it
of being fake or boring. But small talk serves an important
purpose-endearing yourself to people you don't know well
and creating an on-ramp for larger conversations. Not having
opportunities for small talk means you're not forging new
connections. Even if you hate small talk, it's a small price to pay
to not be trapped in your home 24/7.
40
THE ONTARIO BROKER
The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 5
