I grew up in a big city, Toronto, and loved it while I was there. In my early thirties I moved to Victoria, a small city and the capital of British Columbia. Some folks might have complained about all that it wasn’t (i.e. lack of ethnic diversity, fewer opportunities for dining out or entertainment, a town, dubbed ‘the city of newlyweds and the nearly dead’, that rolled up its carpets at 9pm), but I chose to appreciate what it did have to offer (the striking natural beauty surrounded on three sides by ocean and mountains, historical architecture, an opportunity to slow down). Fast forward seven years: my partner and I moved a couple of hours north to Gabriola, a small gulf island (size of Manhattan, full-time population 4500) between the mainland and Vancouver Island.
Each move required a mental adjustment in my expectations. That wasn’t hard for a glass half-full person like me. I do feel that living on acreage, surrounded by trees, has contributed to me becoming a bit of a country bumpkin. I have no desire to live in, yet alone visit, cities anymore.
A couple of decades surrounded by forest has buffered me from some of the issues of city living. I do commute by ferry four days a week to work in a community health centre that focuses on mental health and substance use. I work in the thick of the opioid crisis, but come home to the antithesis of the misery I know exists for many.
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
I started making memes just over five years ago and have produced well over 1000 in that time. They range from funny to poignant, rarely snarky. I put together this collection to inject some positivity in this increasingly difficult world. It’s a shout-out to all those who can see the good in others and encourage those who are struggling.
“Where nerds and hens flock together.”
Bitchin' Chickens 
I knew there was a reason I loved you. I’ve spent my life between the farm and working in addictions as well. The chickens and life outside keep me sane! Thanks so much for this latest round of memes, I shall enjoy sharing them with my friends. I create little videos on Facebook and some YouTube called #chickenwisdom. Much gratitude for your column, both the laughs and the knowledge! Blessings!
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