Science shows that staying positive can lead to a longer and happier life. It's not complicated: Improving your diet, spending time in nature, and exercising can improve your overall well-being. And there's one more key ingredient: compassion.

According to Epoch Times, compassion is being sensitive to the suffering of others (and ourselves) coupled with action. Empathy is just recognizing the suffering of others; compassion is acting to help. This simple shift can have profound benefits, including reduced loneliness, increased happiness, and lower cardiovascular risk. In fact, a 10-year study found that compassion has a more positive impact on wellbeing than smoking has negative effects.

In essence, performing kind deeds and taking real actions not only boost your own well-being, but they also foster meaningful connections. You'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people who appreciate your kindness and are willing to lend a hand in return, which creates a cycle of positivity that leads to a life filled with happiness and genuine friendships.

In today's dynamic work environment, forging meaningful connections with colleagues is more than just a social nicety—it's a key to success. Building these relationships can heighten job satisfaction and create a supportive network that boosts productivity and well-being. To nurture camaraderie in the office, try to initiate casual conversations during breaks, actively partake in social and team-building events, and consistently show empathy and support.

However, while fostering these friendships, ensure you maintain a professional demeanor, respect boundaries, and avoid behaviors that could sideline others. It's noteworthy that studies, including one by the Society for Human Resource Management, highlight the positive impact of workplace friendships on collaboration, teamwork, and overall job engagement.

Calling all book lovers! As the pages of life continue to turn, a book club offers a way to embrace the joy of reading while fostering meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.

Whether you have a passion for classic literature, mysteries, memoirs, or any other genre, starting a book club tailored to your interests can be an enriching and rewarding endeavor.

Step 1: The first step in forming your book club is to decide which types of books to read. Your club could invite people to read and discuss one book, or everyone can read a book and give a report. You can limit the books to one genre, such as romance, or allow people to read whichever book they want.

Step 2: Organize the club’s structure. Decide on the frequency of meetings, such as once a month or biweekly, depending on everyone's availability. Rotate the host's home to keep things fresh and exciting.

Step 3: Compile a diverse reading list that encompasses various genres, time periods, and cultural perspectives. By including a mix of familiar classics and contemporary bestsellers, you'll ensure each member finds a book to enjoy.

Step 4: Invite people in your community to join the book club through word of mouth, community bulletin boards, or social media. When advertising the club's appeal, mention that it offers a chance to delve into great books and an opportunity to make new friends.

Step 5: Decide on the format and activities. During your meetings, encourage open discussions about the selected books. Offer prompts to explore themes, characters, and personal connections to the story.

Remember, starting a book club tailored to your reading interests is an enjoyable way to embark on literary adventures while forming cherished friendships. Happy reading!

About 85% of North Americans have smartphones, which we rely on for texts, calls, web browsing, getting directions, ordering services and products online, and much more. Yet even if you know your way around your smartphone, you can boost productivity and reduce friction by enabling the right services and installing certain apps.

For example, almost everyone receives spam calls, but with Android and iOS, you can block many of them by toggling on the built-in spam blockers. There's no simple way to block all spam text messages, but you can block certain numbers, including spammers, through the built-in messaging platforms.

Notifications also might be bombarding you. Fortunately, you can turn off notifications from websites and low-priority apps in the settings menu.

Privacy is another major issue. Many phones and apps will share your location automatically—not just with authorized apps, but with friends and family, too. You can enjoy peace of mind by turning off location sharing.

Finally, if you're constantly running out of storage space on your phone, then remember you can store such things as photos and videos on the cloud. Besides cloud services offered by Google and Apple, you can opt for pCloud, Tresorit, or other apps.

Revive stale bread: If you have a loaf of bread that's getting stale, then run it quickly under the tap to wet the crust and place it in a preheated oven for about ten minutes. The steam will refresh the inside and the oven will crisp the crust, making it almost as good as new.

Use shaving cream to prevent mirrors from fogging: After a hot shower, mirrors tend to fog. By applying a small amount of shaving cream before you take a shower, and then wiping it clean, you create a protective layer that prevents fogging.

White bread for glass clean-up: After breaking a glass and picking up the large pieces, press a piece of white bread over the area. The soft bread will pick up tiny, unseen shards.

Use ice cubes to remove furniture dents in carpet: If your furniture has left noticeable dents in your carpet, then melt an ice cube in each dent. The carpet fibers will absorb the water, swell, and bounce back - reducing the appearance of the dent.

Coffee filters for cleaning screens: The fine texture of coffee filters makes them excellent for cleaning screens on TVs, computers, and phones. Because they're lint-free, they will leave no residue.

Bring a power strip or multi-USB charger: Hotel rooms and family homes might not have enough outlets for all of your devices, especially when you’re sharing space with others. Bringing a compact power strip can make you a hero and ensure all gadgets are charged.

Use a TV to charge devices: If you forget to bring your plug adapter or the room lacks enough outlets, remember that many modern hotel TVs have a USB slot that can be used for charging devices.

Pack a scarf or multi-use cloth: A large scarf can serve many purposes—a blanket on a chilly airplane, a makeshift pillow, an impromptu bag, or even a sunshade. It's a versatile item that takes up little space.

Bring an empty water bottle & snack bag: Bring an empty water bottle to fill up after you pass through airport security. Doing so ensures you stay hydrated and also can save you money. Additionally, pack a small bag of snacks. Unexpected delays can happen, and having something to munch on can be a lifesaver.

Create digital backups of important documents: Scan or take photos of crucial documents, such as your passport, driver's license, and travel insurance. Store them securely in a cloud service or encrypt them on your device. 

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the anticipation of the holidays draws near. This time of year is always a reminder of two things: the irreplaceable joy of being with family and the quiet moments of self-reflection.

Gatherings around the dinner table, the shared laughter, and even the small debates about the best pie flavor, become cherished memories. These moments with family and friends define the very essence of Thanksgiving. They ground us, reminding us of our roots and the bonds that sustain us through the ups and downs of life.

Yet, during all the festivities, I've come to value the moments of solitude just as much. It's in the quiet that we can truly appreciate the year gone by, count our blessings, and recharge for the adventures ahead.

As we approach this special day, I hope you find the perfect blend of joyful togetherness and meaningful solitude. Whether you're surrounded by a bustling crowd or taking a peaceful walk alone… cherish every moment.

Thank you for being a part of my journey this year. Your presence, near or far, has made all the difference. Here's to a holiday that fills your heart with gratitude and warmth.

Sincerely,

Gino Pezzani

RE/MAX Heights Realty

Ingredients:

2 cups of pumpkin, diced into small cubes

1 cup of fresh cranberries

1  large onion, finely chopped

2  cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1  teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

2  tablespoons fresh orange zest

1/4 cup orange juice

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, then add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Stir in the diced pumpkin cubes, ensuring they are well-coated with the onion and garlic mixture.

Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and red chili flakes. Stir well.

Allow the pumpkin to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it begins to stick, then add a little water or broth.

Add the cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice to the saucepan. Stir and let the mixture simmer. The cranberries will begin to pop and release their juices, which will mix with the pumpkin.

Once the pumpkin is tender and the cranberries have burst, add salt and pepper to taste. If you're using nuts, then toast them lightly in a separate pan and fold them into the chutney.

Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

This chutney can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, but it's also great with other proteins or even cheese. The mix of pumpkin and cranberry offers a unique blend of sweet, tart, and savory flavors that will surprise and delight your Thanksgiving guests.

World Vegan Day, Nov. 1: A day to encourage people to consider a plant-based diet and spread awareness about veganism.

Diwali, Nov. 12: Known as the Festival of Lights, a Hindu celebration that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.

Remembrance Day, Nov. 11: Honors the members of the U.S. armed forces who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts.

World Kindness Day, Nov. 13: This day serves as a reminder of the unifying force of compassion and its profound ability to connect people across borders and cultures.

Thanksgiving, Nov. 23: Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November as a day for Americans to express gratitude and is often marked by a large feast.